Document_and_Entity_Informatio
Document and Entity Information | 6 Months Ended | |
Feb. 28, 2015 | Mar. 12, 2015 | |
Document Type | 10-Q | |
Amendment Flag | FALSE | |
Document Period End Date | 28-Feb-15 | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2015 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q2 | |
Trading Symbol | ACN | |
Entity Registrant Name | Accenture plc | |
Entity Central Index Key | 1467373 | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | -23 | |
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | |
Class A ordinary shares | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 795,393,989 | |
Class X Ordinary Shares | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 26,851,979 |
CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) | Feb. 28, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2014 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
CURRENT ASSETS: | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $4,061,400 | $4,921,305 |
Short-term investments | 2,619 | 2,602 |
Receivables from clients, net | 3,688,052 | 3,859,567 |
Unbilled services, net | 1,738,126 | 1,803,767 |
Deferred income taxes, net | 749,227 | 731,820 |
Other current assets | 768,384 | 585,381 |
Total current assets | 11,007,808 | 11,904,442 |
NON-CURRENT ASSETS: | ||
Unbilled services, net | 23,628 | 28,039 |
Investments | 50,130 | 66,783 |
Property and equipment, net | 725,917 | 793,444 |
Goodwill | 2,437,595 | 2,395,894 |
Deferred contract costs | 609,587 | 629,905 |
Deferred income taxes, net | 1,177,211 | 1,152,105 |
Other non-current assets | 959,689 | 959,840 |
Total non-current assets | 5,983,757 | 6,026,010 |
TOTAL ASSETS | 16,991,565 | 17,930,452 |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||
Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings | 191 | 330 |
Accounts payable | 984,539 | 1,064,228 |
Deferred revenues | 2,297,747 | 2,348,034 |
Accrued payroll and related benefits | 2,959,795 | 3,380,748 |
Accrued consumption taxes | 303,718 | 360,430 |
Income taxes payable | 270,521 | 355,274 |
Deferred income taxes, net | 216,365 | 23,937 |
Other accrued liabilities | 461,110 | 625,098 |
Total current liabilities | 7,493,986 | 8,158,079 |
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: | ||
Long-term debt | 27,033 | 26,403 |
Deferred revenues relating to contract costs | 513,300 | 544,831 |
Retirement obligation | 1,051,314 | 1,107,931 |
Deferred income taxes, net | 178,382 | 198,734 |
Income taxes payable | 901,771 | 1,303,367 |
Other non-current liabilities | 276,136 | 305,770 |
Total non-current liabilities | 2,947,936 | 3,487,036 |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Restricted share units | 914,539 | 921,586 |
Additional paid-in capital | 4,056,087 | 3,347,392 |
Treasury shares, at cost: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014; Class A ordinary, 168,768,746 and 158,370,179 shares as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively | -10,462,277 | -9,423,202 |
Retained earnings | 12,615,316 | 11,758,131 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | -1,132,890 | -871,948 |
Total Accenture plc shareholders’ equity | 5,990,851 | 5,732,035 |
Noncontrolling interests | 558,792 | 553,302 |
Total shareholders’ equity | 6,549,643 | 6,285,337 |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | 16,991,565 | 17,930,452 |
Ordinary Shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | 57 | 57 |
Class A ordinary shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | 18 | 18 |
Class X Ordinary Shares | ||
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | ||
Ordinary shares, value | $1 | $1 |
CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) | Feb. 28, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2014 |
Ordinary Shares | Ordinary Shares | Class A ordinary shares | Class A ordinary shares | Class X Ordinary Shares | Class X Ordinary Shares | |
EUR (€) | EUR (€) | USD ($) | USD ($) | USD ($) | USD ($) | |
Ordinary shares, par value | € 1 | € 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Ordinary shares, shares authorized | 40,000 | 40,000 | 20,000,000,000 | 20,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 | 1,000,000,000 |
Ordinary shares, shares issued | 40,000 | 40,000 | 795,214,118 | 786,868,852 | 26,851,979 | 28,057,398 |
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding | 26,851,979 | 28,057,398 | ||||
Treasury shares, ordinary shares | 40,000 | 40,000 | 168,768,746 | 158,370,179 |
CONSOLIDATED_INCOME_STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||||
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | ||
REVENUES: | ||||||
Revenues before reimbursements (“Net revenuesâ€) | $7,493,329 | $7,130,667 | $15,389,044 | $14,489,416 | ||
Reimbursements | 438,261 | 436,816 | 885,803 | 877,763 | ||
Revenues | 7,931,590 | 7,567,483 | 16,274,847 | 15,367,179 | ||
Cost of services: | ||||||
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses | 5,252,690 | 4,900,525 | 10,609,115 | 9,809,927 | ||
Reimbursable expenses | 438,261 | 436,816 | 885,803 | 877,763 | ||
Cost of services | 5,690,951 | 5,337,341 | 11,494,918 | 10,687,690 | ||
Sales and marketing | 798,644 | 837,255 | 1,706,218 | 1,765,465 | ||
General and administrative costs | 420,962 | 441,605 | 864,969 | 889,658 | ||
Reorganization benefits, net | 0 | 0 | 0 | -18,015 | ||
Total operating expenses | 6,910,557 | 6,616,201 | 14,066,105 | 13,324,798 | ||
OPERATING INCOME | 1,021,033 | 951,282 | 2,208,742 | 2,042,381 | ||
Interest income | 9,340 | 7,960 | 19,439 | 14,716 | ||
Interest expense | -3,905 | -4,348 | -6,716 | -8,006 | ||
Other expense, net | -21,508 | -4,766 | -24,487 | -15,386 | ||
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES | 1,004,960 | 950,128 | 2,196,978 | 2,033,705 | ||
Provision for income taxes | 261,768 | 227,797 | 561,544 | 499,728 | ||
NET INCOME | 743,192 | 722,331 | 1,635,434 | 1,533,977 | ||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. | -41,053 | -42,849 | -91,689 | -91,947 | ||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other | -11,413 | -8,182 | -21,489 | -18,884 | ||
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | $690,726 | $671,300 | $1,522,256 | $1,423,146 | ||
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares: | ||||||
Basic | 628,254,759 | 635,929,351 | 628,338,365 | 636,314,554 | ||
Diluted | 679,165,137 | 693,846,206 | [1] | 680,752,956 | 696,091,177 | [1] |
Earnings per Class A ordinary share: | ||||||
Basic | $1.10 | $1.06 | $2.42 | $2.24 | ||
Diluted | $1.08 | $1.03 | $2.37 | $2.18 | ||
Cash dividends per share | $0 | $0 | $1.02 | $0.93 | ||
[1] | Diluted weighted average Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 have been restated to reflect the impact of the issuance of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units in connection with the payments of cash dividends during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and the third quarter of fiscal 2014. This did not result in a change to previously reported Diluted earnings per share. |
CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 |
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||||
NET INCOME | $743,192 | $722,331 | $1,635,434 | $1,533,977 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX: | ||||
Foreign currency translation | -152,849 | -10,053 | -343,000 | 80,960 |
Defined benefit plans | 4,287 | 4,947 | 8,129 | 7,968 |
Cash flow hedges | 56,381 | 24,319 | 73,929 | 97,317 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | -92,181 | 19,213 | -260,942 | 186,245 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests | 4,230 | -693 | 9,379 | 10,993 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | 655,241 | 740,851 | 1,383,871 | 1,731,215 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC | 598,545 | 690,513 | 1,261,314 | 1,609,391 |
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 56,696 | 50,338 | 122,557 | 121,824 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | $655,241 | $740,851 | $1,383,871 | $1,731,215 |
CONSOLIDATED_SHAREHOLDERS_EQUI
CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY STATEMENT (USD $) | Total | Ordinary Shares | Class A ordinary shares | Class X Ordinary Shares | Restricted Share Units | Additional Paid-in Capital | Treasury Shares | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Accenture plc Shareholders' Equity | Noncontrolling Interests |
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | |||||||||||
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2014 | $6,285,337 | $57 | $18 | $1 | $921,586 | $3,347,392 | ($9,423,202) | $11,758,131 | ($871,948) | $5,732,035 | $553,302 |
Beginning Balance Treasury (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2014 | -158,410,000 | ||||||||||
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2014 | 40,000 | 786,869,000 | 28,057,000 | ||||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] | |||||||||||
Net income | 1,635,434 | 1,522,256 | 1,522,256 | 113,178 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | -251,563 | -260,942 | -260,942 | 9,379 | |||||||
Income tax benefit on share-based compensation plans | 185,800 | 185,800 | 185,800 | ||||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares | -1,189,692 | 60,159 | -1,189,692 | -1,129,533 | -60,159 | ||||||
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares (in shares) | -14,254,000 | ||||||||||
Share-based compensation expense | 336,115 | 314,735 | 21,380 | 336,115 | |||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture SCA Class I common shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares | -81,106 | -77,214 | -77,214 | -3,892 | |||||||
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture SCA Class I common shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares (in shares) | -1,205,000 | ||||||||||
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares | |||||||||||
Employee share programs | 309,187 | -344,875 | 488,620 | 150,617 | 294,362 | 14,825 | |||||
Employee share programs (in shares) | 7,580,000 | 3,855,000 | |||||||||
Upon redemption of Accenture SCA Class I common shares (shares) | 765,000 | ||||||||||
Upon redemption of Accenture SCA Class I common shares | 0 | 3,615 | 3,615 | -3,615 | |||||||
Dividends | -678,736 | 23,093 | -662,544 | -639,451 | -39,285 | ||||||
Other, net | -1,133 | 26,335 | -2,527 | 23,808 | -24,941 | ||||||
Ending Balance at Feb. 28, 2015 | $6,549,643 | $57 | $18 | $1 | $914,539 | $4,056,087 | ($10,462,277) | $12,615,316 | ($1,132,890) | $5,990,851 | $558,792 |
Ending Balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2015 | 40,000 | 795,214,000 | 26,852,000 | ||||||||
Ending Balance Treasury (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2015 | -168,809,000 |
CONSOLIDATED_CASH_FLOWS_STATEM
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOWS STATEMENTS (USD $) | 6 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Net income | $1,635,434 | $1,533,977 |
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by operating activities — | ||
Depreciation, amortization and asset impairments | 318,755 | 294,467 |
Reorganization benefits, net | 0 | -18,015 |
Share-based compensation expense | 336,115 | 333,686 |
Deferred income taxes, net | -4,080 | -154,738 |
Other, net | -182,509 | 102,315 |
Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions — | ||
Receivables from clients, net | -54,725 | -128,496 |
Unbilled services, current and non-current, net | -156,320 | -147,075 |
Other current and non-current assets | -389,521 | -355,142 |
Accounts payable | -39,147 | -74,047 |
Deferred revenues, current and non-current | 243,718 | 94,517 |
Accrued payroll and related benefits | -192,803 | -822,847 |
Income taxes payable, current and non-current | -249,455 | 56,866 |
Other current and non-current liabilities | -91,275 | -241,855 |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,174,187 | 473,613 |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment | 1,941 | 1,504 |
Purchases of property and equipment | -133,426 | -135,126 |
Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired | -119,462 | -609,589 |
Net cash used in investing activities | -250,947 | -743,211 |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares | 309,187 | 292,820 |
Purchases of shares | -1,270,798 | -1,460,752 |
Proceeds from long-term debt, net | 268 | 551 |
Cash dividends paid | -678,736 | -630,234 |
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements | 64,892 | 95,986 |
Other, net | -16,092 | -12,966 |
Net cash used in financing activities | -1,591,279 | -1,714,595 |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | -191,866 | 32,582 |
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS | -859,905 | -1,951,611 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period | 4,921,305 | 5,631,885 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period | $4,061,400 | $3,680,274 |
BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION
BASIS OF PRESENTATION | 6 Months Ended |
Feb. 28, 2015 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
BASIS OF PRESENTATION | BASIS OF PRESENTATION |
The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Accenture plc and its controlled subsidiary companies (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These Consolidated Financial Statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 24, 2014. | |
The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from those estimates. The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for these interim periods. The results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015. | |
Allowances for Client Receivables and Unbilled Services | |
As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, total allowances recorded for client receivables and unbilled services were $83,881 and $82,643, respectively. | |
Accumulated Depreciation | |
As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, total accumulated depreciation was $1,754,052 and $1,752,965, respectively. | |
Income Taxes | |
The Company applies an estimated annual effective tax rate to its year-to-date operating results to determine the interim provision for income tax expense. In addition, the Company recognizes taxes related to unusual or infrequent items or resulting from a change in judgment regarding a position taken in a prior year as discrete items in the interim period in which the event occurs. | |
The Company’s effective tax rates for the three months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 were 26.0% and 24.0%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rates for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 were 25.6% and 24.6%, respectively. During the three months ended February 28, 2015, the Company concluded that certain undistributed earnings of its U.S. subsidiaries would no longer be considered permanently reinvested and recorded an estimated deferred tax liability of $171,276 for withholding taxes that would be payable on the distribution of these earnings. The higher effective tax rates for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 were primarily due to expenses associated with this increase in deferred tax liabilities and changes in the geographic distribution of earnings, partially offset by higher benefits related to final determinations of tax liabilities for prior years, including a benefit of $169,829 recorded during the three months ended February 28, 2015 related to final settlement of U.S. tax audits for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. | |
New Accounting Pronouncement | |
On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2017, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2018, and allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption. The Company is in the process of determining the method of adoption and assessing the impact of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. |
EARNINGS_PER_SHARE
EARNINGS PER SHARE | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||
EARNINGS PER SHARE | EARNINGS PER SHARE | |||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows: | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended February 28, | Six Months Ended February 28, | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
Basic Earnings per share | ||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ | 690,726 | $ | 671,300 | $ | 1,522,256 | $ | 1,423,146 | ||||||||
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 628,254,759 | 635,929,351 | 628,338,365 | 636,314,554 | ||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share | $ | 1.1 | $ | 1.06 | $ | 2.42 | $ | 2.24 | ||||||||
Diluted Earnings per share | ||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ | 690,726 | $ | 671,300 | $ | 1,522,256 | $ | 1,423,146 | ||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture SCA and Accenture | 41,053 | 42,849 | 91,689 | 91,947 | ||||||||||||
Canada Holdings Inc. (1) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation | $ | 731,779 | $ | 714,149 | $ | 1,613,945 | $ | 1,515,093 | ||||||||
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 628,254,759 | 635,929,351 | 628,338,365 | 636,314,554 | ||||||||||||
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1) | 37,311,982 | 40,598,938 | 37,808,602 | 41,097,951 | ||||||||||||
Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares (2) | 13,475,889 | 17,192,349 | 14,430,675 | 18,587,988 | ||||||||||||
Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares | 122,507 | 125,568 | 175,314 | 90,684 | ||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares (2) | 679,165,137 | 693,846,206 | 680,752,956 | 696,091,177 | ||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.08 | $ | 1.03 | $ | 2.37 | $ | 2.18 | ||||||||
_______________ | ||||||||||||||||
-1 | Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption of all Accenture SCA Class I common shares owned by holders of noncontrolling interests and the exchange of all Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. The income effect does not take into account “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — other,” since those shares are not redeemable or exchangeable for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares. | |||||||||||||||
-2 | Diluted weighted average Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 have been restated to reflect the impact of the issuance of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units in connection with the payments of cash dividends during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and the third quarter of fiscal 2014. This did not result in a change to previously reported Diluted earnings per share. |
ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Notes) | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Equity [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | |||||||||||||||
The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Accenture plc: | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended February 28, | Six Months Ended February 28, | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation | ||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance | $ | (514,747 | ) | $ | (323,388 | ) | $ | (324,596 | ) | $ | (414,401 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency translation | (153,781 | ) | (15,567 | ) | (341,634 | ) | 83,330 | |||||||||
Income tax benefit | 1,623 | 3,082 | 3,191 | 1,962 | ||||||||||||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (691 | ) | 2,432 | (4,557 | ) | (4,332 | ) | |||||||||
Foreign currency translation, net of tax | (152,849 | ) | (10,053 | ) | (343,000 | ) | 80,960 | |||||||||
Ending balance | (667,596 | ) | (333,441 | ) | (667,596 | ) | (333,441 | ) | ||||||||
Defined benefit plans | ||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance | (527,301 | ) | (422,383 | ) | (531,143 | ) | (425,404 | ) | ||||||||
Reclassifications into net periodic pension and | 6,914 | 4,843 | 13,309 | 9,897 | ||||||||||||
post-retirement expense (1) | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (2,379 | ) | 412 | (4,702 | ) | (1,425 | ) | |||||||||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (248 | ) | (308 | ) | (478 | ) | (504 | ) | ||||||||
Defined benefit plans, net of tax | 4,287 | 4,947 | 8,129 | 7,968 | ||||||||||||
Ending balance | (523,014 | ) | (417,436 | ) | (523,014 | ) | (417,436 | ) | ||||||||
Cash flow hedges | ||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance | 1,339 | (139,943 | ) | (16,209 | ) | (212,941 | ) | |||||||||
Unrealized gains | 96,506 | 5,273 | 117,816 | 93,625 | ||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services | (5,642 | ) | 34,918 | (4,722 | ) | 71,049 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | (31,192 | ) | (14,441 | ) | (34,821 | ) | (61,200 | ) | ||||||||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (3,291 | ) | (1,431 | ) | (4,344 | ) | (6,157 | ) | ||||||||
Cash flow hedges, net of tax | 56,381 | 24,319 | 73,929 | 97,317 | ||||||||||||
Ending balance (2) | 57,720 | (115,624 | ) | 57,720 | (115,624 | ) | ||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | (1,132,890 | ) | $ | (866,501 | ) | $ | (1,132,890 | ) | $ | (866,501 | ) | ||||
_______________ | ||||||||||||||||
-1 | Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs. | |||||||||||||||
-2 | As of February 28, 2015, $35,975 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months. |
BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS | 6 Months Ended |
Feb. 28, 2015 | |
Business Combination, Goodwill [Abstract] | |
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS | BUSINESS COMBINATIONS |
During the six months ended February 28, 2015, the Company completed individually immaterial acquisitions for total consideration of $119,462, net of cash acquired. The pro forma effects of these acquisitions on the Company’s operations were not material. | |
Subsequent Event | |
On March 25, 2015, the Company acquired Agilex Technologies, Inc., a provider of digital solutions for the U.S. federal government. The acquisition enhances Accenture’s digital capabilities in analytics, cloud and mobility for federal agencies. At the date of issuance of the financial statements, the initial business combination accounting was not complete for this acquisition. |
GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] | GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment were as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
August 31, | Additions/ | Foreign | February 28, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | Adjustments | Currency | 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Translation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Communications, Media & Technology | $ | 338,855 | $ | 3,092 | $ | (16,709 | ) | $ | 325,238 | ||||||||||||||||
Financial Services | 707,093 | 6,498 | (20,024 | ) | 693,567 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Health & Public Service | 375,052 | 2,667 | (4,052 | ) | 373,667 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Products | 836,858 | 6,867 | (26,796 | ) | 816,929 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Resources | 138,036 | 106,115 | (15,957 | ) | 228,194 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,395,894 | $ | 125,239 | $ | (83,538 | ) | $ | 2,437,595 | ||||||||||||||||
Goodwill includes immaterial adjustments related to prior period acquisitions. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Intangible Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class are as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
28-Feb-15 | 31-Aug-14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Intangible Asset Class | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
Customer-related | $ | 342,695 | $ | (100,949 | ) | $ | 241,746 | $ | 334,768 | $ | (88,447 | ) | $ | 246,321 | |||||||||||
Technology | 111,333 | (45,351 | ) | 65,982 | 113,938 | (41,536 | ) | 72,402 | |||||||||||||||||
Patents | 116,455 | (56,353 | ) | 60,102 | 135,022 | (70,299 | ) | 64,723 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 29,481 | (15,975 | ) | 13,506 | 37,524 | (23,090 | ) | 14,434 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 599,964 | $ | (218,628 | ) | $ | 381,336 | $ | 621,252 | $ | (223,372 | ) | $ | 397,880 | |||||||||||
MATERIAL_TRANSACTIONS_AFFECTIN
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Equity [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends | |||||||||||||||||||||
The Company’s dividend activity during the six months ended February 28, 2015 was as follows: | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend Per | Accenture plc Class A | Accenture SCA Class I Common | Total Cash | ||||||||||||||||||
Share | Ordinary Shares | Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings | Outlay | ||||||||||||||||||
Inc. Exchangeable Shares | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend Payment Date | Record Date | Cash Outlay | Record Date | Cash Outlay | |||||||||||||||||
November 17, 2014 | $ | 1.02 | October 17, 2014 | $ | 639,451 | October 14, 2014 | $ | 39,285 | $ | 678,736 | |||||||||||
The payment of the cash dividends also resulted in the issuance of an immaterial number of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units. Diluted weighted average Accenture plc Class A ordinary share amounts have been restated for all prior periods presented to reflect this issuance. For additional information, see Note 2 (Earnings Per Share). | |||||||||||||||||||||
Subsequent Event | |||||||||||||||||||||
On March 23, 2015, the Board of Directors of Accenture plc declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $1.02 per share on its Class A ordinary shares for shareholders of record at the close of business on April 10, 2015. Accenture plc will cause Accenture SCA to declare a semi-annual cash dividend of $1.02 per share on its Class I common shares for shareholders of record at the close of business on April 7, 2015. Both dividends are payable on May 15, 2015. The payment of the cash dividends will result in the issuance of an immaterial number of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units. |
DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | 6 Months Ended | |||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | ||||||||
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS | |||||||
In the normal course of business, the Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage foreign currency exchange rate risk. The Company’s derivative financial instruments consist of deliverable and non-deliverable foreign currency forward contracts. | ||||||||
Cash Flow Hedges | ||||||||
For a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in estimated fair value of a hedging instrument is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of Shareholders’ Equity and is reclassified into Cost of services in the Consolidated Income Statements during the period in which the hedged transaction is recognized. For information related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that were reclassified into Cost of services during the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 as well as those expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months, see Note 3 (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) to these Consolidated Financial Statements. | ||||||||
Other Derivatives | ||||||||
Realized gains or losses and changes in the estimated fair value of foreign currency forward contracts that have not been designated as hedges were a net loss of $67,060 and $172,590 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, respectively. Realized gains or losses and changes in the estimated fair value of foreign currency forward contracts that have not been designated as hedges were a net gain of $11,433 and $98,476 for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, respectively. Gains and losses on these contracts are recorded in Other expense, net in the Consolidated Income Statements and are offset by gains and losses on the related hedged items. | ||||||||
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments | ||||||||
The notional and fair values of all derivative instruments were as follows: | ||||||||
February 28, 2015 | August 31, | |||||||
2014 | ||||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Cash Flow Hedges | ||||||||
Other current assets | $ | 55,444 | $ | 21,148 | ||||
Other non-current assets | 58,796 | 20,875 | ||||||
Other Derivatives | ||||||||
Other current assets | 15,875 | 17,076 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 130,115 | $ | 59,099 | ||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Cash Flow Hedges | ||||||||
Other accrued liabilities | $ | 19,469 | $ | 41,103 | ||||
Other non-current liabilities | 5,129 | 24,474 | ||||||
Other Derivatives | ||||||||
Other accrued liabilities | 13,122 | 15,392 | ||||||
Total liabilities | $ | 37,720 | $ | 80,969 | ||||
Total fair value | $ | 92,395 | $ | (21,870 | ) | |||
Total notional value | $ | 6,119,355 | $ | 5,989,011 | ||||
The Company utilizes standard counterparty master agreements containing provisions for the netting of certain foreign currency transaction obligations and for the set-off of certain obligations in the event of an insolvency of one of the parties to the transaction. In the Consolidated Balance Sheets, the Company records derivative assets and liabilities at gross fair value. The potential effect of netting derivative assets against liabilities under the counterparty master agreements was as follows: | ||||||||
February 28, | August 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Net derivative assets | $ | 103,695 | $ | 22,458 | ||||
Net derivative liabilities | 11,300 | 44,328 | ||||||
Total fair value | $ | 92,395 | $ | (21,870 | ) | |||
COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | 6 Months Ended |
Feb. 28, 2015 | |
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES | COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES |
Commitments | |
The Company has the right to purchase or may also be required to purchase substantially all of the remaining outstanding shares of its Avanade Inc. subsidiary (“Avanade”) not owned by the Company at fair value if certain events occur. As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, the Company has reflected the fair value of $84,043 and $95,581, respectively, related to Avanade’s redeemable common stock and the intrinsic value of the options on redeemable common stock in Other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. | |
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Obligation | |
On January 12, 2015, the Company began notifying eligible former employees (approximately 12,000 of the Company’s 22,000 total U.S. pension plan participants) who have vested benefits under the Company’s U.S. pension plan of an offer to receive a voluntary one-time lump sum cash payment that, if accepted, would settle the Company’s pension obligations to them. The Company expects that the lump sum payments, which will be paid from plan assets, will reduce the Company’s liabilities and administrative costs. | |
The lump sum cash payment offering period opened February 2, 2015 and will close on March 27, 2015. The lump sum cash payments will be made in May 2015. As a result, the Company will incur a non-cash settlement charge of approximately $60,000, pre-tax, in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The amount of the settlement charge will depend upon the actual number of participants that accept the Company’s offer. | |
Indemnifications and Guarantees | |
In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, the Company has entered into contractual arrangements through which it may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters. | |
As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, the Company’s aggregate potential liability to its clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately $638,000 and $768,000, respectively, of which all but approximately $13,000 and $8,000, respectively, may be recovered from the other third parties if the Company is obligated to make payments to the indemnified parties as a consequence of a performance default by the other third parties. For arrangements with unspecified limitations, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the aggregate maximum potential liability, as it is inherently difficult to predict the maximum potential amount of such payments, due to the conditional nature and unique facts of each particular arrangement. | |
To date, the Company has not been required to make any significant payment under any of the arrangements described above. The Company has assessed the current status of performance/payment risk related to arrangements with limited guarantees, warranty obligations, unspecified limitations and/or indemnification provisions and believes that any potential payments would be immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as a whole. | |
Legal Contingencies | |
As of February 28, 2015, the Company or its present personnel had been named as a defendant in various litigation matters. The Company and/or its personnel also from time to time are involved in investigations by various regulatory or legal authorities concerning matters arising in the course of its business around the world. Based on the present status of these matters, management believes the range of reasonably possible losses in addition to amounts accrued, net of insurance recoveries, will not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition. |
SEGMENT_REPORTING
SEGMENT REPORTING | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||
SEGMENT REPORTING | SEGMENT REPORTING | |||||||||||||||
The Company’s reportable operating segments are the five operating groups, which are Communications, Media & Technology; Financial Services; Health & Public Service; Products; and Resources. Information regarding the Company’s reportable operating segments is as follows: | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended February 28, | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Net | Operating | Net | Operating | |||||||||||||
Revenues | Income | Revenues | Income | |||||||||||||
Communications, Media & Technology | $ | 1,516,785 | $ | 201,661 | $ | 1,408,616 | $ | 181,815 | ||||||||
Financial Services | 1,589,535 | 228,161 | 1,563,655 | 209,138 | ||||||||||||
Health & Public Service | 1,319,917 | 163,830 | 1,183,728 | 145,614 | ||||||||||||
Products | 1,850,953 | 271,826 | 1,745,515 | 205,526 | ||||||||||||
Resources | 1,211,826 | 155,555 | 1,224,897 | 209,189 | ||||||||||||
Other | 4,313 | — | 4,256 | — | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 7,493,329 | $ | 1,021,033 | $ | 7,130,667 | $ | 951,282 | ||||||||
Six Months Ended February 28, | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Net | Operating | Net | Operating | |||||||||||||
Revenues | Income | Revenues | Income | |||||||||||||
Communications, Media & Technology | $ | 3,097,822 | $ | 390,418 | $ | 2,819,599 | $ | 335,183 | ||||||||
Financial Services | 3,305,762 | 525,743 | 3,161,621 | 472,706 | ||||||||||||
Health & Public Service | 2,688,359 | 365,633 | 2,413,802 | 324,919 | ||||||||||||
Products | 3,781,284 | 561,558 | 3,546,577 | 452,913 | ||||||||||||
Resources | 2,507,307 | 365,390 | 2,539,904 | 456,660 | ||||||||||||
Other | 8,510 | — | 7,913 | — | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 15,389,044 | $ | 2,208,742 | $ | 14,489,416 | $ | 2,042,381 | ||||||||
BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Policies
BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies) | 6 Months Ended |
Feb. 28, 2015 | |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements of Accenture plc and its controlled subsidiary companies (collectively, the “Company”) have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These Consolidated Financial Statements should therefore be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on October 24, 2014. |
The accompanying unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from those estimates. The Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments of a normal, recurring nature that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for these interim periods. The results of operations for the three and six months ended February 28, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015. | |
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Income Taxes |
The Company applies an estimated annual effective tax rate to its year-to-date operating results to determine the interim provision for income tax expense. In addition, the Company recognizes taxes related to unusual or infrequent items or resulting from a change in judgment regarding a position taken in a prior year as discrete items in the interim period in which the event occurs. | |
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy | New Accounting Pronouncement |
On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2017, including interim periods in its fiscal year 2018, and allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption. The Company is in the process of determining the method of adoption and assessing the impact of this ASU on its Consolidated Financial Statements. |
COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Policies) | 6 Months Ended |
Feb. 28, 2015 | |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Indemnifications and Guarantees |
In the normal course of business and in conjunction with certain client engagements, the Company has entered into contractual arrangements through which it may be obligated to indemnify clients with respect to certain matters. | |
As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, the Company’s aggregate potential liability to its clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties was approximately $638,000 and $768,000, respectively, of which all but approximately $13,000 and $8,000, respectively, may be recovered from the other third parties if the Company is obligated to make payments to the indemnified parties as a consequence of a performance default by the other third parties. For arrangements with unspecified limitations, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the aggregate maximum potential liability, as it is inherently difficult to predict the maximum potential amount of such payments, due to the conditional nature and unique facts of each particular arrangement. | |
To date, the Company has not been required to make any significant payment under any of the arrangements described above. The Company has assessed the current status of performance/payment risk related to arrangements with limited guarantees, warranty obligations, unspecified limitations and/or indemnification provisions and believes that any potential payments would be immaterial to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as a whole. |
EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share | Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows: | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended February 28, | Six Months Ended February 28, | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
Basic Earnings per share | ||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ | 690,726 | $ | 671,300 | $ | 1,522,256 | $ | 1,423,146 | ||||||||
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 628,254,759 | 635,929,351 | 628,338,365 | 636,314,554 | ||||||||||||
Basic earnings per share | $ | 1.1 | $ | 1.06 | $ | 2.42 | $ | 2.24 | ||||||||
Diluted Earnings per share | ||||||||||||||||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $ | 690,726 | $ | 671,300 | $ | 1,522,256 | $ | 1,423,146 | ||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture SCA and Accenture | 41,053 | 42,849 | 91,689 | 91,947 | ||||||||||||
Canada Holdings Inc. (1) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation | $ | 731,779 | $ | 714,149 | $ | 1,613,945 | $ | 1,515,093 | ||||||||
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 628,254,759 | 635,929,351 | 628,338,365 | 636,314,554 | ||||||||||||
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1) | 37,311,982 | 40,598,938 | 37,808,602 | 41,097,951 | ||||||||||||
Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares (2) | 13,475,889 | 17,192,349 | 14,430,675 | 18,587,988 | ||||||||||||
Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares | 122,507 | 125,568 | 175,314 | 90,684 | ||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares (2) | 679,165,137 | 693,846,206 | 680,752,956 | 696,091,177 | ||||||||||||
Diluted earnings per share | $ | 1.08 | $ | 1.03 | $ | 2.37 | $ | 2.18 | ||||||||
_______________ | ||||||||||||||||
-1 | Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption of all Accenture SCA Class I common shares owned by holders of noncontrolling interests and the exchange of all Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. The income effect does not take into account “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — other,” since those shares are not redeemable or exchangeable for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares. | |||||||||||||||
-2 | Diluted weighted average Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 have been restated to reflect the impact of the issuance of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units in connection with the payments of cash dividends during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and the third quarter of fiscal 2014. This did not result in a change to previously reported Diluted earnings per share. |
ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Equity [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | The following table summarizes the changes in the accumulated balances for each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Accenture plc: | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended February 28, | Six Months Ended February 28, | |||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | 2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation | ||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance | $ | (514,747 | ) | $ | (323,388 | ) | $ | (324,596 | ) | $ | (414,401 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency translation | (153,781 | ) | (15,567 | ) | (341,634 | ) | 83,330 | |||||||||
Income tax benefit | 1,623 | 3,082 | 3,191 | 1,962 | ||||||||||||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (691 | ) | 2,432 | (4,557 | ) | (4,332 | ) | |||||||||
Foreign currency translation, net of tax | (152,849 | ) | (10,053 | ) | (343,000 | ) | 80,960 | |||||||||
Ending balance | (667,596 | ) | (333,441 | ) | (667,596 | ) | (333,441 | ) | ||||||||
Defined benefit plans | ||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance | (527,301 | ) | (422,383 | ) | (531,143 | ) | (425,404 | ) | ||||||||
Reclassifications into net periodic pension and | 6,914 | 4,843 | 13,309 | 9,897 | ||||||||||||
post-retirement expense (1) | ||||||||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (2,379 | ) | 412 | (4,702 | ) | (1,425 | ) | |||||||||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (248 | ) | (308 | ) | (478 | ) | (504 | ) | ||||||||
Defined benefit plans, net of tax | 4,287 | 4,947 | 8,129 | 7,968 | ||||||||||||
Ending balance | (523,014 | ) | (417,436 | ) | (523,014 | ) | (417,436 | ) | ||||||||
Cash flow hedges | ||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance | 1,339 | (139,943 | ) | (16,209 | ) | (212,941 | ) | |||||||||
Unrealized gains | 96,506 | 5,273 | 117,816 | 93,625 | ||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services | (5,642 | ) | 34,918 | (4,722 | ) | 71,049 | ||||||||||
Income tax expense | (31,192 | ) | (14,441 | ) | (34,821 | ) | (61,200 | ) | ||||||||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | (3,291 | ) | (1,431 | ) | (4,344 | ) | (6,157 | ) | ||||||||
Cash flow hedges, net of tax | 56,381 | 24,319 | 73,929 | 97,317 | ||||||||||||
Ending balance (2) | 57,720 | (115,624 | ) | 57,720 | (115,624 | ) | ||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | $ | (1,132,890 | ) | $ | (866,501 | ) | $ | (1,132,890 | ) | $ | (866,501 | ) | ||||
_______________ | ||||||||||||||||
-1 | Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs. | |||||||||||||||
-2 | As of February 28, 2015, $35,975 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months. |
GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] | The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment were as follows: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
August 31, | Additions/ | Foreign | February 28, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2014 | Adjustments | Currency | 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Translation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Communications, Media & Technology | $ | 338,855 | $ | 3,092 | $ | (16,709 | ) | $ | 325,238 | ||||||||||||||||
Financial Services | 707,093 | 6,498 | (20,024 | ) | 693,567 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Health & Public Service | 375,052 | 2,667 | (4,052 | ) | 373,667 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Products | 836,858 | 6,867 | (26,796 | ) | 816,929 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Resources | 138,036 | 106,115 | (15,957 | ) | 228,194 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,395,894 | $ | 125,239 | $ | (83,538 | ) | $ | 2,437,595 | ||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] | The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets by major asset class are as follows: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
28-Feb-15 | 31-Aug-14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Intangible Asset Class | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
Customer-related | $ | 342,695 | $ | (100,949 | ) | $ | 241,746 | $ | 334,768 | $ | (88,447 | ) | $ | 246,321 | |||||||||||
Technology | 111,333 | (45,351 | ) | 65,982 | 113,938 | (41,536 | ) | 72,402 | |||||||||||||||||
Patents | 116,455 | (56,353 | ) | 60,102 | 135,022 | (70,299 | ) | 64,723 | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 29,481 | (15,975 | ) | 13,506 | 37,524 | (23,090 | ) | 14,434 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 599,964 | $ | (218,628 | ) | $ | 381,336 | $ | 621,252 | $ | (223,372 | ) | $ | 397,880 | |||||||||||
MATERIAL_TRANSACTIONS_AFFECTIN1
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Equity [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule of Dividend Activity | The Company’s dividend activity during the six months ended February 28, 2015 was as follows: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend Per | Accenture plc Class A | Accenture SCA Class I Common | Total Cash | ||||||||||||||||||
Share | Ordinary Shares | Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings | Outlay | ||||||||||||||||||
Inc. Exchangeable Shares | |||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend Payment Date | Record Date | Cash Outlay | Record Date | Cash Outlay | |||||||||||||||||
November 17, 2014 | $ | 1.02 | October 17, 2014 | $ | 639,451 | October 14, 2014 | $ | 39,285 | $ | 678,736 | |||||||||||
DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN1
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | |||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | ||||||||
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||
Notional and Fair Values of All Derivative Instruments | The notional and fair values of all derivative instruments were as follows: | |||||||
February 28, 2015 | August 31, | |||||||
2014 | ||||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Cash Flow Hedges | ||||||||
Other current assets | $ | 55,444 | $ | 21,148 | ||||
Other non-current assets | 58,796 | 20,875 | ||||||
Other Derivatives | ||||||||
Other current assets | 15,875 | 17,076 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 130,115 | $ | 59,099 | ||||
Liabilities | ||||||||
Cash Flow Hedges | ||||||||
Other accrued liabilities | $ | 19,469 | $ | 41,103 | ||||
Other non-current liabilities | 5,129 | 24,474 | ||||||
Other Derivatives | ||||||||
Other accrued liabilities | 13,122 | 15,392 | ||||||
Total liabilities | $ | 37,720 | $ | 80,969 | ||||
Total fair value | $ | 92,395 | $ | (21,870 | ) | |||
Total notional value | $ | 6,119,355 | $ | 5,989,011 | ||||
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities Table | ||||||||
February 28, | August 31, | |||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||
Net derivative assets | $ | 103,695 | $ | 22,458 | ||||
Net derivative liabilities | 11,300 | 44,328 | ||||||
Total fair value | $ | 92,395 | $ | (21,870 | ) | |||
SEGMENT_REPORTING_Tables
SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables) | 6 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
Feb. 28, 2015 | ||||||||||||||||
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||
Reportable Operating Segments | The Company’s reportable operating segments are the five operating groups, which are Communications, Media & Technology; Financial Services; Health & Public Service; Products; and Resources. Information regarding the Company’s reportable operating segments is as follows: | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended February 28, | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Net | Operating | Net | Operating | |||||||||||||
Revenues | Income | Revenues | Income | |||||||||||||
Communications, Media & Technology | $ | 1,516,785 | $ | 201,661 | $ | 1,408,616 | $ | 181,815 | ||||||||
Financial Services | 1,589,535 | 228,161 | 1,563,655 | 209,138 | ||||||||||||
Health & Public Service | 1,319,917 | 163,830 | 1,183,728 | 145,614 | ||||||||||||
Products | 1,850,953 | 271,826 | 1,745,515 | 205,526 | ||||||||||||
Resources | 1,211,826 | 155,555 | 1,224,897 | 209,189 | ||||||||||||
Other | 4,313 | — | 4,256 | — | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 7,493,329 | $ | 1,021,033 | $ | 7,130,667 | $ | 951,282 | ||||||||
Six Months Ended February 28, | ||||||||||||||||
2015 | 2014 | |||||||||||||||
Net | Operating | Net | Operating | |||||||||||||
Revenues | Income | Revenues | Income | |||||||||||||
Communications, Media & Technology | $ | 3,097,822 | $ | 390,418 | $ | 2,819,599 | $ | 335,183 | ||||||||
Financial Services | 3,305,762 | 525,743 | 3,161,621 | 472,706 | ||||||||||||
Health & Public Service | 2,688,359 | 365,633 | 2,413,802 | 324,919 | ||||||||||||
Products | 3,781,284 | 561,558 | 3,546,577 | 452,913 | ||||||||||||
Resources | 2,507,307 | 365,390 | 2,539,904 | 456,660 | ||||||||||||
Other | 8,510 | — | 7,913 | — | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 15,389,044 | $ | 2,208,742 | $ | 14,489,416 | $ | 2,042,381 | ||||||||
BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Addition
BASIS OF PRESENTATION - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | Aug. 31, 2014 |
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable and unbilled services | $83,881 | $83,881 | $82,643 | ||
Accumulated depreciation | 1,754,052 | 1,754,052 | 1,752,965 | ||
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent | 26.00% | 24.00% | 25.60% | 24.60% | |
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings | 171,276 | 171,276 | |||
Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority | ($169,829) | ($169,829) |
EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Detail
EARNINGS PER SHARE (Detail) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||||||
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | ||||
Basic Earnings per share | ||||||||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | $690,726 | $671,300 | $1,522,256 | $1,423,146 | ||||
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 628,254,759 | 635,929,351 | 628,338,365 | 636,314,554 | ||||
Basic earnings per share | $1.10 | $1.06 | $2.42 | $2.24 | ||||
Diluted Earnings per share | ||||||||
Net income attributable to Accenture plc | 690,726 | 671,300 | 1,522,256 | 1,423,146 | ||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1) | 41,053 | [1] | 42,849 | [1] | 91,689 | [1] | 91,947 | [1] |
Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation | $731,779 | $714,149 | $1,613,945 | $1,515,093 | ||||
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares | 628,254,759 | 635,929,351 | 628,338,365 | 636,314,554 | ||||
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1) | 37,311,982 | [1] | 40,598,938 | [1] | 37,808,602 | [1] | 41,097,951 | [1] |
Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares (2) | 13,475,889 | 17,192,349 | [2] | 14,430,675 | 18,587,988 | [2] | ||
Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares | 122,507 | 125,568 | 175,314 | 90,684 | ||||
Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares (2) | 679,165,137 | 693,846,206 | [2] | 680,752,956 | 696,091,177 | [2] | ||
Diluted earnings per share | $1.08 | $1.03 | $2.37 | $2.18 | ||||
[1] | Diluted earnings per share assumes the redemption of all Accenture SCA Class I common shares owned by holders of noncontrolling interests and the exchange of all Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on a one-for-one basis. The income effect does not take into account “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests — other,†since those shares are not redeemable or exchangeable for Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares. | |||||||
[2] | Diluted weighted average Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 have been restated to reflect the impact of the issuance of additional restricted share units to holders of restricted share units in connection with the payments of cash dividends during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and the third quarter of fiscal 2014. This did not result in a change to previously reported Diluted earnings per share. |
ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | |||||||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | Aug. 31, 2014 | ||||
Foreign currency translation | |||||||||
Beginning balance | ($514,747) | ($323,388) | ($324,596) | ($414,401) | |||||
Foreign currency translation | -153,781 | -15,567 | -341,634 | 83,330 | |||||
Income tax benefit | 1,623 | 3,082 | 3,191 | 1,962 | |||||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | -691 | 2,432 | -4,557 | -4,332 | |||||
Foreign currency translation, net of tax | -152,849 | -10,053 | -343,000 | 80,960 | |||||
Ending balance | -667,596 | -333,441 | -667,596 | -333,441 | |||||
Defined benefit plans | |||||||||
Beginning balance | -527,301 | -422,383 | -531,143 | -425,404 | |||||
Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense (1) | 6,914 | [1] | 4,843 | [1] | 13,309 | [1] | 9,897 | [1] | |
Income tax (expense) benefit | -2,379 | 412 | -4,702 | -1,425 | |||||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | -248 | -308 | -478 | -504 | |||||
Defined benefit plans, net of tax | 4,287 | 4,947 | 8,129 | 7,968 | |||||
Ending balance | -523,014 | -417,436 | -523,014 | -417,436 | |||||
Cash flow hedges | |||||||||
Beginning balance | 1,339 | -139,943 | -16,209 | -212,941 | |||||
Unrealized gains | 96,506 | 5,273 | 117,816 | 93,625 | |||||
Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services | -5,642 | 34,918 | -4,722 | 71,049 | |||||
Income tax expense | -31,192 | -14,441 | -34,821 | -61,200 | |||||
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests | -3,291 | -1,431 | -4,344 | -6,157 | |||||
Cash flow hedges, net of tax | 56,381 | 24,319 | 73,929 | 97,317 | |||||
Ending balance (2) | 57,720 | [2] | -115,624 | 57,720 | [2] | -115,624 | |||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ($1,132,890) | ($866,501) | ($1,132,890) | ($866,501) | ($871,948) | ||||
[1] | Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense are recognized in Cost of services, Sales and marketing and General and administrative costs. | ||||||||
[2] | As of February 28, 2015, $35,975 of net unrealized gains related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is expected to be reclassified into Cost of services in the next 12 months. |
ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV3
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges (Details) (Cost Of Services [Member], Cash Flow Hedging, USD $) | 6 Months Ended |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 |
Cost Of Services [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging | |
Derivative [Line Items] | |
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months | $35,975 |
BUSINESS_COMBINATIONS_AND_GOOD
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND GOODWILL - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 6 Months Ended | |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2014 |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||
Goodwill | $2,437,595 | $2,395,894 |
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] | ||
Business Acquisition [Line Items] | ||
Cash Consideration | $119,462 |
GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Goodwill Rollforward (Details) (USD $) | 6 Months Ended |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | $2,395,894 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 125,239 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | -83,538 |
Goodwill | 2,437,595 |
Communications, Media & Technology | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 338,855 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 3,092 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | -16,709 |
Goodwill | 325,238 |
Financial Services | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 707,093 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 6,498 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | -20,024 |
Goodwill | 693,567 |
Health & Public Service | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 375,052 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 2,667 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | -4,052 |
Goodwill | 373,667 |
Products | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 836,858 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 6,867 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | -26,796 |
Goodwill | 816,929 |
Resources | |
Goodwill [Line Items] | |
Goodwill | 138,036 |
Goodwill Acquired During Period And Adjustments | 106,115 |
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments | -15,957 |
Goodwill | $228,194 |
GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Intangible Table by Major Class (Details) (USD $) | Feb. 28, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2014 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | $599,964 | $621,252 |
Accumulated Amortization | -218,628 | -223,372 |
Net Carrying Amount | 381,336 | 397,880 |
Customer-related | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 342,695 | 334,768 |
Accumulated Amortization | -100,949 | -88,447 |
Net Carrying Amount | 241,746 | 246,321 |
Technology | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 111,333 | 113,938 |
Accumulated Amortization | -45,351 | -41,536 |
Net Carrying Amount | 65,982 | 72,402 |
Patents | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 116,455 | 135,022 |
Accumulated Amortization | -56,353 | -70,299 |
Net Carrying Amount | 60,102 | 64,723 |
Other | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Gross Carrying Amount | 29,481 | 37,524 |
Accumulated Amortization | -15,975 | -23,090 |
Net Carrying Amount | $13,506 | $14,434 |
MATERIAL_TRANSACTIONS_AFFECTIN2
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Dividend Activity (Detail) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 |
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Dividend Per Share | $0 | $0 | $1.02 | $0.93 |
Dividend Payment November 2014 [Member] | ||||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Dividend Payment Date | 17-Nov-14 | |||
Dividend Per Share | $1.02 | |||
Cash Outlay | $678,736 | |||
Dividend Payment November 2014 [Member] | Accenture SCA Class I Common Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares | ||||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Record Date | 14-Oct-14 | |||
Cash Outlay | 39,285 | |||
Dividend Payment November 2014 [Member] | Class A ordinary shares | ||||
Dividends [Line Items] | ||||
Record Date | 17-Oct-14 | |||
Cash Outlay | $639,451 |
MATERIAL_TRANSACTIONS_AFFECTIN3
MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY MATERIAL TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Additional Information (Details) (Dividend Declared [Member], USD $) | 6 Months Ended |
Feb. 28, 2015 | |
Class A ordinary shares | |
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |
Dividends Payable, Date Declared, Month and Year | 23-Mar-15 |
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share | $1.02 |
Dividends Payable, Date of Record | 10-Apr-15 |
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid | 15-May-15 |
Common Class I [Member] | |
Subsequent Event [Line Items] | |
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share | $1.02 |
Dividends Payable, Date of Record | 7-Apr-15 |
DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN2
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Notional and Fair Values of All Derivative Instruments (Detail) (USD $) | Feb. 28, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2014 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | $130,115 | $59,099 |
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 37,720 | 80,969 |
Total fair value | 92,395 | -21,870 |
Total notional value | 6,119,355 | 5,989,011 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Other current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 55,444 | 21,148 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Other non-current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 58,796 | 20,875 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Other accrued liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 19,469 | 41,103 |
Cash Flow Hedging | Other non-current liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | 5,129 | 24,474 |
Other Derivatives | Other current assets | ||
Assets | ||
Fair value of derivative assets | 15,875 | 17,076 |
Other Derivatives | Other accrued liabilities | ||
Liabilities | ||
Fair value of derivative liabilities | $13,122 | $15,392 |
DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN3
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 |
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||
Realized gains or (losses) and changes in the estimated fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges | ($67,060) | $11,433 | ($172,590) | $98,476 |
DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN4
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $) | Feb. 28, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2014 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | ||
Offsetting Derivative Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] | ||
Net derivative assets | $103,695 | $22,458 |
Net derivative liabilities | 11,300 | 44,328 |
Total fair value | $92,395 | ($21,870) |
COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 31-May-15 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Aug. 31, 2014 |
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | |||
Commitments [Abstract] | |||
Fair value of Avanade redeemable common stock and options | $84,043 | $95,581 | |
U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Obligation [Abstract] | |||
Number of Former Employees U.S. Pension Lump Sum Offer | 12,000 | ||
Number of Total Participants in U.S. Pension Plan | 22,000 | ||
Expected Non-cash charge resulting from voluntary lump sum offer | 60,000 | ||
Indemnifications and Guarantees [Abstract] | |||
Portion of guarantee not recoverable | 13,000 | 8,000 | |
Expressly limited performance guarantee | $638,000 | $768,000 |
SEGMENT_REPORTING_Reportable_O
SEGMENT REPORTING - Reportable Operating Segments (Detail) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended | ||
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 | Feb. 28, 2015 | Feb. 28, 2014 |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | $7,493,329 | $7,130,667 | $15,389,044 | $14,489,416 |
Operating Income | 1,021,033 | 951,282 | 2,208,742 | 2,042,381 |
Communications, Media & Technology | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 1,516,785 | 1,408,616 | 3,097,822 | 2,819,599 |
Operating Income | 201,661 | 181,815 | 390,418 | 335,183 |
Financial Services | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 1,589,535 | 1,563,655 | 3,305,762 | 3,161,621 |
Operating Income | 228,161 | 209,138 | 525,743 | 472,706 |
Health & Public Service | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 1,319,917 | 1,183,728 | 2,688,359 | 2,413,802 |
Operating Income | 163,830 | 145,614 | 365,633 | 324,919 |
Products | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 1,850,953 | 1,745,515 | 3,781,284 | 3,546,577 |
Operating Income | 271,826 | 205,526 | 561,558 | 452,913 |
Resources | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 1,211,826 | 1,224,897 | 2,507,307 | 2,539,904 |
Operating Income | 155,555 | 209,189 | 365,390 | 456,660 |
Other | ||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||
Net Revenues | 4,313 | 4,256 | 8,510 | 7,913 |
Operating Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
SEGMENT_REPORTING_Additional_I
SEGMENT REPORTING - Additional Information (Detail) | 6 Months Ended |
Feb. 28, 2015 | |
segment | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Number of operating segments | 5 |