FactSet Research Systems (FDS) 10-Q 9 Jan 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	FACTSET RESEARCH SYSTEMS INC
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-23
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,707,175
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	1013237
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	30-Nov-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Revenues	$242,676	$222,975
Operating expenses
Cost of services	97,543	83,250
Selling, general and administrative	64,873	64,985
Total operating expenses	162,416	148,235
Operating income	80,260	74,740
Other income	430	341
Income before income taxes	80,690	75,081
Provision for income taxes	24,830	22,903
Net income	$55,860	$52,178
Basic earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$1.34	$1.21
Diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$1.32	$1.19
Basic weighted average common shares (in Shares)	41,683	43,134
Diluted weighted average common shares (in Shares)	42,340	43,773
Cash dividends declared per common share (in Dollars per share)	$0.39	$0.35

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013
Net income	$55,860		$52,178
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges*	-112	[1]	2,647	[1]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-13,555		8,148
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-13,667		10,795
Comprehensive income	$42,193		$62,973
[1]	For the three months ended November 30, 2014, the unrealized loss on cash flow hedges was net tax benefits of $67.The unrealized gain on cash flow hedges disclosed above for the three months ended November 30, 2013 was net tax expense of $1,980.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Tax expense on the net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges	($67)	$1,980

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$115,235	$116,378
Investments	24,727	20,008
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $1,649 at November 30, 2014 and $1,662 at August 31, 2014	88,453	90,354
Prepaid taxes	0	6,532
Deferred taxes	1,985	1,841
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	15,332	14,662
Total current assets	245,732	249,775
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost	197,483	201,713
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-141,575	-144,072
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	55,908	57,641
Goodwill	279,421	285,608
Intangible assets, net	38,075	41,855
Deferred taxes	21,714	22,377
Other assets	5,629	5,956
TOTAL ASSETS	646,479	663,212
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	30,996	26,971
Accrued compensation	18,989	42,481
Deferred fees	34,529	36,504
Taxes payable	19,627	5,036
Deferred taxes	210	0
Dividends payable	16,216	16,299
Total current liabilities	120,567	127,291
Deferred taxes	2,533	2,921
Taxes payable	5,845	5,501
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	15,901	16,417
TOTAL LIABILITIES	144,846	152,130
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, 49,293,340 and 49,110,218 shares issued; 41,578,905 and 41,792,802 shares outstanding at November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, respectively	493	491
Additional paid-in capital	428,865	413,754
Treasury stock, at cost: 7,714,435 and 7,317,416 shares at November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, respectively	-785,286	-734,746
Retained earnings	889,149	849,504
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-31,588	-17,921
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	501,633	511,082
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$646,479	$663,212

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts receivable, reserves (in Dollars)	$1,649	$1,662
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	49,293,340	49,110,218
Common stock, shares outstanding	41,578,905	41,792,802
Treasury stock shares	7,714,435	7,317,416

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$55,860	$52,178
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	8,216	8,763
Stock-based compensation expense	5,277	5,116
Deferred income taxes	341	-679
Loss (gain) on sale of assets	24	-23
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	-2,458	-2,144
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of an acquisition
Accounts receivable, net of reserves	1,627	-2,612
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	4,548	-316
Accrued compensation	-23,061	-21,213
Deferred fees	-1,696	-94
Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes	23,667	19,108
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-1,011	3,036
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	-166	-3,280
Other working capital accounts, net	0	299
Net cash provided by operating activities	71,168	58,139
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	0	-15,288
Purchases of investments	-12,437	-7,172
Proceeds from sales of investments	7,535	6,871
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of proceeds from dispositions	-4,814	-5,438
Net cash used in investing activities	-9,716	-21,027
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividend payments	-16,184	-15,064
Repurchase of common stock	-50,539	-60,062
Proceeds from employee stock plans	7,381	9,484
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	2,458	2,144
Net cash used in financing activities	-56,884	-63,498
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-5,711	3,780
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-1,143	-22,606
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	116,378	196,627
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$115,235	$174,021

Note_1_Organization_and_Nature

Note 1 - Organization and Nature of Business	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 November 30, 2014 and for the three months ended November 30, 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, 2014 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, 2014.
	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	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Table Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	New Accounting Standards or Updates Recently Adopted
	As of the beginning of fiscal 2015, FactSet implemented all new accounting standards and updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that were in effect. There were no new standards or updates adopted during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 that had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
	RecentAccounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective
	Reporting Discontinued Operations
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the accounting standard update, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when either it qualifies as held for sale, disposed of by sale, or disposed of other than by sale. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2016.
	Revenue Recognition
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which provides clarified principles for recognizing revenue arising from contracts with clients and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to clients in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the revenue model to contracts within its scope, an entity will identify the contract with a client, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.
	Going Concern
	In August 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires management to evaluate and disclose whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after financial statements are issued. The evaluation and disclosure will be required to be made for both annual and interim reporting periods, if applicable, along with an evaluation as to whether management’s plans alleviate that doubt. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.
	No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of November 30, 2014 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note_4_Fair_Value_Measures

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 November 30, 2014 or August 31, 2014.
	(b) Assetsand Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The following tables shows by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014 (in thousands):
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	30-Nov-14		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Corporate money market funds (1)		$	74,138	$	0	$	0	$	74,138
	Certificates of deposit (2)			0		24,727		0		24,727
	Derivative instruments (3)			0		1,213		0		1,213
	Total assets measured at fair value		$	74,138	$	25,940	$	0	$	100,078
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)		$	0	$	577	$	0	$	577
	Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	0	$	577	$	0	$	577
			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	31-Aug-14		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Corporate money market funds (1)		$	75,363	$	0	$	0	$	75,363
	Certificates of deposit (2)			0		20,008		0		20,008
	Derivative instruments (3)			0		1,406		0		1,406
	Total assets measured at fair value		$	75,363	$	21,414	$	0	$	96,777
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)		$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591
	Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591
		-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 are 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.
	(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 months ended November 30, 2014, no fair value adjustments were required for the Company’s non-financial assets or liabilities.

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	Cash Flow Hedges
	FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. The Company does not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considered several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts offset the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. There was no discontinuance of cash flow hedges during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and as such, no corresponding gains or losses related to changes in the value of the Company’s contracts were reclassified into earnings prior to settlement.
	As of November 30, 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 Indian Rupee exposure during the first and second quarter of fiscal 2017. In addition, the Company held foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its Philippine Peso exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. At November 30, 2014, the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs.2.8 billion and $0.7 million, respectively. At November 30, 2014, the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos with U.S. dollars was Php426.0 million and less than ($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)	30-Nov-14				31-Aug-14				30-Nov-14				31-Aug-14
	Indian Rupee	$	41,295			$	38,479			$	695			$	700
	Philippine Peso		9,500				6,500				(59	)			115
	Total	$	50,795			$	44,979			$	636			$	815
	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		30-Nov-14				31-Aug-14
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
		Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	0			$	114
		Other assets		$	1,213				1,292
		Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
		Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	577			$	591
	All derivatives were designated as hedging instruments as of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, respectively.
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
	The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		(Loss) Gain Recognized							Location of (Loss) Gain		(Loss) Reclassified
		in AOCL on Derivatives							Reclassified from AOCL		from AOCL into Income
		(Effective Portion)							into Income		(Effective Portion)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2014				2013			(Effective Portion)		2014				2013
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(218	)		$	4,227		SG&A		$	(39	)		$	(400	)
	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 November 30, 2014, FactSet estimates that $0.6 million of net derivative losses related to its cash flow hedges included in AOCL will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.
	Offsetting of Derivative Instruments
	FactSet’s master netting and other similar arrangements with its respective counterparties allow for net settlement under certain conditions. As of November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as follows (in thousands):
		Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
	30-Nov-14	Gross Derivative				Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet				Net
		Amounts								Amounts
	Fair value of assets	$	1,213			$	0			$	1,213
	Fair value of liabilities		(713	)			136				(577	)
	Total	$	500			$	136			$	636
		Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
	31-Aug-14	Gross Derivative				Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet				Net
		Amounts								Amounts
	Fair value of assets	$	1,406			$	0			$	1,406
	Fair value of liabilities		(626	)			35				(591	)
	Total	$	780			$	35			$	815

Note_6_Other_Comprehensive_Inc

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		30-Nov-14						30-Nov-13
		Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(13,555	)	$	(13,555	)	$	8,148	$	8,148
	Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		39			24			400		252
	Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		(218	)		(136	)		4,227		2,395
	Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(13,734	)	$	(13,667	)	$	12,775	$	10,795
	(1) Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows (in thousands):
		30-Nov-14			31-Aug-14
	Accumulated unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	398		$	510
	Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(31,986	)		(18,431	)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(31,588	)	$	(17,921	)

Note_7_Segment_Information

Note 7 - Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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, product development and software engineering are the primary functional groups within the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific segments that provide global financial and economic information to investment managers, investment banks and other financial services professionals. The U.S. segment services finance professionals including financial institutions throughout the Americas, while the European and Asia Pacific segments service investment professionals located throughout Europe and Asia, respectively.
	The European segment is headquartered in London, England and maintains office locations in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Sweden, Spain, Dubai and Italy. The Asia Pacific segment is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with office locations in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and India. Segment revenues reflect direct sales to clients based in their respective geographic locations. There are no intersegment or intercompany sales of the FactSet service. Each segment records compensation, including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, marketing, office and other direct expenses. Expenditures associated with the Company’s data centers, third party data costs and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the other segments. The content collection centers located in India and the Philippines benefit all of the Company’s operating segments and thus the expenses incurred at these locations are allocated to each segment based on a percentage of revenues. Of the total $279.4 million of goodwill reported by the Company at November 30, 2014, 64% was recorded in the U.S. segment, 35% 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 by management, both in evaluating the performance of, and in allocating resources to, each of the segments (in thousands).
	For the three months ended November 30, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	163,663	$	60,610	$	18,403	$	242,676
	Segment operating profit		44,435		26,589		9,236		80,260
	Total assets		354,028		231,155		61,296		646,479
	Capital expenditures		4,325		85		404		4,814
	For the three months ended November 30, 2013	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	152,911	$	53,706	$	16,358	$	222,975
	Segment operating profit		40,790		26,245		7,705		74,740
	Total assets		408,532		210,246		52,380		671,158
	Capital expenditures		5,244		86		108		5,438

Note_8_Business_Combinations

Note 8 - Business Combinations	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	8. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
	Matrix Data Limited
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, FactSet acquired Matrix Data Limited (“Matrix”) for a total purchase price of $31.8 million. Matrix’ primary line of business is a provider of intelligence to the UK financial services industry, covering market share of mutual fund distribution. Matrix has developed customer, channel and market benchmarking solutions that help clients optimize product distribution and improve marketing effectiveness to drive revenue growth. At the time of acquisition, Matrix had annual subscriptions of $7 million. The acquisition of Matrix allows FactSet to expand its current U.S. advisor-sold investments and insurance products to the UK, with the potential to ultimately expand this coverage throughout continental Europe. The opportunity for FactSet to develop an international presence and complement its existing U.S. product offerings contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of the Matrix net tangible and intangible assets, leading to the recognition of goodwill in connection with the acquisition.
	Allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was finalized during the third quarter of fiscal 2014. There were no material adjustments between the preliminary and final allocation of purchase price. The total purchase price was allocated to Matrix’ net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition.
	The final Matrix purchase price of $31.8 million was allocated as follows (in thousands):
	Tangible assets acquired	$	7,459
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Data content		3,408
	Client relationships		2,816
	Software technology		1,708
	Trade name		670
	Non-compete agreements		147
	Goodwill		25,531
	Total assets acquired		41,739
	Liabilities assumed		(9,941	)
	Net assets acquired	$	31,798
	Intangible assets of $8.7 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of data content, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method; client relationships, amortized over eight years using an accelerated amortization method; software technology, amortized over five years using a straight-line amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over three years using a straight-line amortization method; and trade name, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method.
	Goodwill totaling $25.5 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from the Matrix acquisition is included in the European segment and is deductible for income tax purposes. The results of operations of Matrix have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the completion of the acquisition and did not have a material impact on the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of this acquisition was not material on the Company’s consolidated financial results.

Note_9_Goodwill

Note 9 - Goodwill	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]	9. GOODWILL
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the three months ended November 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		U.S.		Europe			Asia			Total
							Pacific
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	179,434	$	103,032		$	3,142		$	285,608
	Foreign currency translations		0		(5,795	)		(392	)		(6,187	)
	Balance at November 30, 2014	$	179,434	$	97,237		$	2,750		$	279,421
	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 year 2014, 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	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 November 30, 2014 was 10.9 years. The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. There have been no changes to the estimate of the remaining useful lives during fiscal 2015. 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 November 30, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Data content	$	54,722	$	28,067	$	26,655
	Client relationships		25,227		17,432		7,795
	Software technology		22,451		19,946		2,505
	Trade names		1,690		1,011		679
	Non-compete agreements		2,457		2,016		441
	Total	$	106,547	$	68,472	$	38,075
	At August 31, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Data content	$	56,974	$	27,644	$	29,330
	Client relationships		25,821		17,443		8,378
	Software technology		22,881		20,089		2,792
	Non-compete agreements		2,465		1,881		584
	Trade names		1,729		958		771
	Total	$	109,870	$	68,015	$	41,855
	Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets was $2.1 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of November 30, 2014, estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization
		Expense
	2015 (remaining nine months)	$	5,388
	2016		5,657
	2017		5,575
	2018		4,464
	2019		3,205
	Thereafter		13,786
	Total	$	38,075

Note_11_Common_Stock_and_Earni

Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	11. COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
	On November 12, 2014, FactSet’s Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share, or $1.56 per share per annum. The cash dividend of $16.2 million was paid on December 16, 2014 to common stockholders of record on November 28, 2014.
	Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		November 30,
		2014			2013
	Balance at September 1		41,793			43,324
	Common stock issued for employee stock plans		183			215
	Repurchase of common stock from employees*		(17	)		(21	)
	Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		(380	)		(530	)
	Balance at November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively		41,579			42,988
	* For the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased 17,165 and 20,777 shares, or $2.2 million and $2.3 million, of common stock, respectively, in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock.
	A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
					Weighted
		Net Income			Average Common Shares			Per Share
		(Numerator)			(Denominator)			Amount
	For the three months ended November 30, 2014
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	55,860			41,683		$	1.34
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					657
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	55,860			42,340		$	1.32
	For the three months ended November 30, 2013
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	52,178			43,134		$	1.21
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					639
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	52,178			43,773		$	1.19
	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 November 30, 2014 was 154,304 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. No stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per shares for the three months ended November 30, 2013 because no outstanding stock options were determined to be anti-dilutive. The number of restricted stock awards excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended November 30, 2014 was 3,408 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive, while 386,237 restricted stock awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended November 30, 2013.
	For the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013 the number of performance-based stock option grants excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 380,653 and 1,237,514, respectively. Performance-based stock options are omitted from the calculation of diluted earnings per share until the performance criteria have been met.

Note_12_Stockholders_Equity

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Preferred Stock
	At November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, there were 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which no shares were issued and outstanding. FactSet’s Board of Directors may from time to time authorize the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock and, in connection with the creation of such series, determine the characteristics of each such series including, without limitation, the preference and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the series.
	Common Stock
	At November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, there were 150,000,000 shares of common stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which 49,293,340 and 49,110,218 shares were issued, respectively. The authorized shares of common stock are issuable for any proper corporate purpose, including future stock splits, stock dividends, acquisitions, raising equity capital or to adopt additional employee benefit plans.
	Treasury Stock
	At November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, there were 7,714,435 and 7,317,416 shares of treasury stock (at cost) outstanding, respectively. As a result, 41,578,905 and 41,792,802 shares of FactSet common stock were outstanding at November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, respectively.
	Share Repurchase Program
	FactSet repurchased 379,854 shares for $48.4 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2015. On December 15, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $300 million expansion of the existing share repurchase program. Including this expansion, $338.7 million is now available 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 379,854 shares under the existing share repurchase program, FactSet repurchased 17,165 shares for $2.2 million from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon the vesting of previously granted restricted stock during the first three months of fiscal 2015, as compared to 20,777 shares for $2.3 million in the year ago first quarter.
	Restricted Stock
	Restricted stock awards entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. During the first three months of fiscal 2015, 53,495 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of November 30, 2014 (less 17,165 shares repurchased from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). During the same period in fiscal 2014, 62,544 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of November 30, 2013 (less 20,777 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
	12-Nov-14	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	28-Nov-14	$	16,216	16-Dec-14
	14-Aug-14	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	29-Aug-14	$	16,299	16-Sep-14
	5-May-14	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	30-May-14	$	16,386	17-Jun-14
	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
	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	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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
	The FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated (the “Option Plan”) provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock awards to employees of FactSet. The expiration date of the Option Plan is December 14, 2020. Stock options granted under the Option Plan expire either seven or ten years from the date of grant and the majority vest ratably over a period of five years. Options become vested and exercisable provided the employee continues employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date and remain exercisable until expiration or cancellation. Options are not transferable or assignable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the grantee’s lifetime, the options may be exercised only by the grantee.
	During the first three months of fiscal 2015, FactSet granted 462,913 stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $131.31 to existing employees of the Company. These options cliff vest 60% after three years (on November 3, 2017) and the remaining 40% cliff vest after five years (on November 3, 2019).
	A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise
					Price Per Share
	Balance at August 31, 2014		3,482		$	79.67
	Granted		463			131.31
	Exercised		(114	)		73.53
	Forfeited		(33	)		98.28
	Balance at November 30, 2014		3,798		$	85.98
	The total number of in-the-money options exercisable as of November 30, 2014 was 2.0 million with a weighted average exercise price of $70.20. As of August 31, 2014, 1.9 million in-the-money outstanding options were exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $68.78. The aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money stock options exercisable at November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014 was $130.8 million and $111.3 million, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of $137.06 on November 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 November 30, 2014 and 2013 was $6.0 million and $6.9 million, respectively.
	Performance-based Stock Options
	Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on the Company achieving performance levels during the measurement period subsequent to the date of grant. Dependent on the financial performance levels attained by FactSet, a percentage of the performance-based stock options will vest to the grantees of those stock options. However, there is no current guarantee that such options will vest in whole or in part.
	July 2012 Performance-based Option Grant Review
	In July 2012, FactSet granted 241,546 performance-based employee stock options, which are eligible to vest in 20% tranches depending upon future StreetAccount user growth through August 31, 2017. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the first growth target as outlined within the terms of the grant was achieved, thus 20% or 48,314 options vested on August 31, 2013. The second 20% tranche vested on August 31, 2014 as a result of accelerated expansion of Street Account users during fiscal 2014. In addition, due to the accelerated growth and forecasted future usage, the Company estimates that the third 20% tranche will vest by August 31, 2017. Total unamortized stock-based compensation expense as of November 30, 2014 of $0.9 million will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 2.75 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
	Third 20%	$	-		$	852
	Fourth 20%	$	928		$	1,524
	Fifth 20%	$	2,149		$	1,903
	* Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of November 30, 2014.
	Matrix and Revere Performance-based Option Grants
	In connection with the acquisitions of Matrix and Revere during fiscal 2014, FactSet granted 165,949 and 36,695 performance-based stock options, 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 November 30, 2014 FactSet did not believe these targets were probable of being achieved, and as such, no stock-based compensation expense is expected to be realized in connection with these options. Of the 36,695 performance-based stock options granted in connection with the Revere acquisition, FactSet estimates that 18,553 options will vest based upon the achievement of certain ASV and operating margins during the measurement period ending August 31, 2015. This view results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.5 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 3.75 years. The remaining 18,142 performance-based options are expected to be forfeited.
	Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards
	The Company’s Option 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 three months of fiscal 2015, FactSet granted 10,225 restricted stock awards at a weighted average grant date fair value of $127.58 to existing employees of the Company. The majority of these restricted stock units vest 100% after two years (on November 3, 2016) with the remaining vesting over five years. As of November 30, 2014 unamortized stock-based compensation of $1.3 million will be amortized to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 2.2 years.
	A summary of restricted stock award activity is as follows (in thousands, except per award data):
		Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Grant
					Date Fair Value Per Award
	Balance at August 31, 2014		368		$	89.77
	Granted		10		$	127.58
	Vested*		(53	)	$	62.85
	Canceled/forfeited		(1	)	$	93.76
	Balance at November 30, 2014		324		$	95.4
	* All of the 53,495 restricted stock awards that vested during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 related to awards granted on October 23, 2009. These restricted stock awards cliff vested 100% after five years on October 23, 2014 and were amortized to expense over the vesting period using the straight-line attribution method.
	Performance-based Restricted Stock Units
	Performance-based restricted stock units require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets. The number of performance-based units 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 units will vest to the grantees. However, there is no current guarantee that such restricted stock will vest in whole or in part.
	Revere Restricted Stock Units
	In connection with the acquisition of Revere in the year ago first quarter, FactSet granted 7,744 performance-based restricted stock units on September 17, 2013. Of the 7,744 performance-based restricted stock units granted, 3,872 are estimated to vest based upon our belief that certain ASV and operating margin targets will be achieved during the measurement period ending August 31, 2017. As of November 30, 2014, unamortized stock-based compensation of $0.3 million will be amortized to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.75 years. The remaining 3,872 performance-based restricted stock units are expected to be forfeited.
	Share-based Awards Available for Grant
	A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows (in thousands):
		Share-based Awards			Share-based Awards
		Available for Grant under			Available for Grant under
		the Employee Option Plan			the Non-Employee Directors Plan
	Balance at August 31, 2014		3,222			102
	Granted – non performance-based options		(463	)		0
	Granted – performance-based options		0			0
	Restricted stock awards granted*		26			0
	Share-based awards canceled/forfeited*		35			0
	Balance at November 30, 2014		2,820			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
	At the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of FactSet held on December 16, 2014, the stockholders of FactSet voted on and approved the Amended and Restated FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”), including the reservation of an additional 500,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. The amendment and restatement of the Purchase Plan was approved by FactSet’s Board of Directors on October 23, 2014, subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders, and became effective with such stockholder approval on December 16, 2014. As a result of such stockholder approval, the Purchase Plan was amended and modified to increase the maximum number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance over the term of the Purchase Plan by 500,000 shares. There is no expiration date for the Purchase Plan.
	Shares of FactSet common stock may be purchased by eligible employees under the Purchase Plan in three-month intervals at a purchase price equal to at least 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on either the first day or the last day of each three-month offering period. Employee purchases may not exceed 10% of their gross compensation during an offering period.
	During the three months ended November 30, 2014, employees purchased 15,397 shares at a weighted average price of $108.68 as compared to 16,363 shares at a weighted average price of $86.65 in the same period a year ago. Including the recently approved amendment to increase the number of authorized shares, 529,484 shares are now 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 $1.8 million in matching contributions to employee 401(k) accounts during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note_14_Stockbased_Compensatio

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 $5.3 million and $5.1 million during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of November 30, 2014, $60.1 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 November 30, 2014 or August 31, 2014, respectively.
	Employee Stock Option Fair Value Determinations
	The Company utilizes the lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“binomial model”) to estimate the fair value of new employee stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the binomial model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeitures and employee stock option exercise behaviors.
	Fiscal 2015
		-	Q1 2015 – 462,913 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $131.31 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $37.67 per share.
	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.
	The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted during the first quarter fiscal 2015 and 2014 was determined using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions.
			Q1 2015			Q1 2014
	Term structure of risk-free interest rate			0.06% - 2.34	%		0.08% - 2.61	%
	Expected life (in years)			8.2		7.6 – 7.8
	Term structure of volatility			21% - 31	%		23% - 33	%
	Dividend yield			1.37	%		1.35	%
	Weighted average estimated fair value		$	37.67		$	31.78
	Weighted average exercise price		$	131.31		$	109.49
	Fair value as a percentage of exercise price			28.7	%		29	%
	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. An initial 250,000 shares of FactSet common stock were reserved for issuance under the Directors’ Plan, of which 102,432 remain available for future grant as of November 30, 2014. The expiration date of the Directors’ Plan is December 1, 2018. There were no stock options granted to the Company’s non-employee Directors during the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of 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.
	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. Restricted stock awards are amortized to expense over the vesting period. There were 10,225 restricted stock awards granted during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 with a weighted average grant date fair value of $127.58. In the year ago first quarter, there were 161,716 restricted stock awards granted with a weighted average grant date fair value of $102.27.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan Fair Value Determinations
	During the three months ended November 30, 2014, employees purchased 15,397 shares at a weighted average price of $108.68 as compared to 16,363 shares at a weighted average price of $86.65 in the same period a year ago. Stock-based compensation expense recorded for the three months ended November 30, 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 November 30, 2014 and 2013 were $20.86 and $16.64 per share, respectively, with the following assumptions:
			Three Months Ended
			November 30,
			2014			2013
	Risk-free interest rate			0.02	%		0.04	%
	Expected life (in months)			3			3
	Expected volatility			8.52	%		8.66	%
	Dividend yield			1.22	%		1.37	%
	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	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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
		November 30,
		2014			2013
	U.S. operations	$	65,958		$	60,258
	Non-U.S. operations		14,732			14,823
	Income before income taxes	$	80,690		$	75,081
	U.S. operations	$	25,660		$	19,653
	Non-U.S. operations		(830	)		3,250
	Total provision for income taxes	$	24,830		$	22,903
	Effective tax rate		30.8	%		30.5	%
	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% in both periods presented above due to foreign income, which is subject to lower statutory tax rates than in the U.S., benefits from foreign tax credits, deductions due to U.S. production activities and income tax benefits from the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit (in fiscal 2014 only) partially offset by additional state and local income taxes.
	The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		November 30,
		2014			2013
	Current
	U.S. Federal	$	22,704		$	18,117
	U.S. state and local		1,325			1,197
	Non-U.S.		1,208			3,187
	Total current taxes	$	25,237		$	22,501
	Deferred
	U.S. Federal	$	1,602		$	311
	U.S. state and local		29			28
	Non-U.S.		(2,038	)		63
	Total deferred taxes	$	(407	)	$	402
	Total provision for income taxes	$	24,830		$	22,903
	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):
		30-Nov-14			31-Aug-14
	Deferred tax assets
	Current
	Receivable reserve	$	593		$	597
	Deferred rent		1,177			1,067
	Other		215			177
	Net current deferred taxes	$	1,985		$	1,841
	Non-current
	Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$	10,933		$	9,831
	Deferred rent		3,374			3,572
	Stock-based compensation		18,195			18,160
	Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(12,446	)		(10,750	)
	Other		1,658			1,564
	Net non-current deferred taxes	$	21,714		$	22,377
	Total deferred tax assets	$	23,699		$	24,218
	The significant components of deferred tax liabilities that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):
		30-Nov-14			31-Aug-14
	Deferred tax liabilities (current)
	Other	$	210		$	0
	Total deferred tax liabilities (current)	$	210		$	0
	Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
	Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	$	2,273		$	3,478
	Stock-based compensation		0			(860	)
	Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements		(191	)		0
	Other		451			303
	Total deferred tax liabilities (non-current)	$	2,533		$	2,921
	A provision has not been made for additional U.S. Federal taxes as of November 30, 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 November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014. As such, the unrecognized deferred tax liability on those undistributed earnings was immaterial. These earnings could become subject to additional tax if they are remitted as dividends, loaned to FactSet, or upon sale of the subsidiary’s stock.
	Unrecognized Tax Positions
	Applicable accounting guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, classification and disclosure of uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. A company can recognize the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will prevail upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position. Otherwise, no benefit or expense can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, companies are required to accrue interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws.
	As of November 30, 2014, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $5.8 million, including $1.3 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheet. Approximately $0.2 million of these unrecognized tax benefits would have affected the current year effective tax rate if realized as of November 30, 2014. Unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions taken on tax returns but not yet recognized in the consolidated financial statements. When applicable, the Company adjusts the previously recorded tax expense to reflect examination results when the position is ultimately settled. The Company regularly engages in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that certain federal, foreign, and state tax matters may be concluded in the next 12 months. However, FactSet has no reason to believe that such audits will result in the payment of additional taxes and/or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position, beyond current estimates. Any changes in accounting estimates resulting from new developments with respect to uncertain tax positions will be recorded as appropriate. The Company does not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next 12 months.
	The following table summarizes the changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits during the first three months of fiscal 2015 (in thousands):
	Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2014	$	5,501
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		187
Additions for tax positions of prior years		157
Unrecognized income tax benefits at November 30, 2014	$	5,845
In the normal course of business, the Company’s tax filings are subject to audit by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. At November 30, 2014, the Company remained subject to examination in the following major tax jurisdictions for the tax years as indicated below:
Major Tax Jurisdictions	Open Tax Years
U.S.
Federal	2013 through 2015
State (various)	2011 through 2015
Europe
France	2012 through 2015
United Kingdom	2013 through 2015

Note_16_Commitments_and_Contin

Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 November 30, 2014 the Company leases approximately 193,000 square feet of office space at its headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. In addition, FactSet leases office space for its U.S. reportable segment in New York, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco, California; Austin, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming; Atlanta, Georgia; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Newark, Ridgewood and Piscataway, New Jersey; Manchester, New Hampshire; Reston, Virginia, Youngstown, Ohio, and Toronto, Canada. The Company’s European segment operates in leased office space in London, England; Paris and Avon, France; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Frankfurt, Germany; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Milan, Italy; Stockholm, Sweden; and Riga, Latvia. Office space in Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong; Singapore; Mumbai, India; and Sydney, Australia are leased by FactSet for its Asia Pacific operating segment. The data content collection centers located in Hyderabad, India and Manila, the Philippines benefit all of the Companies operating segments. The leases expire on various dates through 2031. Total minimum rental payments associated with the leases are recorded as rent expense (a component of selling, general and administrative expenses) on a straight-line basis over the periods of the respective non-cancelable lease terms.
	During the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, rent expense (including operating costs) for all operating leases amounted to $9.7 million and $8.9 million, respectively. At November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, deferred rent reported within the consolidated balance sheet totaled $17.1 million and $18.3 million, of which $14.2 million and $14.9 million, respectively, was reported as a non-current liability within the line item Deferred Rent and Other Non-Current Liabilities. Approximately $1.7 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 November 30, 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 November 30, 2014, FactSet was in compliance with all covenants contained in the standby letters of credit.
	At November 30, 2014, FactSet leases approximately 827,500 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. During the first three months of fiscal 2015, FactSet entered into the following new lease agreements:
		●	Boston, Massachusetts: A new lease amendment was signed to extend and expand FactSet’s existing office space in Boston by 4,809 rentable square feet. The renewal results in incremental future minimum rental payments of $6.6 million through June 2022.
		●	Hyderabad, India: A new lease amendment was entered into during November 2014 to renew FactSet’s existing office space in Hyderabad. The renewal results in incremental future minimum rental payments of $2.2 million over the non-cancelable lease term through November 2019.
	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 as of November 30, 2014 (in thousands):
	Years Ended August 31,		Minimum Lease
			Payments
	2015 (remaining nine months)		$	19,556
	2016			20,952
	2017			24,152
	2018			22,826
	2019			21,295
	Thereafter			97,125
	Total		$	205,906
	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. At August 31, 2014, the Company had total purchase commitments of $53.3 million. There were no material changes in the Company’s purchase commitments during the first quarter of fiscal 2015.
	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 November 30, 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 November 30, 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 November 30, 2013. At November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, the receivable reserve was $1.6 and $1.7 million, respectively.
	Derivative Instruments - As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to 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_17_Subsequent_Event

Note 17 - Subsequent Event	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	17. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
	On December 16, 2014, the U.S. Congress passed the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (the “ACT”), which President Obama signed into law on December 19, 2014. The ACT reinstated the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit, which had previously expired on December 31, 2013. The reenactment of the credit was retroactive to January 1, 2014 and extended through the end of the 2014 calendar year. Prior to the reenactment of the tax credit, FactSet had not been permitted to factor it into its effective tax rate because it was not currently enacted tax law. The timing of FactSet’s ability to recognize the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit has been volatile due to the number of lapses and retroactive re-enactments. The reenactment is expected to result in discrete income tax benefits between $5.0 million and $6.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	New Accounting Standards or Updates Recently Adopted
	As of the beginning of fiscal 2015, FactSet implemented all new accounting standards and updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that were in effect. There were no new standards or updates adopted during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 that had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	RecentAccounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective
	Reporting Discontinued Operations
	In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the accounting standard update, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when either it qualifies as held for sale, disposed of by sale, or disposed of other than by sale. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2016.
	Revenue Recognition
	In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which provides clarified principles for recognizing revenue arising from contracts with clients and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to clients in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the revenue model to contracts within its scope, an entity will identify the contract with a client, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.
	Going Concern
	In August 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires management to evaluate and disclose whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after financial statements are issued. The evaluation and disclosure will be required to be made for both annual and interim reporting periods, if applicable, along with an evaluation as to whether management’s plans alleviate that doubt. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.
	No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of November 30, 2014 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note_4_Fair_Value_Measures_Tab

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	30-Nov-14	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Corporate money market funds (1)	$	74,138	$	0	$	0	$	74,138
	Certificates of deposit (2)		0		24,727		0		24,727
	Derivative instruments (3)		0		1,213		0		1,213
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	74,138	$	25,940	$	0	$	100,078
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	0	$	577	$	0	$	577
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	577	$	0	$	577
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	31-Aug-14	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Assets
	Corporate money market funds (1)	$	75,363	$	0	$	0	$	75,363
	Certificates of deposit (2)		0		20,008		0		20,008
	Derivative instruments (3)		0		1,406		0		1,406
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	75,363	$	21,414	$	0	$	96,777
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591
	Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments_

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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)	30-Nov-14				31-Aug-14				30-Nov-14				31-Aug-14
	Indian Rupee	$	41,295			$	38,479			$	695			$	700
	Philippine Peso		9,500				6,500				(59	)			115
	Total	$	50,795			$	44,979			$	636			$	815
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]	Designation of Derivatives	Balance Sheet Location		30-Nov-14				31-Aug-14
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
		Prepaid expenses and other current assets		$	0			$	114
		Other assets		$	1,213				1,292
		Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
		Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	577			$	591
Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]		(Loss) Gain Recognized							Location of (Loss) Gain		(Loss) Reclassified
		in AOCL on Derivatives							Reclassified from AOCL		from AOCL into Income
		(Effective Portion)							into Income		(Effective Portion)
	Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2014				2013			(Effective Portion)		2014				2013
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(218	)		$	4,227		SG&A		$	(39	)		$	(400	)
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]		Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
	30-Nov-14	Gross Derivative				Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet				Net
		Amounts								Amounts
	Fair value of assets	$	1,213			$	0			$	1,213
	Fair value of liabilities		(713	)			136				(577	)
	Total	$	500			$	136			$	636
		Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
	31-Aug-14	Gross Derivative				Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet				Net
		Amounts								Amounts
	Fair value of assets	$	1,406			$	0			$	1,406
	Fair value of liabilities		(626	)			35				(591	)
	Total	$	780			$	35			$	815

Note_6_Other_Comprehensive_Inc1

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended						Three Months Ended
		30-Nov-14						30-Nov-13
		Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(13,555	)	$	(13,555	)	$	8,148	$	8,148
	Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		39			24			400		252
	Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		(218	)		(136	)		4,227		2,395
	Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(13,734	)	$	(13,667	)	$	12,775	$	10,795
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]		30-Nov-14			31-Aug-14
	Accumulated unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	398		$	510
	Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(31,986	)		(18,431	)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(31,588	)	$	(17,921	)

Note_7_Segment_Information_Tab

Note 7 - Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	For the three months ended November 30, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	163,663	$	60,610	$	18,403	$	242,676
	Segment operating profit		44,435		26,589		9,236		80,260
	Total assets		354,028		231,155		61,296		646,479
	Capital expenditures		4,325		85		404		4,814
	For the three months ended November 30, 2013	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
	Revenues from clients	$	152,911	$	53,706	$	16,358	$	222,975
	Segment operating profit		40,790		26,245		7,705		74,740
	Total assets		408,532		210,246		52,380		671,158
	Capital expenditures		5,244		86		108		5,438

Note_8_Business_Combinations_T

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]	Tangible assets acquired	$	7,459
	Amortizable intangible assets
	Data content		3,408
	Client relationships		2,816
	Software technology		1,708
	Trade name		670
	Non-compete agreements		147
	Goodwill		25,531
	Total assets acquired		41,739
	Liabilities assumed		(9,941	)
	Net assets acquired	$	31,798

Note_9_Goodwill_Tables

Note 9 - Goodwill (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]		U.S.		Europe			Asia			Total
							Pacific
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	179,434	$	103,032		$	3,142		$	285,608
	Foreign currency translations		0		(5,795	)		(392	)		(6,187	)
	Balance at November 30, 2014	$	179,434	$	97,237		$	2,750		$	279,421

Note_10_Intangible_Assets_Tabl

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	At November 30, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Data content	$	54,722	$	28,067	$	26,655
	Client relationships		25,227		17,432		7,795
	Software technology		22,451		19,946		2,505
	Trade names		1,690		1,011		679
	Non-compete agreements		2,457		2,016		441
	Total	$	106,547	$	68,472	$	38,075
	At August 31, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
	Data content	$	56,974	$	27,644	$	29,330
	Client relationships		25,821		17,443		8,378
	Software technology		22,881		20,089		2,792
	Non-compete agreements		2,465		1,881		584
	Trade names		1,729		958		771
	Total	$	109,870	$	68,015	$	41,855
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization
		Expense
	2015 (remaining nine months)	$	5,388
	2016		5,657
	2017		5,575
	2018		4,464
	2019		3,205
	Thereafter		13,786
	Total	$	38,075

Note_11_Common_Stock_and_Earni1

Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		November 30,
		2014			2013
	Balance at September 1		41,793			43,324
	Common stock issued for employee stock plans		183			215
	Repurchase of common stock from employees*		(17	)		(21	)
	Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		(380	)		(530	)
	Balance at November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively		41,579			42,988
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]					Weighted
		Net Income			Average Common Shares			Per Share
		(Numerator)			(Denominator)			Amount
	For the three months ended November 30, 2014
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	55,860			41,683		$	1.34
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					657
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	55,860			42,340		$	1.32
	For the three months ended November 30, 2013
	Basic EPS
	Income available to common stockholders	$	52,178			43,134		$	1.21
	Diluted EPS
	Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock					639
	Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	52,178			43,773		$	1.19

Note_12_Stockholders_Equity_Ta

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Dividend Declaration and Payment Details [Table Text Block]	Declaration Date	Dividends Per		Type	Record Date	Total $ Amount		Payment Date
		Share of				(in thousands)
		Common Stock
	12-Nov-14	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	28-Nov-14	$	16,216	16-Dec-14
	14-Aug-14	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	29-Aug-14	$	16,299	16-Sep-14
	5-May-14	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	30-May-14	$	16,386	17-Jun-14
	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

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_1

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise
					Price Per Share
	Balance at August 31, 2014		3,482		$	79.67
	Granted		463			131.31
	Exercised		(114	)		73.53
	Forfeited		(33	)		98.28
	Balance at November 30, 2014		3,798		$	85.98
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]		Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Grant
					Date Fair Value Per Award
	Balance at August 31, 2014		368		$	89.77
	Granted		10		$	127.58
	Vested*		(53	)	$	62.85
	Canceled/forfeited		(1	)	$	93.76
	Balance at November 30, 2014		324		$	95.4
Schedule of Share Based Awards Available For Grant [Table Text Block]		Share-based Awards			Share-based Awards
		Available for Grant under			Available for Grant under
		the Employee Option Plan			the Non-Employee Directors Plan
	Balance at August 31, 2014		3,222			102
	Granted – non performance-based options		(463	)		0
	Granted – performance-based options		0			0
	Restricted stock awards granted*		26			0
	Share-based awards canceled/forfeited*		35			0
	Balance at November 30, 2014		2,820			102
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
	Third 20%	$	-		$	852
	Fourth 20%	$	928		$	1,524
	Fifth 20%	$	2,149		$	1,903

Note_14_Stockbased_Compensatio1

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables) [Line Items]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]		Q1 2015			Q1 2014
	Term structure of risk-free interest rate		0.06% - 2.34	%		0.08% - 2.61	%
	Expected life (in years)		8.2		7.6 – 7.8
	Term structure of volatility		21% - 31	%		23% - 33	%
	Dividend yield		1.37	%		1.35	%
	Weighted average estimated fair value	$	37.67		$	31.78
	Weighted average exercise price	$	131.31		$	109.49
	Fair value as a percentage of exercise price		28.7	%		29	%
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
		November 30,
		2014			2013
	Risk-free interest rate		0.02	%		0.04	%
	Expected life (in months)		3			3
	Expected volatility		8.52	%		8.66	%
	Dividend yield		1.22	%		1.37	%

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		November 30,
		2014			2013
	U.S. operations	$	65,958		$	60,258
	Non-U.S. operations		14,732			14,823
	Income before income taxes	$	80,690		$	75,081
	U.S. operations	$	25,660		$	19,653
	Non-U.S. operations		(830	)		3,250
	Total provision for income taxes	$	24,830		$	22,903
	Effective tax rate		30.8	%		30.5	%
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]		Three Months Ended
		November 30,
		2014			2013
	Current
	U.S. Federal	$	22,704		$	18,117
	U.S. state and local		1,325			1,197
	Non-U.S.		1,208			3,187
	Total current taxes	$	25,237		$	22,501
	Deferred
	U.S. Federal	$	1,602		$	311
	U.S. state and local		29			28
	Non-U.S.		(2,038	)		63
	Total deferred taxes	$	(407	)	$	402
	Total provision for income taxes	$	24,830		$	22,903
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets [Table Text Block]		30-Nov-14			31-Aug-14
	Deferred tax assets
	Current
	Receivable reserve	$	593		$	597
	Deferred rent		1,177			1,067
	Other		215			177
	Net current deferred taxes	$	1,985		$	1,841
	Non-current
	Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$	10,933		$	9,831
	Deferred rent		3,374			3,572
	Stock-based compensation		18,195			18,160
	Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(12,446	)		(10,750	)
	Other		1,658			1,564
	Net non-current deferred taxes	$	21,714		$	22,377
	Total deferred tax assets	$	23,699		$	24,218
		30-Nov-14			31-Aug-14
	Deferred tax liabilities (current)
	Other	$	210		$	0
	Total deferred tax liabilities (current)	$	210		$	0
	Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
	Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	$	2,273		$	3,478
	Stock-based compensation		0			(860	)
	Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements		(191	)		0
	Other		451			303
	Total deferred tax liabilities (non-current)	$	2,533		$	2,921
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2014	$	5,501
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		187
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		157
	Unrecognized income tax benefits at November 30, 2014	$	5,845
Summary of Income Tax Examinations [Table Text Block]	Major Tax Jurisdictions	Open Tax Years
	U.S.
	Federal	2013 through 2015
	State (various)	2011 through 2015
	Europe
	France	2012 through 2015
	United Kingdom	2013 through 2015

Note_16_Commitments_and_Contin1

Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Years Ended August 31,	Minimum Lease
		Payments
	2015 (remaining nine months)	$	19,556
	2016		20,952
	2017		24,152
	2018		22,826
	2019		21,295
	Thereafter		97,125
	Total	$	205,906

Note_4_Fair_Value_Measures_Det

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]
Corporate money market funds	$74,138	[1]	$75,363	[1]
Certificates of deposit	24,727	[2]	20,008	[2]
Derivative instruments	1,213	[3]	1,406	[3]
Total assets measured at fair value	100,078		96,777
Derivative instruments	577	[3]	591	[3]
Total liabilities measured at fair value	577		591
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	74,138	[1]	75,363	[1]
Certificates of deposit	0	[2]	0	[2]
Derivative instruments	0	[3]	0	[3]
Total assets measured at fair value	74,138		75,363
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	24,727	[2]	20,008	[2]
Derivative instruments	1,213	[3]	1,406	[3]
Total assets measured at fair value	25,940		21,414
Derivative instruments	577	[3]	591	[3]
Total liabilities measured at fair value	577		591
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]
Derivative instruments	0	[3]	0	[3]
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 are 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_5_Derivative_Instruments_1

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details)	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	Through The Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2016 [Member]	Through The First and Second Quarter of Fiscal 2017 [Member]	Through the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015 [Member]	India, Rupees	India, Rupees	India, Rupees	Philippines, Pesos	Philippines, Pesos	Philippines, Pesos
			India, Rupees	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%	50.00%
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	$50,795,000	$44,979,000				$41,295,000	2,800,000,000	$38,479,000	$9,500,000	426,000,000	$6,500,000
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	636,000	815,000				695,000		700,000	-59,000		115,000
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred	($600,000)

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments_2

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	USD ($)	India, Rupees	India, Rupees	India, Rupees	Philippines, Pesos	Philippines, Pesos	Philippines, Pesos
			USD ($)	INR	USD ($)	USD ($)	PHP	USD ($)
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	$50,795	$44,979	$41,295	2,800,000	$38,479	$9,500	426,000	$6,500
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	$636	$815	$695		$700	($59)		$115

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments_3

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments and Gains (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives Assets designated as hedging instruments	$1,213	$1,406
Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	713	626
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives Assets designated as hedging instruments	0	114
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives Assets designated as hedging instruments	1,213	1,292
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$577	$591

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments_4

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Abstract]
Foreign currency forward contracts	($218)	$4,227
Foreign currency forward contracts	($39)	($400)

Note_5_Derivative_Instruments_5

Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Offsetting of Derivative Instruments (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014		Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Offsetting of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]
Fair value of assets	$1,213		$1,406
Fair value of assets	0		0
Fair value of assets	1,213	[1]	1,406	[1]
Fair value of liabilities	-713		-626
Fair value of liabilities	136		35
Fair value of liabilities	-577	[1]	-591	[1]
Total	500		780
Total	136		35
Total	$636		$815
[1]	The Company utilizes the income approach to measure fair value for its derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts). The income approach uses pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as spot, forward and interest rates, as well as credit default swap spreads and therefore are classified as Level 2.

Note_6_Other_Comprehensive_Inc2

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	($13,555)		$8,148
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-13,555		8,148
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)	39	[1]	400	[1]
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)	24	[1]	252	[1]
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	-218		4,227
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss	-136		2,395
Other comprehensive (loss) income	-13,734		12,775
Other comprehensive (loss) income	($13,667)		$10,795
[1]	Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Note_6_Other_Comprehensive_Inc3

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - The Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
The Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Accumulated unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$398	$510
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments	-31,986	-18,431
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	($31,588)	($17,921)

Note_7_Segment_Information_Det

Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$279,421	$285,608
UNITED STATES
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	179,434	179,434
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	64.00%
Europe [Member]
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	97,237	103,032
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	35.00%
Asia Pacific [Member]
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$2,750	$3,142
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	1.00%

Note_7_Segment_Information_Det1

Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) - Results of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from clients	$242,676	$222,975
Segment operating profit	80,260	74,740
Total assets	646,479	671,158	663,212
Capital expenditures	4,814	5,438
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from clients	163,663	152,911
Segment operating profit	44,435	40,790
Total assets	354,028	408,532
Capital expenditures	4,325	5,244
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from clients	60,610	53,706
Segment operating profit	26,589	26,245
Total assets	231,155	210,246
Capital expenditures	85	86
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from clients	18,403	16,358
Segment operating profit	9,236	7,705
Total assets	61,296	52,380
Capital expenditures	$404	$108

Note_8_Business_Combinations_D

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) (Matrix Data Limited [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred (in Dollars)		$31.80
Subscription and Circulation Revenue (in Dollars)		7
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired (in Dollars)	8.7
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Goodwill Amount (in Dollars)	$25.50
Data Content [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	8 years
Software Technology [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Trade Names [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years

Note_8_Business_Combinations_D1

Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Goodwill	$279,421	$285,608
Data Content [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets	3,408
Client Relationships [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets	2,816
Software Technology [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets	1,708
Trade Names [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets	670
Non-Compete Agreements [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Amortizable Intangible Assets	147
Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price Allocation [Line Items]
Tangible assets acquired	7,459
Goodwill	25,531
Total assets acquired	41,739
Liabilities assumed	-9,941
Net assets acquired	$31,798

Note_9_Goodwill_Details

Note 9 - Goodwill (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	$285,608
Foreign currency translations	-6,187
Balance	279,421
UNITED STATES
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	179,434
Foreign currency translations	0
Balance	179,434
Europe [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	103,032
Foreign currency translations	-5,795
Balance	97,237
Asia Pacific [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	3,142
Foreign currency translations	-392
Balance	$2,750

Note_10_Intangible_Assets_Deta

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	10 years 328 days
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$2.10	$1.70

Note_10_Intangible_Assets_Deta1

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Identifiable Intangible Assets (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$106,547	$109,870
Accumulated Amortization	68,472	68,015
Net Carrying Amount	38,075	41,855
Data Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	54,722	56,974
Accumulated Amortization	28,067	27,644
Net Carrying Amount	26,655	29,330
Client Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	25,227	25,821
Accumulated Amortization	17,432	17,443
Net Carrying Amount	7,795	8,378
Software Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	22,451	22,881
Accumulated Amortization	19,946	20,089
Net Carrying Amount	2,505	2,792
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,690	1,729
Accumulated Amortization	1,011	958
Net Carrying Amount	679	771
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	2,457	2,465
Accumulated Amortization	2,016	1,881
Net Carrying Amount	$441	$584

Note_10_Intangible_Assets_Deta2

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Estimated Amortization Expense (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2015 (remaining nine months)	$5,388
2016	5,657
2017	5,575
2018	4,464
2019	3,205
Thereafter	13,786
Total	$38,075

Note_11_Common_Stock_and_Earni2

Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Nov. 12, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 16, 2014
Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid (in Dollars per share)	$0.39
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation		17,165	20,777
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)		$2,200,000	$2,300,000
Equity Option [Member]
Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		154,304	0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		3,408	386,237
Performance-Based Stock Options [Member]
Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		380,653	1,237,514
Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Dividends, Cash (in Dollars)				$16,200,000
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)	$1.56

Note_11_Common_Stock_and_Earni3

Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - Shares of Common Stock Outstanding	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Balance at September 1	41,792,802		43,324,000
Common stock issued for employee stock plans	183,000		215,000
Repurchase of common stock	-379,854
Balance at November 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively	41,578,905		42,988,000
Repurchase of Common Stock from Employees [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock	-17,000	[1]	-21,000	[1]
Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock	-380,000		-530,000
[1]	For the three months ended November 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased 17,165 and 20,777 shares, or $2.2 million and $2.3 million, of common stock, respectively, in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock.

Note_11_Common_Stock_and_Earni4

Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Basic EPS
Net Income (Numerator) (in Dollars)	$55,860	$52,178
Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)	41,683	43,134
Per Share Amount (in Dollars per share)	$1.34	$1.21
Diluted EPS
Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)	657	639
Net Income (Numerator) (in Dollars)	$55,860	$52,178
Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)	42,340	43,773
Per Share Amount (in Dollars per share)	$1.32	$1.19

Note_12_Stockholders_Equity_De

Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 15, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	10,000,000				10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$0.01				$0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0				0
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0				0
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	150,000,000				150,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	49,293,340				49,110,218
Treasury Stock, Shares	7,714,435				7,317,416
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	41,578,905		42,988,000		41,792,802	43,324,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	379,854
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method (in Dollars)	$48.40
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	17,165		20,777
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)	2.2		2.3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	53,000	[1]
Restricted Stock [Member] | Previously Granted Awards [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	53,495
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation	17,165		20,777
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			62,544
Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program,Additional Amount Authorized (in Dollars)				300
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)				$338.70
[1]	All of the 53,495 restricted stock awards that vested during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 related to awards granted on October 23, 2009. These restricted stock awards cliff vested 100% after five years on October 23, 2014 and 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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014
November 12,2014 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.39
Record Date	28-Nov-14
Total $ Amount	$16,216
Payment Date	16-Dec-14
August 14,2014 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.39
Record Date	29-Aug-14
Total $ Amount	16,299
Payment Date	16-Sep-14
May 5, 2014 Declaration Date [Member]
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared During the Period [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$0.39
Record Date	30-May-14
Total $ Amount	16,386
Payment Date	17-Jun-14
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

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_2

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Sep. 17, 2013	Nov. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Dec. 16, 2014
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	463,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$131.31
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award Options Closing Share Price (in Dollars per share)						$137.06
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	$6		$6.90
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	60.1
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	10,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$127.58
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	53,000	[1]
Restricted Stock Award Shares Added to Available Balance	2.5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent	85.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Rate	10.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	60.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Vesting Period	5 years
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount (in Dollars)	1.8		1.8
Granted Without Performance Conditions [Member] | After Three Years [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting Percentage	60.00%
Granted Without Performance Conditions [Member] | After Five Years [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting Percentage	40.00%
Granted Without Performance Conditions [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Option Expiration Term	7 years
Granted Without Performance Conditions [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Option Expiration Term	10 years
Granted Without Performance Conditions [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	462,913
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$131.31
Majority of Options Granted Without Performance Conditions [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Stock Option Expiration Term	5 years
In-The-Money Stock Options [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	2,000,000						1,900,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$70.20						$68.78
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)	130.8						111.3
July 2012 Performance Based Option Grant Review [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting Percentage								20.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number								48,314
July 2012 Performance Based Option Grant Review [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting Percentage							20.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number							48,314
July 2012 Performance Based Option Grant Review [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross				241,546
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	0.9
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 9 months
Other Performace-Based Options [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	165,949
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Measurement Period	5 years
Other Performace-Based Options [Member] | Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	36,695
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	18,553
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	0.5
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 9 months
Performance Based Stock Options Outstanding Expected to be Forfeited	18,142
Restricted Stock [Member] | After Five Years [Member] | Awards Granted on October 23, 2009 [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting Percentage	100.00%
Restricted Stock [Member] | Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number					3,872
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	0.3
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 9 months
Performance Based Stock Options Outstanding Expected to be Forfeited	3,872
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period					7,744
Restricted Stock [Member] | Awards Granted on October 23, 2009 [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	53,495
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	$1.30
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 73 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	10,225		161,716
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)	$127.58		$102.27
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			62,544
Majority of Restricted Stock Units [Member] | After Two Years [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting Percentage	100.00%
Remaining Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$108.68		$86.65
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	529,484
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	15,397		16,363
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$108.68		$86.65
Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance									500,000
[1]	All of the 53,495 restricted stock awards that vested during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 related to awards granted on October 23, 2009. These restricted stock awards cliff vested 100% after five years on October 23, 2014 and 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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014
Summary of Stock Option Activity [Abstract]
Number outstanding	3,482
Weighted average exercise price per share	$79.67
Granted	463
Granted	$131.31
Exercised	-114
Exercised	$73.53
Forfeited	-33
Forfeited	$98.28
Number outstanding	3,798
Weighted average exercise price per share	$85.98

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_4

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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014
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		[1]
Remaining Expense to be Recognized	852
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	928	[1]
Remaining Expense to be Recognized	1,524
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	2,149	[1]
Remaining Expense to be Recognized	$1,903
[1]	Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of November 30, 2014.

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_5

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	Nov. 30, 2014
Summary of Restricted Stock Award [Abstract]
Balance	368
Balance	$89.77
Granted	10
Granted	$127.58
Vested*	-53	[1]
Vested*	$62.85	[1]
Canceled/forfeited	-1
Canceled/forfeited	$93.76
Balance	324
Balance	$95.40
[1]	All of the 53,495 restricted stock awards that vested during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 related to awards granted on October 23, 2009. These restricted stock awards cliff vested 100% after five years on October 23, 2014 and were amortized to expense over the vesting period using the straight-line attribution method.

Note_13_Employee_Stock_Option_6

Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards granted*	10,000
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited*	33,000
Non-Performance Based [Member] | Employee Option Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]
Granted	-463,000
Non-Performance Based [Member] | Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]
Granted	0
Performance Based [Member] | Employee Option Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]
Granted	0
Performance Based [Member] | Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]
Granted	0
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee Option Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards granted*	26,000	[1]
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards granted*	0	[1]
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards granted*	10,225		161,716
Employee Option Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]
Balance	3,222,000
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited*	35,000	[1]
Balance	2,820,000
Non-Employee Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant [Line Items]
Balance	102,000
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited*	0	[1]
Balance	102,000
[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 $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	$60,100,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 6 months
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount (in Dollars)	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	463,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$131.31
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	10,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$127.58
Non-Performance Based [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	462,913		35,508
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$131.31
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$37.67
Performance Based [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross			36,695
Performance and Non-Performance [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)			109.49
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)			31.78
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	0		0
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	250,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	102,432
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)	1,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	2 years 73 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	10,225		161,716
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)	$127.58		102.27
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)	300,000		300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$108.68		86.65
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$20.86		16.64
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	529,484
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	15,397		16,363
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)	$5,300,000		5,100,000

Note_14_Stockbased_Compensatio3

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price (in Dollars per share)	131.31
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [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	0.06%	0.08%
Expected life (in years)		7 years 219 days
Term structure of volatility	21.00%	23.00%
Employee Stock Option [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	2.34%	2.61%
Expected life (in years)		7 years 292 days
Term structure of volatility	31.00%	33.00%
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]
Expected life (in years)	8 years 73 days
Dividend yield	1.37%	1.35%
Weighted average estimated fair value (in Dollars per share)	37.67	31.78
Weighted average exercise price (in Dollars per share)	131.31	109.49
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price	28.70%	29.00%

Note_14_Stockbased_Compensatio4

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions, Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.02%	0.04%
Expected life (in months)	3 years	3 years
Expected volatility	8.52%	8.66%
Dividend yield	1.22%	1.37%

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%	35.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$5,845,000		$5,501,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	1,300,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$200,000

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_P

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Provision for Income Taxes by Geographic Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Provision for Income Taxes by Geographic Operations [Abstract]
U.S. operations	$65,958	$60,258
Non-U.S. operations	14,732	14,823
Income before income taxes	80,690	75,081
U.S. operations	25,660	19,653
Non-U.S. operations	-830	3,250
Total provision for income taxes	$24,830	$22,903
Effective tax rate	30.80%	30.50%

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_C

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of the Provision for Income Taxes (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013
Current
U.S. Federal	$22,704	$18,117
U.S. state and local	1,325	1,197
Non-U.S.	1,208	3,187
Total current taxes	25,237	22,501
Deferred
U.S. Federal	1,602	311
U.S. state and local	29	28
Non-U.S.	-2,038	63
Total deferred taxes	-407	402
Total provision for income taxes	$24,830	$22,903

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_S

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current
Receivable reserve	$593	$597
Deferred rent	1,177	1,067
Other	215	177
Net current deferred taxes	1,985	1,841
Non-current
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	10,933	9,831
Deferred rent	3,374	3,572
Stock-based compensation	18,195	18,160
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	-12,446	-10,750
Other	1,658	1,564
Net non-current deferred taxes	21,714	22,377
Total deferred tax assets	23,699	24,218
Deferred tax liabilities (current)
Other	210	0
Total deferred tax liabilities (current)	210	0
Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	2,273	3,478
Stock-based compensation	0	-860
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	-191	0
Other	451	303
Total deferred tax liabilities (non-current)	$2,533	$2,921

Note_15_Income_Taxes_Details_R

Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$5,501
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	187
Additions for tax positions of prior years	157
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$5,845

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	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2013
Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2015
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Minimum [Member] | State (Various) [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2011
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | Maximum [Member] | State (Various) [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2015
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry, France [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2012
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2013
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry, France [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2015
Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2015

Note_16_Commitments_and_Contin2

Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$9,700,000	$8,900,000
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	15,901,000		16,417,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	205,906,000
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount			53,300,000
Largest Individual Client Percent of Total Subscriptions	2.00%
Percentage of Subscription from Ten Largest Clients	15.00%
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	1,600,000		1,700,000
Deferred Rent [Member]
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	17,100,000	18,300,000
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	14,200,000	14,900,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	1,700,000
Norwalk, Connecticut [Member]
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet)	193,000
Office Space [Member]
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet)	827,500
Boston, Massachusetts [Member]
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property (in Square Feet)	4,809
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	6,600,000
Hyderabad, India [Member]
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$2,200,000

Note_16_Commitments_and_Contin3

Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Future Minimum Lease Commitments (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Minimum Lease Commitments [Abstract]
2015 (remaining nine months)	$19,556
2016	20,952
2017	24,152
2018	22,826
2019	21,295
Thereafter	97,125
Total	$205,906

Note_17_Subsequent_Event_Detai

Note 17 - Subsequent Event (Details) (Scenario, Forecast [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015
Minimum [Member]
Note 17 - Subsequent Event (Details) [Line Items]
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	($5)
Maximum [Member]
Note 17 - Subsequent Event (Details) [Line Items]
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	($6)