FactSet Research Systems (FDS) 10-Q 9 Apr 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Apr. 01, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FACTSET RESEARCH SYSTEMS INC	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--08-31	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	42,339,723
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001013237	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Revenues	$226,934	$213,083	$449,909	$424,167
Operating expenses	'	'	'	'
Cost of services	87,254	75,842	170,504	149,427
Selling, general and administrative	64,626	81,077	129,610	147,492
Total operating expenses	151,880	156,919	300,114	296,919
Operating income	75,054	56,164	149,795	127,248
Other income	344	357	685	785
Income before income taxes	75,398	56,521	150,480	128,033
Provision for income taxes	22,972	11,982	45,876	33,726
Net income	$52,426	$44,539	$104,604	$94,307
Basic earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$1.23	$1.02	$2.44	$2.14
Diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$1.22	$1	$2.41	$2.11
Basic weighted average common shares (in Shares)	42,547	43,813	42,840	44,065
Diluted weighted average common shares (in Shares)	43,107	44,455	43,432	44,788

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2013
Net income	$52,426		$44,539		$104,604		$94,307
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'		'		'		'
Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges*	387	[1]	84	[1]	3,284	[1]	1,371	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,506		-4,731		11,654		-1,657
Other comprehensive income (loss)	3,893		-4,647		14,938		-286
Comprehensive income	$56,319		$39,892		$119,542		$94,021
[1]	For the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, the unrealized gain on cash flow hedges was net of tax expense of $231 and $1,961, respectively. The unrealized gain on cash flow hedges disclosed above for the three and six months ended February 28, 2013, was net of tax expense of $50 and $822, respectively.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Cu

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$88,790	$196,627
Investments	14,185	12,725
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $1,653 at February 28, 2014 and $1,644 at August 31, 2013	97,564	73,290
Prepaid taxes	14,487	16,937
Deferred taxes	3,474	2,803
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,536	15,652
Total current assets	232,036	318,034
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost	192,478	192,338
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-131,851	-126,967
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	60,627	65,371
Goodwill	287,545	244,573
Intangible assets, net	47,390	36,223
Deferred taxes	21,871	22,023
Other assets	4,496	3,973
TOTAL ASSETS	653,965	690,197
LIABILITIES	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	27,821	29,864
Accrued compensation	24,649	40,137
Deferred fees	35,417	29,319
Taxes payable	6,576	3,769
Dividends payable	14,827	15,164
Total current liabilities	109,290	118,253
Deferred taxes	2,723	2,396
Taxes payable	5,345	5,435
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	18,953	22,334
TOTAL LIABILITIES	136,311	148,418
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 16)	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 48,499,353 and 48,110,740 shares issued; 42,361,734 and 43,324,410 shares outstanding at February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively	485	481
Additional paid-in capital	359,253	326,869
Treasury stock, at cost: 6,137,619 and 4,786,330 shares at February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively	-601,101	-454,917
Retained earnings	775,251	700,519
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-16,234	-31,173
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	517,654	541,779
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$653,965	$690,197

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Cu1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, reserves (in Dollars)	$1,653	$1,644
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,499,353	48,110,740
Common stock, shares outstanding	42,361,734	43,324,410
Treasury stock shares	6,137,619	4,786,330

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net income	$104,604	$94,307
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	17,442	18,010
Stock-based compensation expense	10,616	26,373
Deferred income taxes	-1,157	-2,394
Gain on sale of assets	-64	-2
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	-4,984	-9,870
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions	'	'
Accounts receivable, net of reserves	-20,466	-11,569
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-2,909	5,038
Accrued compensation	-15,949	-22,061
Deferred fees	2,460	1,937
Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes	9,754	-3,295
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-331	772
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	-389	-282
Other working capital accounts, net	100	74
Net cash provided by operating activities	98,727	97,038
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-47,170	-705
Purchases of investments	-7,487	-8,098
Proceeds from sales of investments	6,871	7,500
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of proceeds from dispositions	-8,032	-9,084
Net cash used in investing activities	-55,818	-10,387
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Dividend payments	-30,011	-27,280
Repurchase of common stock	-146,184	-139,010
Proceeds from employee stock plans	16,881	31,306
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	4,984	9,870
Net cash used in financing activities	-154,330	-125,114
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	3,584	733
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-107,837	-37,730
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	196,627	189,044
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$88,790	$151,314

Note_1_Organization_and_Nature

Note 1 - Organization and Nature of Business	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	'
	1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
	FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company” or “FactSet”) is a provider of integrated financial information and analytical applications to the global investment community. FactSet combines content regarding companies and securities from major markets all over the globe into a single online platform of information and analytics. By consolidating content from hundreds of databases with powerful analytics, FactSet supports the investment process from initial research to published results for buy and sell-side professionals. These professionals include portfolio managers, research and performance analysts, risk managers, marketing professionals, sell-side equity research professionals, investment bankers and fixed income professionals. The Company’s applications provide users access to company analysis, multicompany comparisons, industry analysis, company screening, portfolio analysis, predictive risk measurements, alphatesting, portfolio optimization and simulation, real-time news and quotes and tools to value and analyze fixed income securities and portfolios. With Microsoft Office integration, wireless access and customizable options, FactSet offers a complete financial workflow solution. The Company’s revenues are derived from subscriptions to services such as workstations, content and applications.

Note_2_Basis_of_Presentation

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	'
	2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	FactSet conducts business globally and is managed on a geographic basis. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.
	The accompanying financial data as of February 28, 2014 and for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 has been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The August 31, 2013 Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The information in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying balance sheets and related interim statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows include all normal adjustments in order to present fairly the results of the Company’s operations for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Note_3_Recent_Accounting_Prono

Note 3 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Table Text Block [Abstract]	'
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	'
	3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards or Updates
	Balance Sheet Offsetting
	In December 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring enhanced disclosures about certain financial instruments and derivative instruments that are offset in the balance sheet or that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements. In January 2013, the FASB issued a clarifying accounting standard update, which limited the scope of the previous guidance to only derivatives, repurchase type agreements and securities borrowing and lending transactions. These accounting standard updates were effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Other than the additional disclosure, the adoption of this accounting standard update did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
	In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting standard update intended to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment by providing entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. This accounting standard update became effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Reporting of Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to require reclassification adjustments from other comprehensive income to be presented either in the financial statements or in the notes to the financial statements. This accounting standard update became effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and the additional information has been disclosed.
	Cumulative Translation Adjustments
	In March 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring an entity to release into net income the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment related to its investment in a foreign entity when as a parent it either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. This accounting standard update was adopted by FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of February 28, 2014 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In addition, there were no recent accounting standards or updates not yet effective for the Company as of February 28, 2014.

Note_4_Fair_Value_Measures

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	4. 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.
	(a) Fair Value Hierarchy
	The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. FactSet has categorized its cash equivalents, investments and derivatives within the hierarchy as follows:
	Level 1 – applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These Level 1 assets and liabilities include FactSet’s corporate money market funds that are classified as cash equivalents.
	Level 2 – applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. The Company’s certificates of deposit and derivative instruments are classified as Level 2.
	Level 3 – applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by FactSet as of February 28, 2014 or August 31, 2013.
	(b) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The following tables show 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 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	28-Feb-14		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Corporate money market funds (1)		$	43,020	$	0	$	0	$	43,020
	Certificates of deposit (2)			0		14,185		0		14,185
	Total assets measured at fair value		$	43,020	$	14,185	$	0	$	57,205
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)		$	0	$	2,494	$	0	$	2,494
	Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	0	$	2,494	$	0	$	2,494
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	31-Aug-13		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Corporate money market funds (1)		$	156,693	$	0	$	0	$	156,693
	Certificates of deposit (2)			0		12,725		0		12,725
	Total assets measured at fair value		$	156,693	$	12,725	$	0	$	169,418
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)		$	0	$	7,740	$	0	$	7,740
	Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	0	$	7,740	$	0	$	7,740
		-1	The Company’s corporate money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value. As such, the Company’s corporate money market funds are classified as Level 1 and included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet.
		-2	The Company’s certificates of deposit held to maturity are not debt securities and are classified as Level 2. These certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
		-3	The Company utilizes the income approach to measure fair value for its derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts). The income approach uses pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as spot, forward and interest rates, as well as credit default swap spreads and therefore are classified as Level 2.
	The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the periods presented.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were presented on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013 as follows (in thousands):
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	28-Feb-14		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	43,020	$	0	$	0	$	43,020
	Investments			0		14,185		0		14,185
	Total assets measured at fair value		$	43,020	$	14,185	$	0	$	57,205
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	0	$	1,316	$	0	$	1,316
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities			0		1,178		0		1,178
	Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	0	$	2,494	$	0	$	2,494
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	31-Aug-13		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	156,693	$	0	$	0	$	156,693
	Investments			0		12,725		0		12,725
	Total assets measured at fair value		$	156,693	$	12,725	$	0	$	169,418
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	0	$	3,085	$	0	$	3,085
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities			0		4,655		0		4,655
	Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	0	$	7,740	$	0	$	7,740
	(c) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
	Certain assets, including goodwill and intangible assets, and liabilities, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances such as when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The fair values of these non-financial assets and liabilities are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available, and may include quoted market prices, market comparables, and discounted cash flow projections. An impairment charge is recorded when the cost exceeds its fair value, based upon the results of such valuations. During the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, no fair value adjustments or fair value measurements were required for the Company’s non-financial assets or liabilities.

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	Cash Flow Hedges
	FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. The Company does not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considered several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts offset the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. There was no discontinuance of cash flow hedges during the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and as such, no corresponding gains or losses were reclassified into earnings. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings.
	As of February 28, 2014 FactSet maintained foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of its Indian Rupee exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 and approximately 50% of its Philippines Peso exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2015. At February 28, 2014, the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs.3.1 billion and ($2.4) million, respectively. At February 28, 2014, the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos with U.S. dollars was Php547.1million and ($0.1) million, respectively.
	The following is a summary of all hedging positions and corresponding fair values (in thousands):
		Gross Notional Value								Fair Value Asset (Liability)
	Currency Hedged (in U.S. dollars)	28-Feb-14				31-Aug-13				28-Feb-14				31-Aug-13
	Indian Rupee	$	47,735			$	47,388			$	(2,364	)		$	(7,693	)
	Philippine Peso		12,350				11,700				(130	)			(178	)
	British Pound		0				10,436				0				131
	Total	$	60,085			$	69,524			$	(2,494	)		$	(7,740	)
	Counterparty Credit Risk
	As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to credit default swaps (“CDS”) as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. Because CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contracts with large financial institutions. The Company regularly reviews its credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties. The Company does not expect any losses as a result of default of its counterparties.
	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
	The following tables provide a summary of the fair value amounts of derivative instruments and gains and losses on derivative instruments (in thousands):
	Designation of Derivatives	Balance Sheet Location		28-Feb-14				31-Aug-13
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
		Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	1,316			$	3,085
		Deferred Rent and other non-current liabilities		$	1,178			$	4,655
	All derivatives were designated as hedging instruments as of February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively.
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
	The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Gain Recognized							Location of Gain		Gain Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)
		in AOCL on Derivatives							Reclassified from AOCL into Income
		(Effective Portion)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2014				2013			(Effective Portion)		2014				2013
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	761			$	228		SG&A		$	143			$	94
	The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Gain Recognized							Location of (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income		(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income(Effective Portion)
		in AOCL on Derivatives
		(Effective Portion)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2014				2013			(Effective Portion)		2014				2013
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	4,988			$	1,798		SG&A		$	(257	)		$	(397	)
	No amount of ineffectiveness was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income for these designated cash flow hedges and all components of each derivative’s gain or loss was included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. As of February 28, 2014, FactSet estimates that approximately $1.3 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 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as follows (in thousands):
		Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	28-Feb-14	Gross Derivative Amount				Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet				Net
										Amount
	Fair value of assets	$	0			$	0			$	0
	Fair value of liabilities		(2,726	)			232				(2,494	)
	Total	$	( 2,726	)		$	232			$	(2,494	)
		Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	31-Aug-13	Gross Derivative Amount				Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet				Net
										Amount
	Fair value of assets	$	131			$	0			$	131
	Fair value of liabilities		(7,871	)			0				(7,871	)
	Total	$	(7,740	)		$	0			$	(7,740	)

Note_6_Other_Comprehensive_Inc

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]	'
	6. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
	The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings during the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		28-Feb-14						28-Feb-13
		Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	3,506		$	3,506		$	(4,731	)	$	(4,731	)
	Realized gain on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		(143	)		(89	)		(94	)		(58	)
	Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		761			476			228			142
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	4,124		$	3,893		$	(4,597	)	$	(4,647	)
		Six Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		28-Feb-14						28-Feb-13
		Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	11,654		$	11,654		$	(1,657	)	$	(1,657	)
	Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		257			161			397			247
	Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		4,988			3,123			1,798			1,124
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	16,899		$	14,938		$	538		$	(286	)
	(1) Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows (in thousands):
		28-Feb-14			31-Aug-13
	Accumulated unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	(1,562	)	$	(4,847	)
	Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(14,672	)		(26,326	)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(16,234	)	$	(31,173	)

Note_7_Segment_Information

Note 7 - Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	7. SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available. FactSet’s CODM is its Chief Executive Officer, who is responsible for making decisions about resources allocated amongst the operating segments based on actual results.
	FactSet’s operating segments are aligned with how the Company, including its CODM, manages the business and the demographic markets in which FactSet serves. The Company’s internal financial reporting structure is based on three segments; U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. FactSet believes this alignment helps it better manage the business and view the markets the Company serves, which are centered on providing integrated global financial and economic information. Sales, consulting, data collection and software engineering are the primary functional groups within the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific segments that provide global financial and economic information to investment managers, investment banks and other financial services professionals. The U.S. segment services finance professionals including financial institutions throughout the Americas, while the European and Asia Pacific segments service investment professionals located throughout Europe and Asia, respectively.
	The European segment is headquartered in London, England and maintains office locations in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Sweden, Dubai and Italy. The Asia Pacific segment is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with office locations in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and Mumbai. Segment revenues reflect direct sales to clients based in their respective geographic locations. There are no intersegment or intercompany sales of the FactSet service. Each segment records compensation, including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, marketing, office and other direct expenses. Expenditures associated with the Company’s data centers, third party data costs and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the other segments. The content collection centers located in India and the Philippines benefit all of the Company’s operating segments and thus the expenses incurred at these locations are allocated to each segment based on a percentage of revenues. Of the total $287.5 million of goodwill reported by the Company at February 28, 2014, 62% was recorded in the U.S. segment, 37% in the European segment and the remaining 1% in the Asia Pacific segment.
	The following reflects the results of operations of the segments consistent with the Company’s management system. These results are used, in part, by management, both in evaluating the performance of, and in allocating resources to, each of the segments (in thousands):
	For the three months ended February 28, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	154,266	$	56,023	$	16,645	$	226,934
	Segment operating profit		41,935		24,178		8,941		75,054
	Total assets		378,440		218,671		56,854		653,965
	Capital expenditures		2,186		106		302		2,594
	For the three months ended February 28, 2013	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	146,034	$	51,650	$	15,399	$	213,083
	Segment operating profit		24,525		24,219		7,420		56,164
	Total assets		441,575		176,317		52,086		669,978
	Capital expenditures		2,032		164		791		2,987
	For the six months ended February 28, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	307,178	$	109,728	$	33,003	$	449,909
	Segment operating profit		82,725		50,423		16,647		149,795
	Capital expenditures		7,430		192		410		8,032
	For the six months ended February 28, 2013	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	289,975	$	103,280	$	30,912	$	424,167
	Segment operating profit		64,125		48,942		14,181		127,248
	Capital expenditures		5,309		717		3,058		9,084

Note_8_Business_Combinations

Note 8 - Business Combinations	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	8. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
	Revere Data
	On September 1, 2013, FactSet acquired the assets of Revere Data, LLC (“Revere”) to complement the Company's commitment to provide its clients with insightful content sets, for $15.3 million in cash. Revere classifies companies into a unique industry taxonomy and offers a database of supply chain relationships that helps investors identify companies’ interrelationships and mutual dependencies. As of the date of acquisition, Revere had annual subscriptions of $4.9 million. The opportunity for FactSet to offer this robust data to new and existing clients contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of the Revere net tangible and intangible assets. As a result, FactSet recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction.
	Allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was finalized during the second quarter of fiscal 2014. There were no significant adjustments between the preliminary and final allocation. The total purchase price was allocated to Revere’s net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition.
	Based upon the purchase price and the valuation, the allocation is as follows (in thousands):
	Tangible assets acquired	$	544
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Data content		2,799
	Client relationships		827
	Non-compete agreements		162
	Trade name		293
	Goodwill		11,612
	Total assets acquired		16,237
	Liabilities assumed		(949	)
	Net assets acquired	$	15,288
	Intangible assets of $4.1 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of data content, amortized over five years using a straight-line amortization method; client relationships, amortized over seven years using an accelerated amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over two years using a straight-line amortization method; and trade name, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method.
	Goodwill totaling $11.6 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from the Revere acquisition is included in the U.S. segment and is deductible for income tax purposes. The results of the operations of Revere have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income since the completion of the acquisition on September 1, 2013 and did not have a material impact on the first and second quarters of fiscal 2014. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effects of this acquisition were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.
	Matrix Data Limited
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, FactSet acquired Matrix Data Limited (“Matrix”) for a total purchase price of $32.1 million. Matrix’ primary line of business is a provider of intelligence to the UK financial services industry, covering market share of mutual fund distribution. Matrix has developed customer, channel and market benchmarking solutions that help clients optimize product distribution and improve marketing effectiveness to drive revenue growth. At the time of acquisition, Matrix had annual subscriptions of $7.3 million. We expect that the acquisition of Matrix will allow FactSet to expand its current U.S. advisor-sold investments and insurance products to the UK, with the potential to ultimately expand this coverage throughout continental Europe. The opportunity for FactSet to develop an international presence and complement its existing U.S. product offerings contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of the Matrix net tangible and intangible assets. As a result, FactSet recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction.
	Allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was not yet finalized as of February 28, 2014. The preliminary purchase price was allocated to Matrix’ net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition.
	Based upon the purchase price and preliminary valuation, the allocation is as follows (in thousands):
	Tangible assets acquired	$	7,495
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Data content		3,508
	Client relationships		3,060
	Software technology		1,638
	Non-compete agreements		746
	Trade name		149
	Goodwill		25,588
	Total assets acquired		42,184
	Liabilities assumed		(10,093	)
	Net assets acquired	$	32,091
	Intangible assets of $9.1 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of data content, amortized over five years using a straight-line amortization method; client relationships, amortized over seven years using an accelerated amortization method; software technology, amortized over five years using a straight-line amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over three years using a straight-line amortization method; and trade name, amortized over three years using a straight-line amortization method. The valuation and estimated useful lives of the intangible assets acquired are provisional and subject to adjustment based upon additional information that the Company is in the process of obtaining.
	Goodwill totaling $25.6 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from the Matrix acquisition is included in the Europe segment and is deductible for income tax purposes. The results of the operations of Matrix have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income since the completion of the acquisition and did not have a material impact on the second quarter of fiscal 2014. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effects of this acquisition were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

Note_9_Goodwill

Note 9 - Goodwill	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	9. GOODWILL
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the six months ended February 28, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		U.S.		Europe		Asia			Total
						Pacific
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	167,822	$	73,424	$	3,327		$	244,573
	Goodwill acquired during the period		11,612		25,588		0			37,200
	Foreign currency translations		0		5,901		(129	)		5,772
	Balance at February 28, 2014	$	179,434	$	104,913	$	3,198		$	287,545
	Goodwill is not amortized as it has an estimated indefinite life. At least annually, the Company evaluates goodwill at the reporting unit level for potential impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment based on the present value of discounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. The Company has three reporting units, which are consistent with the operating segments reported because there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflects the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed an annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2013 and 2012, which determined that there were no reporting units that were deemed at risk. The fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units significantly exceeded carrying value, thus there had been no impairment.

Note_10_Intangible_Assets

Note 10 - Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	FactSet’s identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’s operations. The weighted average useful life of FactSet’s acquired identifiable intangible assets at February 28, 2014 was 11.1 years. The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. There were no changes to the estimate of the remaining useful lives during the first half of fiscal 2014. If indicators of impairment appear to exist, amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment based on undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented. The intangible assets have no assigned residual values.
	The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization totals related to the Company’s identifiable intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
	At February 28, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Data content	$	58,009	$	25,458	$	32,551
	Client relationships		26,322		16,524		9,798
	Software technology		22,979		19,819		3,160
	Non-compete agreements		3,080		1,628		1,452
	Trade names		1,203		774		429
	Total	$	111,593	$	64,203	$	47,390
	At August 31, 2013	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Data content	$	49,185	$	22,419	$	26,766
	Client relationships		22,915		16,185		6,730
	Software technology		20,914		19,126		1,788
	Non-compete agreements		2,154		1,293		861
	Trade names		758		680		78
	Total	$	95,926	$	59,703	$	36,223
	During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, $4.1 million of intangible assets were acquired with a weighted average useful life of 5.2 years due to the Revere acquisition. During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, FactSet acquired an additional $9.1 million of intangible assets in connection with the Matrix acquisition with a weighted average estimated useful life of 5.5 years.
	Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets was $2.2 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets was $3.9 million and $3.8 million for the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of February 28, 2014, estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization
		Expense
	2014 (remaining six months)	$	4,410
	2015		7,782
	2016		6,040
	2017		5,735
	2018		5,210
	Thereafter		18,213
	Total	$	47,390

Note_11_Common_Stock_and_Earni

Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	11. COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
	On February 11, 2014, FactSet’s Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share, or $1.40 per share per annum. The cash dividend of $14.8 million was paid on March 18, 2014, to common stockholders of record on February 28, 2014.
	Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows (in thousands):
		Six Months Ended February 28,
		2014			2013
	Balance at September 1		43,324			44,279
	Common stock issued for employee stock plans		368			780
	Repurchase of common stock		(1,330	)		(1,480	)
	Balance at February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively		42,362			43,579
	A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Net Income			Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)			Per Share
		(Numerator)						Amount
	For the three months ended February 28, 2014
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	52,426			42,547		$	1.23
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					560
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	52,426			43,107		$	1.22
	For the three months ended February 28, 2013
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	44,539			43,813		$	1.02
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					642
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	44,539			44,455		$	1
	For the six months ended February 28, 2014
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	104,604			42,840		$	2.44
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					592
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	104,604			43,432		$	2.41
	For the six months ended February 28, 2013
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	94,307			44,065		$	2.14
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					723
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	94,307			44,788		$	2.11
	Dilutive potential common shares consist of stock options and unvested restricted stock awards. The number of stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 was 49,738 and 476,657, respectively, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. No stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the six months ended February 28, 2014, while 465,332 were excluded for the six months ended February 28, 2013, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
	For the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 the number of performance-based stock option grants excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 1,394,821. Similarly, for the three and six months ended February 28, 2013, the number of performance-based stock option grants excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 1,920,874. Performance-based stock options are omitted from the calculation of diluted earnings per share until the performance criteria have been met. The criteria had not yet been met at February 28, 2014 and 2013 for these performance-based stock options.

Note_12_Stockholders_Equity

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Preferred Stock
	At February 28, 2014 and 2013, there were 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which no shares were issued and outstanding. FactSet’s Board of Directors may from time to time authorize the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock and, in connection with the creation of such series, determine the characteristics of each such series including, without limitation, the preference and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the series.
	Common Stock
	At February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, there were 150,000,000 shares of common stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which 48,499,353 and 48,110,740 shares were issued, respectively. The authorized shares of common stock are issuable for any proper corporate purpose, including future stock splits, stock dividends, acquisitions, raising equity capital or to adopt additional employee benefit plans.
	Treasury Stock
	At February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, there were 6,137,619 and 4,786,330 shares of treasury stock (at cost) outstanding, respectively. As a result, 42,361,734 and 43,324,410 shares of FactSet common stock were outstanding at February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively.
	Share Repurchase Program
	On December 16, 2013, FactSet’s Board of Directors approved a $300 million expansion to the existing share repurchase program. During the first six months of fiscal 2014, the Company repurchased 1,330,000 shares for $143.8 million. At February 28, 2014, $218.6 million remains authorized for future share repurchases. Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.
	In addition to the purchase of 1,330,000 shares under the existing share repurchase program, FactSet repurchased 21,289 shares for $2.3 million from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon the vesting of previously granted restricted stock during the first six months of fiscal 2014.
	Restricted Stock
	Restricted stock awards entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. During the first six months of fiscal 2014, 79,774 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of February 28, 2014 (less 21,289 shares repurchased from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). During the same period in fiscal 2013, 148,969 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of February 28, 2013 (less 50,144 shares repurchased from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock).
	Dividends
	The Company’s Board of Directors declared the following historical dividends:
	Declaration Date	Dividends Per		Type	Record Date	Total $ Amount		Payment Date
		Share of				(in thousands)
		Common Stock
	11-Feb-14	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	28-Feb-14	$	14,827	18-Mar-14
	14-Nov-13	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	29-Nov-13	$	15,046	17-Dec-13
	15-Aug-13	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	31-Aug-13	$	15,164	17-Sep-13
	14-May-13	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	31-May-13	$	15,413	18-Jun-13
	21-Feb-13	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	28-Feb-13	$	13,510	19-Mar-13
	15-Nov-12	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	30-Nov-12	$	13,746	18-Dec-12
	8-Aug-12	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	31-Aug-12	$	13,727	18-Sep-12
	8-May-12	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	31-May-12	$	13,893	19-Jun-12
	14-Feb-12	$	0.27	Regular (cash)	29-Feb-12	$	12,085	20-Mar-12
	All of the above cash dividends were paid from existing cash resources. Future dividend payments will depend on the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by the Company and is subject to final determination by the Company’s Board of Directors.

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Employee Stock Option And Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Employee Stock Option And Retirement Plans [Text Block]	'
	13. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT PLANS
	Stock Option Awards
	Options granted without performance conditions under the Company’s stock option plans expire either seven or ten years from the date of grant and the majority vest at a rate of 20% after the first year and 1.67% per month thereafter for years two through five. Options become vested and exercisable provided the employee continues employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date and remain exercisable until expiration or cancellation. The majority of the options granted with performance conditions expire either seven or ten years from the date of grant and vest at a rate of 40% after the first two years and 1.67% per month thereafter for years three through five. Options are not transferable or assignable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the grantee’s lifetime, they may be exercised only by the grantee.
	During the first six months of fiscal 2014, FactSet granted 391,478 stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $106.73 to existing employees of the Company.
	A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Number			Weighted Average
		Outstanding			Exercise Price
					Per Share
	Balance at August 31, 2013		4,729		$	75.95
	Granted – non-performance-based		36			108.64
	Granted – performance-based		36			110.31
	Exercised		(136	)		59.38
	Forfeited		(10	)		79.22
	Balance at November 30, 2013		4,655		$	76.94
	Granted – non-performance-based		139			102.01
	Granted – performance-based		166			109.39
	Granted – non-employee Directors grant		14			107.65
	Exercised		(136	)		40.99
	Forfeited		(24	)		86.75
	Balance at February 28, 2014		4,814		$	82.56
	The total number of in-the-money options exercisable as of February 28, 2014 was 2.2 million with a weighted average exercise price of $65.27. As of August 31, 2013, 1.9 million in-the-money outstanding options were exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $59.70. The aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money stock options exercisable at February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013 was $86.9 million and $82.1 million, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of $105.29 at February 28, 2014 and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options exercisable as of that date. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 was $9.0 million and $18.5 million, respectively. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 was $16.0 million and $30.2 million, respectively.
	Performance-based Stock Options
	Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on the Company achieving performance levels during the measurement period subsequent to the date of grant. Dependent on the financial performance levels attained by FactSet, a percentage of the performance-based stock options will vest to the grantees of those stock options. However, there is no current guarantee that such options will vest in whole or in part.
	November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-based Option Grant Review
	In November 2012, FactSet granted 1,011,510 performance-based employee stock options. The number of performance-based options that vest is based on the Company achieving performance levels for both organic annual subscription value and diluted earnings per share during the two fiscal years ended August 31, 2014. At February 28, 2014, FactSet estimated that 20% or 202,302 of the performance-based stock options would vest which results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $2.8 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 3.7 years. However, a change in the actual financial performance levels achieved over the next two fiscal quarters of 2014 could result in the following changes to the Company’s current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):
	Vesting	Total Unamortized Stock-based			Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*			Average Remaining Quarterly Expense to be Recognized
	Percentage	Compensation Expense at February 28, 2014
	0%	$	0		$	(1,907	)	$	0
	20%	$	2,840		$	0		$	194
	60%	$	8,521		$	3,814		$	582
	100%	$	14,202		$	7,628		$	970
	* Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of February 28, 2014.
	July 2012 Performance-based Option Grant Review
	In July 2012, FactSet granted 241,546 performance-based employee stock options, which are eligible to vest in 20% tranches depending upon future StreetAccount user growth through August 31, 2017. The Company estimates that the second 20% tranche will vest by August 31, 2017, which results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $1.1 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 3.5 years. A change, up or down, in the actual financial performance levels achieved by StreetAccount in future fiscal years could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):
	Vesting	Cumulative			Remaining Expense
	Percentage	Catch-up Adjustment**			to be Recognized
	First 20%*	n/a			n/a*
	Second 20%	$	(516	)	$	1,084
	Third 20%	$	640		$	2,044
	Fourth 20%	$	1,212		$	3,072
	Fifth 20%	$	1,939		$	3,945
	*The first 20% of the grant vested during fiscal 2013, and as such, there is no remaining expense to be recognized as of February 28, 2014.
	** Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of February 28, 2014.
	Other Performance-based Option Grants
	In connection with the acquisitions of Matrix and Revere during the first six months of fiscal 2014, FactSet granted 165,949 and 36,695 performance-based stock options, respectively. The performance-based options granted in connection with the acquisition of Matrix will vest only if ASV and operating margin targets related to the Matrix business are met during a five year measurement period ending December 23, 2018, and the option holders remain employed by FactSet. As of February 28, 2014 FactSet does not believe these targets are probable of being achieved, and as such, no stock-based compensation expense is expected to be realized in connection with these options. Of the 36,695 performance-based stock options granted in connection with the Revere acquisition, FactSet currently estimates that 18,553 options will vest based upon the achievement of certain ASV and operating margins during the measurement period ending August 31, 2015. This results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.5 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 4.5 years.
	Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards
	The Company’s stock option and award plan permits the issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards are subject to continued employment over a specified period. During the first six months of fiscal 2014, FactSet granted 204,124 restricted stock awards at a weighted average grant date fair value of $101.95 to employees of the Company. There were no restricted stock awards granted during the first six months of fiscal 2013.
	A summary of restricted stock award activity is as follows (in thousands, except per award data):
		Number			Weighted Average
		Outstanding			Grant Date Fair
					Value Per Award
	Balance at August 31, 2013		358		$	80.43
	Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		162		$	102.27
	Vested		(63	)	$	83.49
	Canceled/forfeited		(2	)	$	69.27
	Balance at November 30, 2013		455		$	87.69
	Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		42		$	100.7
	Vested*		(17	)	$	60.28
	Canceled/forfeited		(4	)	$	97.28
	Balance at February 28, 2014		476		$	89.79
	* The total 17,230 restricted stock awards that vested during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 related to awards granted on February 9, 2010 at the grant date price of $63.09. These restricted stock awards cliff vest 50% after four years (on February 9, 2014) and the remaining 50% will vest after six years on February 9, 2016. The awards were amortized to expense over the vesting period using the straight-line attribution method.
	November 2013 Employee Restricted Stock Award
	On November 1, 2013, FactSet granted 153,972 restricted stock awards with a fair value of $102.22, which entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. These restricted stock awards cliff vest 60% after three years (on November 1, 2016) and the remaining 40% after five years (on November 1, 2018). As of February 28, 2014 unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $12.6 million is to be amortized ratably to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 4.7 years.
Revere and Matrix Performance-based Restricted Stock Units
In connection with the acquisitions of Matrix and Revere, FactSet granted 30,144 and 7,744 performance-based restricted stock units, respectively. The vesting restriction on the units granted in connection with the acquisition of Matrix will lapse only if ASV and operating margin targets related to the Matrix business are met during a five year measurement period ending December 23, 2018, and the holders remain employed by FactSet. As of February 28, 2014 FactSet does not believe these targets are probable of being achieved, and as such, no stock-based compensation expense is expected to be realized in connection with these restricted stock units. In addition, none of the 7,744 performance-based restricted stock units granted in connection with the Revere acquisition are estimated to vest as of February 28, 2014 based upon management’s belief that the ASV and operating margin targets will not be achieved during the measurement period ending August 31, 2017.
Other Restricted Stock Units
An additional 12,264 restricted stock awards were granted during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 existing employees of FactSet. The restricted stock awards cliff vest 60% upon the third-year anniversary date each grant, with the remaining 40% vesting on the fifth year anniversary date. As of February 28, 2014 unamortized stock-based compensation of $1.0 million will be amortized to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 4.9 years.
Share-based Awards Available for Grant
A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows (in thousands):
	Share-based Awards			Share-based Awards
	Available for Grant			Available for Grant
	under the Employee			under the Non-Employee
	Option Plan			Directors Plan
Balance at August 31, 2013		3,116			107
Granted – non performance-based options		(36	)		0
Granted – performance-based options		(36	)		0
Restricted stock awards granted*		(404	)		0
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited*		16			0
Balance at November 30, 2013		2,656			107
Granted – non performance-based options		(139	)		(14	)
Granted – performance-based options		(166	)		0
Restricted stock awards granted*		(106	)		0
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited*		35			9
Balance at February 28, 2014		2,280			102
* Under the Company’s option plan, for each restricted stock award canceled/forfeited, an equivalent of 2.5 shares is added back to the available share-based awards balance.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On December 16, 2008, the Company’s stockholders ratified the adoption of the FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”). A total of 500,000 shares have been reserved for issuance under the Purchase Plan. There is no expiration date for the Purchase Plan. Shares of FactSet common stock may be purchased by eligible employees under the Purchase Plan in three-month intervals at a purchase price equal to at least 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on either the first day or the last day of each three-month offering period. Employee purchases may not exceed 10% of their gross compensation during an offering period.
During the three months ended February 28, 2014, employees purchased 20,166 shares at a weighted average price of $89.50 as compared to 21,389 shares at a weighted average price of $78.56 in the same period a year ago. During the six months ended February 28, 2014, employees purchased 36,529 shares at a weighted average price of $88.18 as compared to 39,491 shares at a weighted average price of $78.55 in the same period a year ago. At February 28, 2014, 83,241 shares were reserved for future issuance under the Purchase Plan.
401(k) Plan
The Company established a 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) in fiscal 1993. The 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan covering all full-time, U.S. employees of the Company and is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Each year, participants may contribute up to 60% of their eligible annual compensation, subject to annual limitations established by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches up to 4% of employees’ earnings, capped at the IRS annual maximum. Company matching contributions are subject to a five year graduated vesting schedule. All full-time, U.S. employees are eligible for the matching contribution by the Company. The Company contributed $3.7 million in matching contributions to employee 401(k) accounts during the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013.

Note_14_StockBased_Compensatio

Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
	14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $5.5 million and $10.6 million during the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, respectively. Similarly, the Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $21.2 million and $26.4 million during the three and six months ended February 28, 2013. The fiscal 2013 totals include a pre-tax charge of $15.7 million related to performance-based options granted in connection with the acquisition of Market Metrics in June 2010. These options vested during the second quarter of fiscal 2013 when the Market Metrics business accelerated to achieve stretch revenue growth targets established on the date of grant. As of February 28, 2014, $63.6 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.5 years. There was no stock-based compensation capitalized as of February 28, 2014 or August 31, 2013.
	Employee Stock Option Fair Value Determinations
	The Company utilizes the lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“binomial model”) to estimate the fair value of new employee stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the binomial model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeitures and employee stock option exercise behaviors.
	Fiscal 2014
		-	Q1 2014 – 35,508 non performance-based employee stock options and 36,695 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $109.49 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $31.78 per share.
		-	Q2 2014 – 138,902 non performance-based employee stock options and 165,949 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $106.03 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $29.14 per share.
	Fiscal 2013
		-	Q1 2013 – 635,308 non performance-based employee stock options and 1,011,510 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $92.22 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $26.87 per share.
		-	Q2 2013 – 9,367 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $92.55 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $26.69 per share.
	The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted during the first three and six months of fiscal 2014 and 2013 was determined using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions:
			Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
			February 28,							February 28,
			2014				2013			2014			2013
	Term structure of risk-free interest rate		0.01%	-	2.48%		0.16%	-	1.91%	0.01%	-	2.61%	0.16%	-	1.91%
	Expected life (in years)			7.6				7.6		7.6	–	7.8	7.6	–	7.8
	Term structure of volatility		23%	-	32%		24%	-	33%	23%	-	33%	24%	-	33%
	Dividend yield			1.35%				1.30%			1.35%			1.30%
	Weighted average estimated fair value			$29.14				$26.69			$29.64			$26.87
	Weighted average exercise price			$106.03				$92.55			$106.69			$92.22
	Fair value as a percentage of exercise price			27.50%				28.80%			27.80%			29.10%
	The risk-free interest rate assumption for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of the Company’s stock and implied volatilities of publicly traded options to buy FactSet common stock with contractual terms closest to the expected life of options granted to employees. The approach to utilize a mix of historical and implied volatility was based upon the availability of actively traded options on the Company’s stock and the Company’s assessment that a combination of implied volatility and historical volatility is best representative of future stock price trends. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee termination within the valuation model. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and is a derived output of the binomial model. The binomial model estimates employees exercise behavior is based on the option’s remaining vested life and the extent to which the option is in-the-money. The binomial model estimates the probability of exercise as a function of these two variables based on the entire history of exercises and cancellations of all past option grants made by the Company.
	Non-Employee Director Stock Option Fair Value Determinations
	The 2008 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”) provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options, to non-employee directors of FactSet. A total of 250,000 shares of FactSet common stock have been reserved for issuance under the Directors’ Plan. The expiration date of the Directors’ Plan is December 1, 2018.
	The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of new non-employee Director stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeitures and employee stock option exercise behaviors.
	Fiscal 2014
	On January 15, 2014, FactSet granted 14,424 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors. All of the options granted on January 15, 2014 have a weighted average estimated fair value of $27.04 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
	Risk-free interest rate			1.66	%
	Expected life (in years)			5.4
	Expected volatility			28.9	%
	Dividend yield			1.35	%
	Fiscal 2013
	On January 15, 2013, FactSet granted 18,781 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors at a weighted average estimated fair value of $24.23 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
	Risk-free interest rate			0.89	%
	Expected life (in years)			5.4
	Expected volatility			32.3	%
	Dividend yield			1.3	%
	The risk-free interest rate assumption for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and non-employee director terminations within the valuation model. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts.
	Restricted Stock Fair Value Determinations
	Restricted stock granted to employees entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the award vests over time, but not to dividends declared on the underlying shares while the restricted stock is unvested. The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards are measured by reducing the grant date price of FactSet’s 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.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan Fair Value Determinations
	During the three months ended February 28, 2014, employees purchased 20,166 shares at a weighted average price of $89.50 as compared to 21,389 shares at a weighted average price of $78.56 in the same period a year ago. During the six months ended February 28, 2014, employees purchased 36,529 shares at a weighted average price of $88.22 as compared to 39,491 shares at a weighted average price of $78.55 in the same period a year ago. Stock-based compensation expense recorded for the three months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, relating to the employee stock purchase plan was $0.3 million, respectively.
	The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to calculate the estimated fair value for the employee stock purchase plan. The estimated fair value of employee stock purchase plan grants during the three months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 were $19.04 and $15.18 per share, respectively, with the following assumptions:
			Three Months Ended
			February 28,
			2014			2013
	Risk-free interest rate			0.05	%		0.08	%
	Expected life (in months)			3			3
	Expected volatility			10.3	%		9.2	%
	Dividend yield			1.23	%		1.34	%
	The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock purchase plan grants during the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 were $17.96 and $15.44 per share, respectively, with the following weighted average assumptions:
			Six Months Ended
			February 28,
			2014			2013
	Risk-free interest rate			0.05	%		0.09	%
	Expected life (in months)			3			3
	Expected volatility			9.6	%		9.7	%
	Dividend yield			1.29	%		1.33	%
	Accuracy of Fair Value Estimates
	The Company is responsible for determining the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of its share-based payment awards. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeiture rates and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable.

Note_15_Income_Taxes

Note 15 - Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	15. INCOME TAXES
	Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates.
	Provision for Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		February 28,						February 28,
			2014		2013				2014			2013
	U.S. operations	$	62,429		$	41,912		$	122,688		$	102,979
	Non-U.S. operations		12,969			14,609			27,792			25,054
	Income before income taxes	$	75,398		$	56,521		$	150,480		$	128,033
	U.S. operations	$	20,275		$	8,988		$	39,929		$	28,328
	Non-U.S. operations		2,697			2,994			5,947			5,398
	Total provision for income taxes	$	22,972		$	11,982		$	45,876		$	33,726
	Effective tax rate		30.5	%		21.2	%		30.5	%		26.3	%
	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 changes in levels of foreign income, as well as discrete and other nonrecurring events that may not be predictable. The effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35% for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013 primarily due to foreign income, which is subject to lower statutory tax rates than in the U.S., benefits from foreign tax credits and the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit.
	The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following (in thousands):
		Six Months Ended
		February 28,
		2014			2013
	Current
	U.S. Federal	$	38,630		$	28,205
	U.S. state and local		2,573			2,408
	Non-U.S.		6,008			5,612
	Total current taxes	$	47,211		$	36,225
	Deferred
	U.S. Federal	$	(1,205	)	$	(2,179	)
	U.S. state and local		(69	)		(106	)
	Non-U.S.		(61	)		(214	)
	Total deferred taxes	$	(1,335	)	$	(2,499	)
	Total provision for income taxes	$	45,876		$	33,726
	Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
	The significant components of deferred tax assets that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):
		28-Feb-14			31-Aug-13
	Deferred tax assets
	Current
	Receivable reserve	$	609		$	614
	Deferred rent		2,375			2,191
	Other		490			(2	)
	Net current deferred taxes	$	3,474		$	2,803
	Non-current
	Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$	7,651		$	6,329
	Deferred rent		2,772			2,772
	Stock-based compensation		18,698			19,828
	Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(9,395	)		(8,401	)
	Other		2,145			1,495
	Net non-current deferred taxes	$	21,871		$	22,023
	Total deferred tax assets	$	25,345		$	24,826
	The significant components of deferred tax liabilities that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):
		28-Feb-14			31-Aug-13
	Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
	Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	$	4,497		$	2,761
	Stock-based compensation		(1,178	)		(365	)
	Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements		(596	)		0
	Total deferred tax liabilities (non-current)	$	2,723		$	2,396
	A provision has not been made for additional U.S. Federal taxes as of February 28, 2014 as all undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are considered to be invested indefinitely or will be repatriated free of additional tax. The amount of such undistributed earnings of these foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings was immaterial at February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013. As such, the unrecognized deferred tax liability on those undistributed earnings was immaterial. These earnings could become subject to additional tax if they are remitted as dividends, loaned to FactSet, or upon sale of the subsidiary’s stock.
	Unrecognized Tax Positions
	Applicable accounting guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, classification and disclosure of uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. A company can recognize the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will prevail upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position. Otherwise, no benefit or expense can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, companies are required to accrue interest and related penalties, if applicable, on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws.
	As of February 28, 2014, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $5.3 million, including $1.3 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheet. Unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions taken on tax returns but not yet recognized in the consolidated financial statements. When applicable, the Company adjusts the previously recorded tax expense to reflect examination results when the position is effectively settled. The Company regularly engages in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that certain federal, foreign, and state tax matters may be concluded in the next 12 months. However, FactSet has no reason to believe that such audits will result in the payment of additional taxes and/or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position, beyond current estimates. Any changes in accounting estimates resulting from new developments with respect to uncertain tax positions will be recorded as appropriate. The Company does not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next 12 months.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits during the first six months of fiscal 2014 (in thousands):
	Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2013	$	5,435
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		436
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		240
	Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities		(766	)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at February 28, 2014	$	5,345
In the normal course of business, the Company’s tax filings are subject to audit by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. At February 28, 2014, the Company remained subject to examination in the following major tax jurisdictions for the tax years as indicated below:
Major Tax Jurisdictions	Open Tax Years
U.S.
Federal	2010	through	2013
State (various)	2010	through	2013
Europe
France	2010	through	2013
United Kingdom	2011	through	2013

Note_16_Commitments_and_Contin

Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Commitments represent obligations, such as those for future purchases of goods or services that are not yet recorded on the balance sheet as liabilities. FactSet records liabilities for commitments when incurred (i.e., when the goods or services are received).
	Lease Commitments
	At February 28, 2014 the Company leases approximately 193,000 square feet of office space at its headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. In addition, FactSet leases office space for its U.S. reportable segment in New York, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco, California; Austin, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming; Atlanta, Georgia; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Newark, Ridgewood and Piscataway, New Jersey; Manchester, New Hampshire; Reston, Virginia, and Youngstown, Ohio. The Company’s European segment operates in leased office space in London, England; Paris and Avon, France; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Frankfurt, Germany; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Milan, Italy; Stockholm, Sweden; and Riga, Latvia. Office space in Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong; Singapore; Mumbai, India; and Sydney, Australia are leased by FactSet for its Asia Pacific operating segment. The data content collection centers located in Hyderabad, India and Manila, the Philippines benefit all of the Companies operating segments. The leases expire on various dates through 2031. Total minimum rental payments associated with the leases are recorded as rent expense (a component of selling, general and administrative expenses) on a straight-line basis over the periods of the respective non-cancelable lease terms.
	During February 2014, a new 15-year lease agreement was signed to maintain the Company’s presence in New York. This lease enables FactSet to continue to support the Company’s New York operations into calendar year 2031 and results in incremental future minimum rental payments of $93.7 million over the non-cancelable lease term. At February 28, 2014, FactSet leases approximately 821,000 square feet of office space, which the Company believes is adequate for its current needs and that additional space is available for lease to meet any future needs. Additional lease commitments assumed in connection with the Revere and Matrix acquisitions were immaterial, but did add approximately 11,000 square feet of office space.
	During the three months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, rent expense (including operating costs) for all operating leases amounted to $9.4 million and $9.1 million, respectively. Rent expense for all operating leases for the six months of fiscal 2014 and 2013 amounted to $18.3 million and $18.4 million, respectively. Approximately $1.8 million of standby letters of credit have been issued during the ordinary course of business in connection with the Company’s current leased office space as of February 28, 2014. These standby letters of credit contain covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and certain leverage and fixed charge ratios. As of February 28, 2014, FactSet was in compliance with all covenants contained in the standby letters of credit.
	At February 28, 2014, the Company’s lease commitments for office space provide for the following future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year (in thousands):
	Years Ended August 31,	Minimum Lease
		Payments
	2014 (remaining six months)	$	14,697
	2015		25,023
	2016		18,849
	2017		22,710
	2018		21,444
	Thereafter		112,074
	Total	$	214,797
	Purchase Commitments with Suppliers
	Purchase obligations represent payments due in future periods in respect of commitments to the Company’s various data vendors as well as commitments to purchase goods and services such as telecommunication and computer maintenance services. These purchase commitments are agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on FactSet and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. As of August 31, 2013, the Company had total purchase commitments of $50.2 million. There were no material changes in FactSet’s purchase commitments during fiscal 2014.
	Contingencies
	Legal Matters
	FactSet accrues non income-tax liabilities for contingencies when management believes that a loss is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, while contingent gains are recognized only when realized. The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including intellectual property litigation. Based on currently available information at February 28, 2014, FactSet’s management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of these unresolved matters against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, its results of operations or its cash flows.
	Income Taxes
	Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance (see Note 15). FactSet is currently under audit by tax authorities. The Company 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, and 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.
	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 should mitigate FactSet's exposure and enables FactSet to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. The Company believes the estimated fair value, prior to consideration of any potential insurance recoveries, of these indemnification obligations is not material.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. These deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seeks to mitigate its credit risks by spreading such risks across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk profiles of these counterparties.
	Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable are unsecured and are derived from revenues earned from clients located around the globe. FactSet performs ongoing credit evaluations of its clients and does not require collateral from its clients. The Company maintains reserves for potential write-offs and these losses have historically been within expectations. No single client represented 10% or more of FactSet’s total revenues in any period presented. At February 28, 2014, the Company’s largest individual client accounted for 2% of total annual subscriptions and subscriptions from the ten largest clients did not surpass 15% of total annual subscriptions, consistent with August 31, 2013. At February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013, the receivable reserve was $1.7 and $1.6 million, respectively.
	Derivative Instruments - As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to credit default swaps as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. Because CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies as determined by FactSet. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contracts with large financial institutions and regularly reviews its credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties.

Note_4_Fair_Value_Measures_Tab

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	28-Feb-14	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Corporate money market funds (1)	$	43,020	$	0	$	0	$	43,020
	Certificates of deposit (2)		0		14,185		0		14,185
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	43,020	$	14,185	$	0	$	57,205
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	0	$	2,494	$	0	$	2,494
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	2,494	$	0	$	2,494
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	31-Aug-13	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Corporate money market funds (1)	$	156,693	$	0	$	0	$	156,693
	Certificates of deposit (2)		0		12,725		0		12,725
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	156,693	$	12,725	$	0	$	169,418
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	0	$	7,740	$	0	$	7,740
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	7,740	$	0	$	7,740
Reported Value Measurement [Member]	'
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	28-Feb-14	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	43,020	$	0	$	0	$	43,020
	Investments		0		14,185		0		14,185
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	43,020	$	14,185	$	0	$	57,205
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	0	$	1,316	$	0	$	1,316
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities		0		1,178		0		1,178
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	2,494	$	0	$	2,494
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	31-Aug-13	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	156,693	$	0	$	0	$	156,693
	Investments		0		12,725		0		12,725
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	156,693	$	12,725	$	0	$	169,418
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	0	$	3,085	$	0	$	3,085
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities		0		4,655		0		4,655
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	7,740	$	0	$	7,740

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments_

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Statement of Financial Position [Table Text Block]	'
		Gross Notional Value								Fair Value Asset (Liability)
	Currency Hedged (in U.S. dollars)	28-Feb-14				31-Aug-13				28-Feb-14				31-Aug-13
	Indian Rupee	$	47,735			$	47,388			$	(2,364	)		$	(7,693	)
	Philippine Peso		12,350				11,700				(130	)			(178	)
	British Pound		0				10,436				0				131
	Total	$	60,085			$	69,524			$	(2,494	)		$	(7,740	)
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	'
	Designation of Derivatives	Balance Sheet Location		28-Feb-14				31-Aug-13
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
		Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	1,316			$	3,085
		Deferred Rent and other non-current liabilities		$	1,178			$	4,655
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
		Gain Recognized							Location of Gain		Gain Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)
		in AOCL on Derivatives							Reclassified from AOCL into Income
		(Effective Portion)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2014				2013			(Effective Portion)		2014				2013
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	761			$	228		SG&A		$	143			$	94
		Gain Recognized							Location of (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income		(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income(Effective Portion)
		in AOCL on Derivatives
		(Effective Portion)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2014				2013			(Effective Portion)		2014				2013
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	4,988			$	1,798		SG&A		$	(257	)		$	(397	)
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
		Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	28-Feb-14	Gross Derivative Amount				Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet				Net
										Amount
	Fair value of assets	$	0			$	0			$	0
	Fair value of liabilities		(2,726	)			232				(2,494	)
	Total	$	( 2,726	)		$	232			$	(2,494	)
		Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheet
	31-Aug-13	Gross Derivative Amount				Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet				Net
										Amount
	Fair value of assets	$	131			$	0			$	131
	Fair value of liabilities		(7,871	)			0				(7,871	)
	Total	$	(7,740	)		$	0			$	(7,740	)

Note_6_Other_Comprehensive_Inc1

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		28-Feb-14						28-Feb-13
		Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	3,506		$	3,506		$	(4,731	)	$	(4,731	)
	Realized gain on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		(143	)		(89	)		(94	)		(58	)
	Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		761			476			228			142
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	4,124		$	3,893		$	(4,597	)	$	(4,647	)
		Six Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		28-Feb-14						28-Feb-13
		Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax			Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	11,654		$	11,654		$	(1,657	)	$	(1,657	)
	Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		257			161			397			247
	Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		4,988			3,123			1,798			1,124
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	16,899		$	14,938		$	538		$	(286	)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
		28-Feb-14			31-Aug-13
	Accumulated unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	(1,562	)	$	(4,847	)
	Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(14,672	)		(26,326	)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(16,234	)	$	(31,173	)

Note_7_Segment_Information_Tab

Note 7 - Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	For the three months ended February 28, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	154,266	$	56,023	$	16,645	$	226,934
	Segment operating profit		41,935		24,178		8,941		75,054
	Total assets		378,440		218,671		56,854		653,965
	Capital expenditures		2,186		106		302		2,594
	For the three months ended February 28, 2013	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	146,034	$	51,650	$	15,399	$	213,083
	Segment operating profit		24,525		24,219		7,420		56,164
	Total assets		441,575		176,317		52,086		669,978
	Capital expenditures		2,032		164		791		2,987
	For the six months ended February 28, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	307,178	$	109,728	$	33,003	$	449,909
	Segment operating profit		82,725		50,423		16,647		149,795
	Capital expenditures		7,430		192		410		8,032
	For the six months ended February 28, 2013	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	289,975	$	103,280	$	30,912	$	424,167
	Segment operating profit		64,125		48,942		14,181		127,248
	Capital expenditures		5,309		717		3,058		9,084

Note_8_Business_Combinations_T

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	'
	Tangible assets acquired	$	544
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Data content		2,799
	Client relationships		827
	Non-compete agreements		162
	Trade name		293
	Goodwill		11,612
	Total assets acquired		16,237
	Liabilities assumed		(949	)
	Net assets acquired	$	15,288
	Tangible assets acquired	$	7,495
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Data content		3,508
	Client relationships		3,060
	Software technology		1,638
	Non-compete agreements		746
	Trade name		149
	Goodwill		25,588
	Total assets acquired		42,184
	Liabilities assumed		(10,093	)
	Net assets acquired	$	32,091

Note_9_Goodwill_Tables

Note 9 - Goodwill (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
		U.S.		Europe		Asia			Total
						Pacific
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	167,822	$	73,424	$	3,327		$	244,573
	Goodwill acquired during the period		11,612		25,588		0			37,200
	Foreign currency translations		0		5,901		(129	)		5,772
	Balance at February 28, 2014	$	179,434	$	104,913	$	3,198		$	287,545

Note_10_Intangible_Assets_Tabl

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	At February 28, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Data content	$	58,009	$	25,458	$	32,551
	Client relationships		26,322		16,524		9,798
	Software technology		22,979		19,819		3,160
	Non-compete agreements		3,080		1,628		1,452
	Trade names		1,203		774		429
	Total	$	111,593	$	64,203	$	47,390
	At August 31, 2013	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Data content	$	49,185	$	22,419	$	26,766
	Client relationships		22,915		16,185		6,730
	Software technology		20,914		19,126		1,788
	Non-compete agreements		2,154		1,293		861
	Trade names		758		680		78
	Total	$	95,926	$	59,703	$	36,223
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	'
	Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization
		Expense
	2014 (remaining six months)	$	4,410
	2015		7,782
	2016		6,040
	2017		5,735
	2018		5,210
	Thereafter		18,213
	Total	$	47,390

Note_11_Common_Stock_and_Earni1

Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]	'
		Six Months Ended February 28,
		2014			2013
	Balance at September 1		43,324			44,279
	Common stock issued for employee stock plans		368			780
	Repurchase of common stock		(1,330	)		(1,480	)
	Balance at February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively		42,362			43,579
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	'
		Net Income			Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)			Per Share
		(Numerator)						Amount
	For the three months ended February 28, 2014
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	52,426			42,547		$	1.23
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					560
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	52,426			43,107		$	1.22
	For the three months ended February 28, 2013
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	44,539			43,813		$	1.02
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					642
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	44,539			44,455		$	1
	For the six months ended February 28, 2014
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	104,604			42,840		$	2.44
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					592
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	104,604			43,432		$	2.41
	For the six months ended February 28, 2013
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	94,307			44,065		$	2.14
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					723
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	94,307			44,788		$	2.11

Note_12_Stockholders_Equity_Ta

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
DividendDeclarationAndPaymentDetailsTableTextBlock	'
	Declaration Date	Dividends Per		Type	Record Date	Total $ Amount		Payment Date
		Share of				(in thousands)
		Common Stock
	11-Feb-14	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	28-Feb-14	$	14,827	18-Mar-14
	14-Nov-13	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	29-Nov-13	$	15,046	17-Dec-13
	15-Aug-13	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	31-Aug-13	$	15,164	17-Sep-13
	14-May-13	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	31-May-13	$	15,413	18-Jun-13
	21-Feb-13	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	28-Feb-13	$	13,510	19-Mar-13
	15-Nov-12	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	30-Nov-12	$	13,746	18-Dec-12
	8-Aug-12	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	31-Aug-12	$	13,727	18-Sep-12
	8-May-12	$	0.31	Regular (cash)	31-May-12	$	13,893	19-Jun-12
	14-Feb-12	$	0.27	Regular (cash)	29-Feb-12	$	12,085	20-Mar-12

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_1

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block]	'
		Number			Weighted Average
		Outstanding			Exercise Price
					Per Share
	Balance at August 31, 2013		4,729		$	75.95
	Granted – non-performance-based		36			108.64
	Granted – performance-based		36			110.31
	Exercised		(136	)		59.38
	Forfeited		(10	)		79.22
	Balance at November 30, 2013		4,655		$	76.94
	Granted – non-performance-based		139			102.01
	Granted – performance-based		166			109.39
	Granted – non-employee Directors grant		14			107.65
	Exercised		(136	)		40.99
	Forfeited		(24	)		86.75
	Balance at February 28, 2014		4,814		$	82.56
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	'
		Number			Weighted Average
		Outstanding			Grant Date Fair
					Value Per Award
	Balance at August 31, 2013		358		$	80.43
	Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		162		$	102.27
	Vested		(63	)	$	83.49
	Canceled/forfeited		(2	)	$	69.27
	Balance at November 30, 2013		455		$	87.69
	Granted (restricted stock and stock units)		42		$	100.7
	Vested*		(17	)	$	60.28
	Canceled/forfeited		(4	)	$	97.28
	Balance at February 28, 2014		476		$	89.79
Schedule of Share Based Awards Available For Grant [Table Text Block]	'
		Share-based Awards			Share-based Awards
		Available for Grant			Available for Grant
		under the Employee			under the Non-Employee
		Option Plan			Directors Plan
	Balance at August 31, 2013		3,116			107
	Granted – non performance-based options		(36	)		0
	Granted – performance-based options		(36	)		0
	Restricted stock awards granted*		(404	)		0
	Share-based awards canceled/forfeited*		16			0
	Balance at November 30, 2013		2,656			107
	Granted – non performance-based options		(139	)		(14	)
	Granted – performance-based options		(166	)		0
	Restricted stock awards granted*		(106	)		0
	Share-based awards canceled/forfeited*		35			9
	Balance at February 28, 2014		2,280			102
Performance Shares [Member]	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share Based Compensation Vesting Percentage and Related Expenses [Table Text Block]	'
	Vesting	Total Unamortized Stock-based			Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*			Average Remaining Quarterly Expense to be Recognized
	Percentage	Compensation Expense at February 28, 2014
	0%	$	0		$	(1,907	)	$	0
	20%	$	2,840		$	0		$	194
	60%	$	8,521		$	3,814		$	582
	100%	$	14,202		$	7,628		$	970
July 2012 Performance Based [Member]	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share Based Compensation Vesting Percentage and Related Expenses [Table Text Block]	'
	Vesting	Cumulative			Remaining Expense
	Percentage	Catch-up Adjustment**			to be Recognized
	First 20%*	n/a			n/a*
	Second 20%	$	(516	)	$	1,084
	Third 20%	$	640		$	2,044
	Fourth 20%	$	1,212		$	3,072
	Fifth 20%	$	1,939		$	3,945

Note_14_StockBased_Compensatio1

Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended							Six Months Ended
		February 28,							February 28,
		2014				2013			2014			2013
	Term structure of risk-free interest rate	0.01%	-	2.48%		0.16%	-	1.91%	0.01%	-	2.61%	0.16%	-	1.91%
	Expected life (in years)		7.6				7.6		7.6	–	7.8	7.6	–	7.8
	Term structure of volatility	23%	-	32%		24%	-	33%	23%	-	33%	24%	-	33%
	Dividend yield		1.35%				1.30%			1.35%			1.30%
	Weighted average estimated fair value		$29.14				$26.69			$29.64			$26.87
	Weighted average exercise price		$106.03				$92.55			$106.69			$92.22
	Fair value as a percentage of exercise price		27.50%				28.80%			27.80%			29.10%
Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]	'
Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
	Risk-free interest rate		1.66	%
	Expected life (in years)		5.4
	Expected volatility		28.9	%
	Dividend yield		1.35	%
	Risk-free interest rate		0.89	%
	Expected life (in years)		5.4
	Expected volatility		32.3	%
	Dividend yield		1.3	%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'
Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables) [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended
		February 28,
		2014			2013
	Risk-free interest rate		0.05	%		0.08	%
	Expected life (in months)		3			3
	Expected volatility		10.3	%		9.2	%
	Dividend yield		1.23	%		1.34	%
		Six Months Ended
		February 28,
		2014			2013
	Risk-free interest rate		0.05	%		0.09	%
	Expected life (in months)		3			3
	Expected volatility		9.6	%		9.7	%
	Dividend yield		1.29	%		1.33	%

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	'
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		February 28,						February 28,
			2014		2013				2014			2013
	U.S. operations	$	62,429		$	41,912		$	122,688		$	102,979
	Non-U.S. operations		12,969			14,609			27,792			25,054
	Income before income taxes	$	75,398		$	56,521		$	150,480		$	128,033
	U.S. operations	$	20,275		$	8,988		$	39,929		$	28,328
	Non-U.S. operations		2,697			2,994			5,947			5,398
	Total provision for income taxes	$	22,972		$	11,982		$	45,876		$	33,726
	Effective tax rate		30.5	%		21.2	%		30.5	%		26.3	%
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	'
		Six Months Ended
		February 28,
		2014			2013
	Current
	U.S. Federal	$	38,630		$	28,205
	U.S. state and local		2,573			2,408
	Non-U.S.		6,008			5,612
	Total current taxes	$	47,211		$	36,225
	Deferred
	U.S. Federal	$	(1,205	)	$	(2,179	)
	U.S. state and local		(69	)		(106	)
	Non-U.S.		(61	)		(214	)
	Total deferred taxes	$	(1,335	)	$	(2,499	)
	Total provision for income taxes	$	45,876		$	33,726
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets [Table Text Block]	'
		28-Feb-14			31-Aug-13
	Deferred tax assets
	Current
	Receivable reserve	$	609		$	614
	Deferred rent		2,375			2,191
	Other		490			(2	)
	Net current deferred taxes	$	3,474		$	2,803
	Non-current
	Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$	7,651		$	6,329
	Deferred rent		2,772			2,772
	Stock-based compensation		18,698			19,828
	Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(9,395	)		(8,401	)
	Other		2,145			1,495
	Net non-current deferred taxes	$	21,871		$	22,023
	Total deferred tax assets	$	25,345		$	24,826
		28-Feb-14			31-Aug-13
	Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
	Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	$	4,497		$	2,761
	Stock-based compensation		(1,178	)		(365	)
	Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements		(596	)		0
	Total deferred tax liabilities (non-current)	$	2,723		$	2,396
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	'
	Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2013	$	5,435
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		436
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		240
	Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities		(766	)
	Unrecognized income tax benefits at February 28, 2014	$	5,345
Summary of Income Tax Examinations [Table Text Block]	'
	Major Tax Jurisdictions	Open Tax Years
	U.S.
	Federal	2010	through	2013
	State (various)	2010	through	2013
	Europe
	France	2010	through	2013
	United Kingdom	2011	through	2013

Note_16_Commitments_and_Contin1

Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	'
	Years Ended August 31,	Minimum Lease
		Payments
	2014 (remaining six months)	$	14,697
	2015		25,023
	2016		18,849
	2017		22,710
	2018		21,444
	Thereafter		112,074
	Total	$	214,797

Note_4_Fair_Value_Measures_Det

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Corporate money market funds	$43,020	[1]	$156,693	[1]
Certificates of deposit	14,185	[2]	12,725	[2]
Total assets measured at fair value	57,205		169,418
Derivative instruments	2,494	[3]	7,740	[3]
Total liabilities measured at fair value	2,494		7,740
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Corporate money market funds	43,020	[1]	156,693	[1]
Certificates of deposit	0	[2]	0	[2]
Total assets measured at fair value	43,020		156,693
Derivative instruments	0	[3]	0	[3]
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0		0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Corporate money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Certificates of deposit	14,185	[2]	12,725	[2]
Total assets measured at fair value	14,185		12,725
Derivative instruments	2,494	[3]	7,740	[3]
Total liabilities measured at fair value	2,494		7,740
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]	'		'
Corporate money market funds	0	[1]	0	[1]
Certificates of deposit	0	[2]	0	[2]
Total assets measured at fair value	0		0
Derivative instruments	0	[3]	0	[3]
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$0		$0
[1]	The Company's corporate money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value. As such, the Company's corporate money market funds are classified as Level 1 and included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet.
[2]	The Company's certificates of deposit held to maturity are not debt securities and are classified as Level 2. These certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
[3]	The Company utilizes the income approach to measure fair value for its derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts). The income approach uses pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as spot, forward and interest rates, as well as credit default swap spreads and therefore are classified as Level 2.

Note_4_Fair_Value_Measures_Det1

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$43,020	$156,693
Investments (short-term)	14,185	12,725
Total assets measured at fair value	57,205	169,418
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (derivative liabilities)	1,316	3,085
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	1,178	4,655
Total liabilities measured at fair value	2,494	7,740
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	43,020	156,693
Investments (short-term)	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	43,020	156,693
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (derivative liabilities)	0	0
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments (short-term)	14,185	12,725
Total assets measured at fair value	14,185	12,725
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (derivative liabilities)	1,316	3,085
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	1,178	4,655
Total liabilities measured at fair value	2,494	7,740
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Investments (short-term)	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value	0	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (derivative liabilities)	0	0
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$0	$0

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments_1

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	Through The End Of The Second Quarter Of Fiscal 2016 [Member]	Through The End Of Fiscal 2014 [Member]	India, Rupees	India, Rupees	India, Rupees	Philippines, Pesos	Philippines, Pesos	Philippines, Pesos
			India, Rupees	Philippines, Pesos	USD ($)	INR	USD ($)	USD ($)	PHP	USD ($)
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percent Of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged	'	'	75.00%	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	$60,085,000	$69,524,000	'	'	$47,735,000	3,100,000,000	$47,388,000	$12,350,000	'	$11,700,000
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	-2,494,000	-7,740,000	'	'	-2,364,000	3,100,000,000	-7,693,000	-130,000	'	-178,000
Foreign Currency Derivatives at Fair Value, Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-100,000	547,100,000	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,300,000	'	'

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments_2

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	USD ($)	India, Rupees	India, Rupees	India, Rupees	Philippines, Pesos	Philippines, Pesos	United Kingdom, Pounds	United Kingdom, Pounds
			USD ($)	INR	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross Notional Value	$60,085	$69,524	$47,735	3,100,000	$47,388	$12,350	$11,700	$0	$10,436
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	($2,494)	($7,740)	($2,364)	3,100,000	($7,693)	($130)	($178)	$0	$131

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments_3

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments and Gains (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments and Gains [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$2,726	$7,871
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments and Gains [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	1,316	3,085
Deferred Rent and Other Non-current Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments and Gains [Line Items]	'	'
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	$1,178	$4,655

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments_4

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	$761	$228	$4,988	$1,798
Foreign currency forward contracts	$143	$94	($257)	($397)

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments_5

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Offsetting of Derivative Instruments (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]	'		'
Fair value of assets	$0		$131
Fair value of assets	0		0
Fair value of assets	0		131
Fair value of liabilities	-2,726		-7,871
Fair value of liabilities	232		0
Fair value of liabilities	-2,494	[1]	-7,740	[1]
Total	-2,726		-7,740
Total	232		0
Total	($2,494)		($7,740)
[1]	The Company utilizes the income approach to measure fair value for its derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts). The income approach uses pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as spot, forward and interest rates, as well as credit default swap spreads and therefore are classified as Level 2.

Note_6_Other_Comprehensive_Inc2

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income and Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2013
Components of Other Comprehensive Income and Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'		'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$3,506		($4,731)		$11,654		($1,657)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,506		-4,731		11,654		-1,657
Realized gain on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)	-143	[1]	-94	[1]	257	[1]	397	[1]
Realized gain on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)	-89	[1]	-58	[1]	161	[1]	247	[1]
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	761		228		4,988		1,798
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	476		142		3,123		1,124
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4,124		-4,597		16,899		538
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$3,893		($4,647)		$14,938		($286)
[1]	Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Note_6_Other_Comprehensive_Inc3

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - The Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
The Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax	($1,562)	($4,847)
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments	-14,672	-26,326
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	($16,234)	($31,173)

Note_7_Segment_Information_Det

Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$287,545	$244,573
United States [Member]	'	'
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill (in Dollars)	179,434	167,822
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	62.00%	'
European Union [Member]	'	'
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	37.00%	'
Asia Pacific [Member]	'	'
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$3,198	$3,327
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	1.00%	'

Note_7_Segment_Information_Det1

Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) - Results of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from clients	$226,934	$213,083	$449,909	$424,167	'
Segment operating profit	75,054	56,164	149,795	127,248	'
Total assets	653,965	669,978	653,965	669,978	690,197
Capital expenditures	2,594	2,987	8,032	9,084	'
UNITED STATES	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from clients	154,266	146,034	307,178	289,975	'
Segment operating profit	41,935	24,525	82,725	64,125	'
Total assets	378,440	441,575	378,440	441,575	'
Capital expenditures	2,186	2,032	7,430	5,309	'
Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from clients	56,023	51,650	109,728	103,280	'
Segment operating profit	24,178	24,219	50,423	48,942	'
Total assets	218,671	176,317	218,671	176,317	'
Capital expenditures	106	164	192	717	'
Asia Pacific [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues from clients	16,645	15,399	33,003	30,912	'
Segment operating profit	8,941	7,420	16,647	14,181	'
Total assets	56,854	52,086	56,854	52,086	'
Capital expenditures	$302	$791	$410	$3,058	'

Note_8_Business_Combinations_D

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 02, 2013

Sep. 02, 2013

Sep. 02, 2013

Sep. 02, 2013

Sep. 02, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Revere Data, LLC [Member]

Revere Data, LLC [Member]

Revere Data, LLC [Member]

Revere Data, LLC [Member]

Revere Data, LLC [Member]

Revere Data, LLC [Member]

Matrix Data Limited [Member]

Matrix Data Limited [Member]

Matrix Data Limited [Member]

Matrix Data Limited [Member]

Matrix Data Limited [Member]

Matrix Data Limited [Member]

Data Content [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Data Content [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Software Technology [Member]

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business Combination, Consideration Transferred (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

$15.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

$32.10

Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

4.9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

4.1

4.1

'

'

'

'

'

9.1

Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life

'5 years

'7 years

'2 years

'4 years

'

'

'5 years

'7 years

'3 years

'3 years

'5 years

'

Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

11.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.6

Subscription and Circulation Revenue (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7.30

Note_8_Business_Combinations_D1

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$287,545	$244,573
Revere Data, LLC [Member] | Data Content [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable Intangible Assets	2,799	'
Revere Data, LLC [Member] | Client Relationships [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable Intangible Assets	827	'
Revere Data, LLC [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable Intangible Assets	162	'
Revere Data, LLC [Member] | Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable Intangible Assets	293	'
Revere Data, LLC [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Tangible assets acquired	544	'
Goodwill	11,612	'
Total assets acquired	16,237	'
Liabilities assumed	-949	'
Net assets acquired	15,288	'
Matrix Data Limited [Member] | Data Content [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable Intangible Assets	3,508	'
Matrix Data Limited [Member] | Client Relationships [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable Intangible Assets	3,060	'
Matrix Data Limited [Member] | Non-Compete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable Intangible Assets	746	'
Matrix Data Limited [Member] | Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable Intangible Assets	149	'
Matrix Data Limited [Member] | Software Technology [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Amortizable Intangible Assets	1,638	'
Matrix Data Limited [Member]	'	'
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]	'	'
Tangible assets acquired	7,495	'
Goodwill	25,588	'
Total assets acquired	42,184	'
Liabilities assumed	-10,093	'
Net assets acquired	$32,091	'

Note_9_Goodwill_Details

Note 9 - Goodwill (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
Number of Reportable Segments	3

Note_9_Goodwill_Details_Change

Note 9 - Goodwill (Details) - Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance	$244,573
Goodwill acquired during the period	37,200
Foreign currency translations	5,772
Balance	287,545
United States [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance	167,822
Goodwill acquired during the period	11,612
Foreign currency translations	0
Balance	179,434
Europe [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance	73,424
Goodwill acquired during the period	25,588
Foreign currency translations	5,901
Balance	104,913
Asia Pacific [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance	3,327
Goodwill acquired during the period	0
Foreign currency translations	-129
Balance	$3,198

Note_10_Intangible_Assets_Deta

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Sep. 02, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014
					Revere Data, LLC [Member]	Revere Data, LLC [Member]	Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	'	'	'11 years 36 days	'	'	'5 years 73 days	'5 years 6 months
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	'	'	'	'	$4.10	$4.10	$9.10
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$2.20	$1.90	$3.90	$3.80	'	'	'

Note_10_Intangible_Assets_Deta1

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Identifiable Intangible Assets (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$111,593	$95,926
Accumulated Amortization	64,203	59,703
Net Carrying Amount	47,390	36,223
Data Content [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	58,009	49,185
Accumulated Amortization	25,458	22,419
Net Carrying Amount	32,551	26,766
Client Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	26,322	22,915
Accumulated Amortization	16,524	16,185
Net Carrying Amount	9,798	6,730
Software Technology [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	22,979	20,914
Accumulated Amortization	19,819	19,126
Net Carrying Amount	3,160	1,788
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	3,080	2,154
Accumulated Amortization	1,628	1,293
Net Carrying Amount	1,452	861
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,203	758
Accumulated Amortization	774	680
Net Carrying Amount	$429	$78

Note_10_Intangible_Assets_Deta2

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Estimated Amortization Expense (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated Amortization Expense [Abstract]	'
2014 (remaining six months)	$4,410
2015	7,782
2016	6,040
2017	5,735
2018	5,210
Thereafter	18,213
Total	$47,390

Note_11_Common_Stock_and_Earni2

Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 11, 2014	Mar. 18, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 11, 2014
		Subsequent Event [Member]	Equity Option [Member]	Equity Option [Member]	Equity Option [Member]	Equity Option [Member]	Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]	Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]	Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]	Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]	Per Annum [Member]
Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid (in Dollars per share)	$0.35	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1.40
Dividends, Cash (in Dollars)	'	$14,800	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	'	'	49,738	476,657	0	465,332	1,394,821	1,920,874	1,394,821	1,920,874	'

Note_11_Common_Stock_and_Earni3

Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - Shares of Common Stock Outstanding	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Shares of Common Stock Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'
Balance at September 1	43,324,410	44,279,000
Common stock issued for employee stock plans	368,000	780,000
Repurchase of common stock	-1,330,000	-1,480,000
Balance at February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively	42,361,734	43,579,000

Note_11_Common_Stock_and_Earni4

Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Basic EPS	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Numerator) (in Dollars)	$52,426	$44,539	$104,604	$94,307
Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)	42,547	43,813	42,840	44,065
Per Share Amount (in Dollars per share)	$1.23	$1.02	$2.44	$2.14
Diluted EPS	'	'	'	'
Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)	560	642	592	723
Net Income (Numerator) (in Dollars)	$52,426	$44,539	$104,604	$94,307
Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)	43,107	44,455	43,432	44,788
Per Share Amount (in Dollars per share)	$1.22	$1	$2.41	$2.11

Note_12_Stockholders_Equity_De

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 16, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]	'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	'	10,000,000		'	10,000,000	'	10,000,000	'
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)	'	$0.01		'	$0.01	'	$0.01	'
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	'	150,000,000		'	150,000,000	'	150,000,000	'
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)	'	$0.01		'	$0.01	'	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	'	48,499,353		'	48,499,353	'	48,110,740	'
Treasury Stock, Shares	'	6,137,619		'	6,137,619	'	4,786,330	'
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	'	42,361,734		'	42,361,734	43,579,000	43,324,410	44,279,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount (in Dollars)	$300	'		'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	'	'		'	1,330,000	1,480,000	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)	'	'		'	218.6	'	'	'
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	'	'		'	21,289	'	'	'
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	'	'		'	2.3	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	'	17,000	[1]	63,000	'	'	'	'
Previously Granted Awards [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]	'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	'	'		'	79,774	'	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]	'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	'	'		'	21,289	50,144	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	'	17,230		'	204,124	148,969	'	'
Share Repurchase Program [Member]	'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]	'	'		'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	'	'		'	1,330,000	'	'	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value (in Dollars)	'	'		'	$143.80	'	'	'
[1]	The total 17,230 restricted stock awards that vested during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 related to awards granted on February 9, 2010 at the grant date price of $63.09. These restricted stock awards cliff vest 50% after four years (on February 9, 2014) and the remaining 50% will vest after six years on February 9, 2016. The awards were amortized to expense over the vesting period using the straight-line attribution method.

Note_12_Stockholders_Equity_De1

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014
February 11, 2014 Declaration Date [Member]	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]	'
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.35
Record Date	28-Feb-14
Total $ Amount	$14,827
Payment Date	18-Mar-14
November 14, 2013 Declaration Date [Member]	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]	'
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.35
Record Date	29-Nov-13
Total $ Amount	15,046
Payment Date	17-Dec-13
August 15, 2013 Declaration Date [Member]	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]	'
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.35
Record Date	31-Aug-13
Total $ Amount	15,164
Payment Date	17-Sep-13
May 14, 2013 Declaration Date [Member]	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]	'
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.35
Record Date	31-May-13
Total $ Amount	15,413
Payment Date	18-Jun-13
February 21, 2013 Declaration Date [Member]	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]	'
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.31
Record Date	28-Feb-13
Total $ Amount	13,510
Payment Date	19-Mar-13
November 15, 2012 Declaration Date [Member]	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]	'
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.31
Record Date	30-Nov-12
Total $ Amount	13,746
Payment Date	18-Dec-12
August 8, 2012 Declaration Date [Member]	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]	'
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.31
Record Date	31-Aug-12
Total $ Amount	13,727
Payment Date	18-Sep-12
May 8, 2012 Declaration Date [Member]	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]	'
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.31
Record Date	31-May-12
Total $ Amount	13,893
Payment Date	19-Jun-12
February 14, 2012 Declaration Date [Member]	'
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]	'
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.27
Record Date	29-Feb-12
Total $ Amount	$12,085
Payment Date	20-Mar-12

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_2

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jan. 15, 2014

Jan. 15, 2013

Jul. 31, 2012

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Dec. 16, 2008

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 02, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 09, 2016

Feb. 09, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2012

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Unamortized [Member]

Financial Performance Level One [Member]

After Three Years [Member]

After Three Years [Member]

After Five Years [Member]

After Five Years [Member]

In-The-Money Stock Options [Member]

In-The-Money Stock Options [Member]

July 2012 Performance Based Option Grant Review [Member]

Other Performace-Based Options [Member]

Other Performace-Based Options [Member]

Other Performace-Based Options [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Other Restricted Stock Awards [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Granted Without Performance Conditions [Member]

Granted Without Performance Conditions [Member]

Majority of Options Granted with Performance Conditions [Member]

Majority of Options Granted with Performance Conditions [Member]

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

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

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

July 2012 Performance Based Option Grant Review [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Other Restricted Stock Awards [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Other Restricted Stock Awards [Member]

Matrix Data Limited [Member]

Revere Data, LLC [Member]

Matrix Data Limited [Member]

Revere Data, LLC [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Option Expiration Term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'10 years

'7 years

'10 years

'

'

'

Stock Option Vesting Rate After First Year of Grant Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.67%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Option Vesting Rate for First Two Years for Grant Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

40.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.67%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

14,424

18,781

241,546

'

'

'

391,478

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

165,949

36,695

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,011,510

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

$106.73

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$89.50

$78.56

$88.22

$78.55

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,200,000

1,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$65.27

$59.70

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$86,900,000

$82,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$105.29

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

9,000,000

'

18,500,000

16,000,000

30,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percent of Performance-Based Stock Options Expected to Vest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

18,553

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

202,302

'

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

'

'

'

12,600,000

'

'

12,600,000

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,800,000

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years 255 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 6 months

'

'

'4 years 6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years 328 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 255 days

'

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

'

'

'

17,000

[1]

63,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,230

204,124

148,969

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

$100.70

$102.27

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$102.22

'

$101.95

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

$60.28

[1]

$83.49

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$63.09

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vesting Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

60.00%

60.00%

40.00%

40.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

42,000

162,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,144

7,744

153,972

12,264

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

83,241

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

368,000

780,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,166

21,389

36,529

39,491

'

'

'

'

'

'

36,529

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$89.50

$78.56

'

$78.55

'

'

'

'

'

'

$88.18

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,700,000

$3,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

The total 17,230 restricted stock awards that vested during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 related to awards granted on February 9, 2010 at the grant date price of $63.09. These restricted stock awards cliff vest 50% after four years (on February 9, 2014) and the remaining 50% will vest after six years on February 9, 2016. The awards were amortized to expense over the vesting period using the straight-line attribution method.

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_3

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity (USD $)	0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 15, 2014	Jan. 15, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number outstanding	'	'	'	4,655,000	4,729,000	4,729,000
Weighted average exercise price per share	'	'	'	$76.94	$75.95	$75.95
Granted, Number outstanding	14,424	18,781	241,546	'	'	391,478
Granted, Weighted average exercise price per share	'	'	'	'	'	$106.73
Exercised, Number outstanding	'	'	'	-136,000	-136,000	'
Exercised, Weighted average exercise price per share	'	'	'	$40.99	$59.38	'
Forfeited, Number outstanding	'	'	'	-24,000	-10,000	'
Forfeited, Weighted average exercise price per share	'	'	'	$86.75	$79.22	'
Number outstanding	'	'	'	4,814,000	4,655,000	4,814,000
Weighted average exercise price per share	'	'	'	$82.56	$76.94	$82.56
Non-Performance Based [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted, Number outstanding	'	'	'	139,000	36,000	'
Granted, Weighted average exercise price per share	'	'	'	$102.01	$108.64	'
Performance Based [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted, Number outstanding	'	'	'	166,000	36,000	'
Granted, Weighted average exercise price per share	'	'	'	$109.39	$110.31	'
Non-Employee Director Grant [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Granted, Number outstanding	'	'	'	14,000	'	'
Granted, Weighted average exercise price per share	'	'	'	$107.65	'	'

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_4

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Change in the Actual Financial Performance Level (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Change in the Actual Financial Performance Level [Line Items]	'
Total unamortized stock-based compensation expense	$12,600,000
Financial Performance Level One [Member] | November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-Based Option Grant Review [Member]	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Change in the Actual Financial Performance Level [Line Items]	'
Vesting percentage	0.00%
Total unamortized stock-based compensation expense	0
One-time adjustment	-1,907,000	[1]
Average remaining quarterly expense to be recognized	0
Financial Performance Level Two [Member] | November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-Based Option Grant Review [Member]	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Change in the Actual Financial Performance Level [Line Items]	'
Vesting percentage	20.00%
Total unamortized stock-based compensation expense	2,840,000
One-time adjustment	0	[1]
Average remaining quarterly expense to be recognized	194,000
Financial Performance Level Three [Member] | November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-Based Option Grant Review [Member]	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Change in the Actual Financial Performance Level [Line Items]	'
Vesting percentage	60.00%
Total unamortized stock-based compensation expense	8,521,000
One-time adjustment	3,814,000	[1]
Average remaining quarterly expense to be recognized	582,000
Financial Performance Level Four [Member] | November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-Based Option Grant Review [Member]	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Change in the Actual Financial Performance Level [Line Items]	'
Vesting percentage	100.00%
Total unamortized stock-based compensation expense	14,202,000
One-time adjustment	7,628,000	[1]
Average remaining quarterly expense to be recognized	$970,000
[1]	Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of February 28, 2014.

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_5

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense (July 2012 Performance Based [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014
Financial Performance Level One [Member]	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]	'
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment	'	[1]
Remaining Expense to be Recognized	'	[2]
Financial Performance Level Two [Member]	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]	'
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment	-516	[1]
Remaining Expense to be Recognized	1,084
Financial Performance Level Three [Member]	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]	'
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment	640	[1]
Remaining Expense to be Recognized	2,044
Financial Performance Level Four [Member]	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]	'
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment	1,212	[1]
Remaining Expense to be Recognized	3,072
Financial Performance Level Five [Member]	'
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]	'
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment	1,939	[1]
Remaining Expense to be Recognized	$3,945
[1]	Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of February 28, 2014.
[2]	The first 20% of the grant vested during fiscal 2013, and as such, there is no remaining expense to be recognized as of February 28, 2014.

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_6

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Restricted Stock Award (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013
Summary of Restricted Stock Award [Abstract]	'		'
Balance	455		358
Balance	$87.69		$80.43
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)	42		162
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)	$100.70		$102.27
Vested	-17	[1]	-63
Vested	$60.28	[1]	$83.49
Canceled/forfeited	-4		-2
Canceled/forfeited	$97.28		$69.27
Balance	476		455
Balance	$89.79		$87.69
[1]	The total 17,230 restricted stock awards that vested during the second quarter of fiscal 2014 related to awards granted on February 9, 2010 at the grant date price of $63.09. These restricted stock awards cliff vest 50% after four years (on February 9, 2014) and the remaining 50% will vest after six years on February 9, 2016. The awards were amortized to expense over the vesting period using the straight-line attribution method.

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_7

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 02, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Employee Option Plan [Member]

Employee Option Plan [Member]

Employee Option Plan [Member]

Employee Option Plan [Member]

Employee Option Plan [Member]

Employee Option Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

Employee Option Plan [Member]

Employee Option Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]

Non-Employee Director Grant [Member]

Performance Based [Member]

Performance Based [Member]

Non-Performance Based [Member]

Non-Employee Director Grant [Member]

Performance Based [Member]

Performance Based [Member]

Non-Performance Based [Member]

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,656,000

3,116,000

'

'

'

'

107,000

107,000

Granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-36,000

-166,000

-36,000

-139,000

'

'

0

0

0

-14,000

'

'

Granted

-42,000

-162,000

-106,000

[1]

-404,000

[1]

0

[1]

0

[1]

-153,972

-12,264

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited

24,000

10,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35,000

[1]

16,000

[1]

'

'

'

'

9,000

[1]

0

[1]

Balance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,280,000

2,656,000

'

'

'

'

102,000

107,000

[1]

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

Note_14_StockBased_Compensatio2

Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jan. 15, 2014

Jan. 15, 2013

Jul. 31, 2012

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Dec. 16, 2008

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Feb. 28, 2014

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Performance Based [Member]

Performance Based [Member]

Performance Based [Member]

Performance Based [Member]

Performance Based [Member]

Performance Based [Member]

Performance Based [Member]

Non-Performance Based [Member]

Non-Performance Based [Member]

Performance and Non-Performance [Member]

Performance and Non-Performance [Member]

Performance and Non-Performance [Member]

Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Non-Performance Based [Member]

Performance Based [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Market Metrics [Member]

Market Metrics [Member]

Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$15,700,000

'

'

'

$21,200,000

$26,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000

$300,000

'

'

'

'

$5,500,000

$10,600,000

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

'

'

'

$12,600,000

'

'

$63,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'4 years 255 days

'

'

'3 years 6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

14,424

18,781

241,546

391,478

'

'

'

'

36,695

9,367

1,011,510

'

'

35,508

635,308

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

138,902

165,949

'

'

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

'

'

'

$106.73

'

'

'

'

'

$92.55

'

'

'

'

'

$106.03

$109.49

$92.22

'

$89.50

$78.56

$88.22

$78.55

'

'

'

'

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

$27.04

$24.23

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$26.69

'

'

'

'

'

$29.14

$31.78

$26.87

'

$19.04

$15.18

$17.96

$15.44

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance (in Shares)

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans (in Shares)

'

'

'

368,000

780,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,166

21,389

36,529

39,491

'

'

'

'

Note_14_StockBased_Compensatio3

Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions Of Employee Stock Options (USD $)

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jan. 15, 2014

Jan. 15, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions Of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term structure of risk-free interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.01%

0.16%

0.01%

0.16%

2.48%

1.91%

2.61%

1.91%

Expected life (in years)

'

'

'

'7 years 219 days

'7 years 219 days

'

'

'

'

'7 years 219 days

'7 years 219 days

'

'

'7 years 292 days

'7 years 292 days

Term structure of volatility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

23.00%

24.00%

23.00%

24.00%

32.00%

33.00%

33.00%

33.00%

Dividend yield

'

'

'

1.35%

1.30%

1.35%

1.30%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average estimated fair value (in Dollars per share)

$27.04

$24.23

'

$29.14

$26.69

$29.64

$26.87

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average exercise price (in Dollars per share)

'

'

$106.73

$106.03

$92.55

$106.69

$92.22

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value as a percentage of exercise price

'

'

'

27.50%

28.80%

27.80%

29.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Note_14_StockBased_Compensatio4

Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions (Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member])	0 Months Ended
	Jan. 15, 2014	Jan. 15, 2013
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]	'	'
Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	1.66%	0.89%
Expected life (in years)	'5 years 146 days	'5 years 146 days
Expected volatility	28.90%	32.30%
Dividend yield	1.35%	1.30%

Note_14_StockBased_Compensatio5

Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions, Employee (Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member])	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Note 14 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions, Employee [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.05%	0.08%	0.05%	0.09%
Expected life (in months)	'3 years	'3 years	'3 years	'3 years
Expected volatility	10.30%	9.20%	9.60%	9.70%
Dividend yield	1.23%	1.34%	1.29%	1.33%

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits (in Dollars)	$5,345,000	'	$5,345,000	'	$5,435,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued (in Dollars)	$1,300,000	'	$1,300,000	'	'

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_P

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Provision for Income Taxes by Geographic Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Provision for Income Taxes by Geographic Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
U.S. operations	$62,429	$41,912	$122,688	$102,979
Non-U.S. operations	12,969	14,609	27,792	25,054
Income before income taxes	75,398	56,521	150,480	128,033
U.S. operations	20,275	8,988	39,929	28,328
Non-U.S. operations	2,697	2,994	5,947	5,398
Total provision for income taxes	$22,972	$11,982	$45,876	$33,726
Effective tax rate	30.50%	21.20%	30.50%	26.30%

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_C

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of the Provision for Income Taxes (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Current	'	'	'	'
U.S. Federal	'	'	$38,630	$28,205
U.S. state and local	'	'	2,573	2,408
Non-U.S.	'	'	6,008	5,612
Total current taxes	'	'	47,211	36,225
Deferred	'	'	'	'
U.S. Federal	'	'	-1,205	-2,179
U.S. state and local	'	'	-69	-106
Non-U.S.	'	'	-61	-214
Total deferred taxes	'	'	-1,335	-2,499
Total provision for income taxes	$22,972	$11,982	$45,876	$33,726

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_S

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current	'	'
Receivable reserve	$609	$614
Deferred rent	2,375	2,191
Other	490	-2
Net current deferred taxes	3,474	2,803
Non-current	'	'
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	7,651	6,329
Deferred rent	2,772	2,772
Stock-based compensation	18,698	19,828
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	-9,395	-8,401
Other	2,145	1,495
Net non-current deferred taxes	21,871	22,023
Total deferred tax assets	25,345	24,826
Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)	'	'
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	4,497	2,761
Stock-based compensation	-1,178	-365
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	-596	0
Total deferred tax liabilities (non-current)	$2,723	$2,396

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_R

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]	'
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$5,435
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	436
Additions for tax positions of prior years	240
Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities	-766
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$5,345

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_M

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Major Tax Jurisdictions In Which The Company And Affiliates Operate And The Earliest Tax Year Subject to Examination	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
Federal [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'
Open Tax Years	'2010	'2013
State (Various) [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'
Open Tax Years	'2010	'2013
France [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'
Open Tax Years	'2010	'2013
United Kingdom [Member]	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'
Open Tax Years	'2011	'2013

Note_16_Commitments_and_Contin2

Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
					sqft
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$214,797,000	'	$214,797,000	'	'
Area of Real Estate Increase (Decrease) (in Square Feet)	'	'	'	'	11,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	9,400,000	9,100,000	18,300,000	18,400,000	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	'	'	'	'	1,800,000
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount	'	'	'	'	50,200,000
Largest Individual Client Percent Of Total Subscriptions	2.00%	'	2.00%	'	'
Percentage Of Subscription From Ten Largest Clients	15.00%	'	15.00%	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	1,700,000	'	1,700,000	'	1,600,000
Norwalk, Connecticut [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet)	193,000	'	193,000	'	'
NEW YORK	'	'	'	'	'
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet)	821,000	'	821,000	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$93,700,000	'	$93,700,000	'	'

Note_16_Commitments_and_Contin3

Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Future Minimum Lease Commitments (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Minimum Lease Commitments [Abstract]	'
2014 (remaining six months)	$14,697
2015	25,023
2016	18,849
2017	22,710
2018	21,444
Thereafter	112,074
Total	$214,797