Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PAREXEL International Corporation, our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated. For the year ended June 30, 2017, we recorded $7.5 million related to service revenue arrangements recognized in prior periods. The adjustments were recorded as reductions to service revenue in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the year ended June 30, 2017. We concluded the effect of these errors was not material to our consolidated financial statements for the current fiscal year, or any of the prior periods and, as such, these consolidated financial statements are not materially misstated. Cash Pooling Arrangement, Net Presentation In Fiscal Year 2017, our cash pooling arrangement with RBS Nederland, NV ended and we increased our cash pooling with J.P Morgan Chase. Pooling occurs when debit balances are offset against credit balances and the overall net position is used as a basis by the bank for calculating the overall pool interest payable or receivable amount. Each legal entity owned by us and party to this arrangement remains the owner of either a credit (deposit) or a debit (overdraft) balance. Therefore, interest income is earned by legal entities with credit balances, while interest expense is charged to legal entities with debit balances. Based on the pool’s aggregate balance, the bank then (1) recalculates the overall interest to be charged or earned, (2) compares this amount with the sum of previously charged/earned interest amounts per account and (3) additionally pays/charges the difference. Use of Estimates We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other items, revenue recognition, allowance for credit losses on receivables, valuation of derivative instruments, periodic impairment reviews of goodwill and intangible assets, contingent consideration, income taxes, and the valuation of acquired and long-term assets. Our estimates are based on the facts and circumstances available at the time estimates are made, historical experience, risk of loss, general economic conditions, trends, and assessments of the probable future outcomes of these matters. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of changes, if any, are reflected in the statement of operations in the period in which they are determined. Fair Values of Financial Instruments The fair value of our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates the carrying value of these financial instruments because of the short-term nature of any maturities. We determine the estimated fair values of other financial instruments, using available market information and valuation methodologies, primarily discounted cash flow analysis or input from independent investment bankers. Segments We identify a business as an operating segment if: i) it engages in business activities from which it may earn revenue and incur expenses; ii) its operating results are regularly reviewed by our chief operating decision maker, who is our chief executive officer, and iii) it has available discrete financial information. We aggregate our operating segments into a reportable segment if the operating segments are determined to have similar economic characteristics and are similar in the nature of products and services, nature of production processes, type or class of customer for their products and services, product or service distribution method, and, if applicable, nature of the regulatory environment. We have three reportable segments: Clinical Research Services (“CRS”), PAREXEL Consulting Services (“PC”), and PAREXEL Informatics (“PI”). Revenue Recognition We derive revenue from the delivery of service or software solutions to clients in the worldwide pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. We recognize revenue when all of the following conditions are satisfied: (1) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement; (2) the service offering has been delivered to the client; (3) the collection of fees is probable; and (4) the amount of fees to be paid by the client is fixed or determinable. Revenue recognition treatment of each business segment is described below. CRS and PC Service Revenue Service revenue in our CRS and PC businesses are derived principally from fee-for-service or fixed-price executory contracts, which typically involve competitive bid awards and multi-year terms. Client billing schedules and payment arrangements are prescribed under negotiated contract terms. Contract provisions do not provide for rights of return or refund, but normally include rights of cancellation with notice, in which case services delivered through the cancellation date are due and payable by the client, including certain costs to conclude the trial or study. Our client arrangements generally involve multiple service deliverables, where bundled service deliverables are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”),Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605-25, “Multiple-Element Arrangements.” We determined that each of our service deliverables has standalone value. ASC 605-25 requires the allocation of contract (arrangement) value to each separate unit of accounting based on the relative selling price of the various separate units of accounting in the arrangement. ASC 605-25 requires a hierarchy of evidence be followed when determining if evidence of the selling price of an item exists, such that the best evidence of selling price of a unit of accounting is vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”), or the price charged when a deliverable is sold separately. When VSOE is not available to determine selling price, relevant third-party evidence (“TPE”) of selling price should be used, if available. Lastly, when neither VSOE nor TPE of selling price for similar deliverables exists, management must use its best estimated selling price (“BESP”) considering all relevant information that is available without undue cost and effort. We use BESP in our allocation of arrangement consideration. The objective of BESP is to determine the price at which we would transact if the services were sold by us on a standalone basis. Our determination of BESP involves the consideration of several factors based on the specific facts and circumstances of each arrangement. Specifically, we consider the cost to provide services, the anticipated margin on those deliverables, our ongoing pricing strategy and policies, and the characteristics of the varying markets in which the services are provided. We allocate arrangement consideration at the inception of the arrangement using the relative selling prices of the deliverables within the contract based on BESP. We analyze the selling prices used in the allocation of arrangement consideration at least annually. Selling prices are analyzed on a more frequent basis if a significant change in our business necessitates a more timely analysis or if we experience significant variances in our selling prices. We recognize revenue for the separate elements of our contracts upon delivery of actual units of output and when all other revenue recognition criteria are met. Revenue from fee-for-service contracts generally is recognized as units of output are delivered. Revenue on fixed-price contracts generally is measured by applying a proportional performance model using output units, such as site or investigator recruitment, patient enrollment, data management, or other deliverables common to our CRS business. Performance-based output units are pre-defined in contracts and revenue is recognized based upon actual units of completion. Revenue related to changes in contract scope, which are subject to client approval, is recognized when realization is assured and amounts are fixed or determinable. We present revenue-related taxes collected on behalf of customers and remitted to taxing authorities, principally value-added taxes, on a net basis. PI Service Revenue Service revenue is derived principally from the delivery of software solutions through our PI business segment. Software solutions include ClinPhone ® RTSM, CTMS, EDC, RIM and Platform Solutions. Within PI’s ClinPhone ® RTSM business, we offer selected software solutions through a hosted application delivered through a standard web browser. We recognize revenue from application hosting services in accordance with ASC 985-605, “Software” and ASC 605-25, as our customers do not have the right to take possession of the software. Revenue resulting from these hosting services consists of three stages: set-up (client specification and workflow), hosting and support services, and closeout reporting. Fees charged and costs incurred in the set-up stage are deferred until the start of the hosting period and are amortized and recognized ratably over the estimated hosting period, including customary and expected extensions. Deferred costs are direct costs associated with the trial and application setup. These costs include salary and benefits associated with direct labor costs incurred during trial setup, as well as third-party subcontract fees and other contract labor costs. In the event of a contract cancellation by a client, all deferred revenue is recognized and all deferred setup costs are expensed. To the extent that termination-related fees are payable under the contract, such fees are recognized in the period of termination. PI's Medical Imaging business provides a service allowing customers to manage the image acquisitions and the analysis and quality of data obtained during a clinical trial. Service revenue is derived from executory contracts that are tailored to meet individual client requirements. Client billing schedules and payment arrangements are prescribed under negotiated contract terms. We recognize service revenue related to our Medical Imaging business based upon a proportional performance method utilizing a unitized output method. The defined units used for revenue recognition are used to track output measures that are specific to the services being provided in the contract and may include site survey reports, project management tasks, number of reviews completed, and image receipt and processing. Reimbursement Revenue & Investigator Fees Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses are reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Income under “Reimbursement revenue” and “Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses,” as we are the primary obligor for these expenses despite being reimbursed by our clients. In addition, as is customary in our industry, we routinely subcontract on behalf of our clients with independent physician investigators in connection with clinical trials. The related investigator fees are not reflected in our Service revenue, Reimbursement revenue, Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses, or Direct costs, because these fees are reimbursed by clients on a “pass through basis,” without risk or reward to us. The amounts of these investigator fees were $408.8 million , $397.1 million , and $461.0 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Business Combinations We account for acquisitions as business combinations in accordance with ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” We allocate the amounts that we pay for each acquisition to the assets we acquire, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities we assume based on their fair values at the dates of acquisition. We base the fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination on detailed valuations that use information and assumptions determined by management and which consider management's best estimates of inputs and assumptions that a market participant would use. We allocate any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired to goodwill. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Marketable Securities We account for investments in debt and equity securities in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities.” Marketable securities are held in foreign government treasury certificates that are actively traded and have original maturities over 90 days but less than one year . Our foreign government treasury certificates securities are classified as held-to-maturity based on our intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are recorded at amortized cost, which is not materially different than fair value. We do not intend to sell the securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity. Interest and dividends related to these securities are reported as a component of interest income in our consolidated statements of income. At June 30, 2017 and 2016, we did not hold any marketable securities. Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that subject us to credit risk primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, derivative financial instrument contracts, and accounts receivable. We maintain our cash and cash equivalent balances with high-quality financial institutions and, consequently, we believe that such funds are subject to minimal credit risk. Our marketable securities primarily consist of foreign government treasury certificates. We have seven different counterparties in our derivative contracts, which include interest rate swaps, an interest rate cap and foreign currency hedges. Each of these counterparties is in the financial services industry and is subject to the credit risks inherent to that industry. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of these counterparties. We perform ongoing credit evaluations related to the financial condition of our clients and, generally, do not require collateral. As of June 30, 2017 and 2016 , one client individually accounted for 12% of our total billed and unbilled accounts receivables. For Fiscal Year 2017 one client individually accounted for 12% of our consolidated service revenue. For Fiscal Year 2016 , one client individually accounted for 13% of our consolidated service revenue. For Fiscal Year 2015 , one client individually accounted for 14% of our consolidated service revenue. Billed Accounts Receivable, Unbilled Accounts Receivable and Deferred Revenue Billed accounts receivable represent amounts invoiced to our clients based on contract terms. In general, prerequisites for billings and payments are established by contractual provisions including predetermined payment schedules, which may or may not correspond to the timing of the performance of services under the contract. Unbilled services arise when services have been rendered for which revenue has been recognized but the customers have not been billed. Deferred revenue, which had an estimated weighted average age of 6 months for Fiscal Year 2017, represents payments received in excess of revenue recognized. These payments received in advance of services being provided or reimbursable out of pocket expenses and investigator fees incurred are classified as deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheet and include amounts billed based on contractual provisions such as milestone payments or customer advances at the beginning of a project. As the contracted services are subsequently performed and the associated revenue is recognized, the deferred revenue balance is reduced by the amount of the revenue recognized during the period. We maintain a provision for losses on receivables based on historical collectability and specific identification of potential problem accounts. Uncollectible invoices are written off when collection efforts have been exhausted. Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives of 3 to 8 years for computer software and hardware, and 5 years for office furniture, fixtures and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the remaining lease term, which include lease extensions when reasonably assured. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Development of Software for Internal Use PAREXEL accounts for the costs of software developed or obtained for internal use in accordance with ASC 350-40, “Internal-Use Software.” We capitalize costs of materials, consultants, payroll, and payroll-related costs for employees incurred in developing internal-use software. These costs are included in computer software in Note 5 below. Costs incurred during the preliminary project and post-implementation stages are charged to expense. Capitalized software costs, net, were $172.9 million and $174.8 million at June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Expense related to the capitalized software was $45.7 million , $43.2 million and $38.7 million for the years ended June 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Future expense for all capitalized software placed in service as of June 30, 2017 is estimated to be $45.5 million , $37.4 million , $27.9 million , $17.7 million and $6.2 million for the years ending June 30, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. Research and Development Costs We incur ongoing research and development costs related to core technologies used internally as well as software and technology sold externally. Unless eligible for capitalization, these costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development expense was $17.8 million , $19.2 million , and $24.0 million in Fiscal Years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Goodwill PAREXEL follows the provisions of ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other.” Under this statement, goodwill as well as certain other intangible assets, determined to have an indefinite life, are not amortized. Instead, these assets are evaluated for impairment at least annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying value. We used the qualitative assessment option for our impairment testing in Fiscal Year 2017 for goodwill and determined that the fair values of the reporting units and the indefinite-lived intangible more likely than not exceeded their carrying values and that there was no evidence of impairment as of June 30, 2017 . Our assessment of our indefinite-lived intangible, the ClinPhone RTSM tradename, for impairment uses a relief from royalty approach to determine fair value. Under the relief from royalty approach, the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible is based on after tax royalty rate and discount rate applied to future forecasted sales. Based on our assessment of the ClinPhone RTSM tradename, there was no evidence of impairment as of June 30, 2017 and June 30, 2016 . Long-lived Assets and Other Intangible Assets Long-lived assets, including fixed assets and intangible assets which have a definitive life, are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets might not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived assets are reviewed annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below the carrying value of the asset. For Fiscal Year 2017, we performed our annual impairment test using the relief from royalty approach to determine fair value. Under the relief from royalty approach, the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is based on after tax royalty rate and discount rate applied to future forecasted sales. The Company recognized an impairment charge related to an internally-developed software program of approximately $5.7 million for twelve months of Fiscal Year 2017 . There was no evidence of impairment of our indefinite-lived intangible asset balances as of June 30, 2017. Intangible assets are initially recorded at fair value and stated net of accumulated amortization and impairments. We amortize our intangible assets that have finite lives using either the straight-line method, or if reliably determinable, based on the pattern in which the economic benefit of the asset is expected to be utilized. Amortization is recorded over the estimated useful lives ranging from 1 to 15 years. Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are recognized for the estimated future tax benefits of deductible temporary differences and tax operating loss and credit carryforwards and are presented net of valuation allowances. Valuation allowances are established in jurisdictions where it is more likely than not that the benefits of the associated deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred income tax expense represents the change in the net deferred tax asset and liability balances. Interest and penalties are recognized as a component of income tax expense. Foreign Currency Assets and liabilities of PAREXEL’s international operations are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates that are in effect on the balance sheet date and equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the year. Translation adjustments are accumulated in other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheet. Transaction gains and losses are included in miscellaneous expense, net in the consolidated statements of operations. Transaction gains (losses) were $(4.0) million , $(0.5) million , and $7.0 million in Fiscal Years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares plus the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards. We do not have any participating securities outstanding nor do we have more than one class of common stock. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which provides that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. As originally issued, ASU 2014-09 will be effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the proposal to defer the effective date of this standard by one year. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 16, 2016. The Company has made progress toward completing its evaluation of the potential changes from adopting this new standard on its financial reporting and disclosures, drafting accounting policies, and designing changes to business processes, controls, and systems. The Company expects to adopt the new standard effective July 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. Subsequent to issuing ASU 2014-09, the FASB issued the following amendments concerning clarification of ASU 2014-09. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08 (“ASU 2016-08”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , which further clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The new guidance requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, (“ASU 2016-10”) Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , which clarifies the identification of performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12 (“ASU 2016-12”), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients , which provides clarification on assessing the collectability criterion, presentation of sales taxes, measurement date for noncash consideration and completed contracts at transition. We are currently evaluating the impact these ASUs will have on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01 (“ASU 2016-01”), Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This ASU is intended to provide users of financial statements with more useful information on the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are assessing the impact of adopting ASU No. 2016-01 on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Le ase s (Topic 842) Section A-Leases: Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification® Section B-Conforming Amendments Related to Leases: Amendments to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification® Section C-Background Information and Basis for Conclusions. This ASU requires an entity that leases assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We are assessing the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-05 (“ASU 2016-05”), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships (a Consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). This ASU clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. ASU 2016-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are assessing the impact of adopting ASU 2016-05 on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01 (“ASU 2017-01”), Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. The ASU clarifies that when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single asset (or a group of similar assets), the assets acquired would not represent a business. This introduces an initial required screen that, if met, eliminates the need for further assessment. ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We do not believe the updated requirements under ASU 2017-04 will materially impact our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 (“ASU 2017-04”), I ntangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). The ASU removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are assessing the impact of adopting ASU 2017-04 on our consolidated financial statements. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards T he Company adopted ASU No. 2014-15 ("ASU 2014-15"), Preparation of Financial Statements - Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern which states that under U.S. GAAP, continuation of a reporting entity as a going concern is presumed as the basis for preparing financial statements unless and until the entity’s liquidation becomes imminent. If and when an entity’s liquidation becomes imminent, financial statements should be prepared under the liquidation basis of accounting. Even when an entity’s liquidation is not imminent, there may be conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. In those situations, financial statements should continue to be prepared under the going concern basis of accounting, but the amendments in this ASU should be followed to determine whether to disclose information about the relevant conditions and events. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-12 (“ASU 2014-12”), Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period . ASU 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation , as it relates to such awards. ASU 2014-12 permits using either of two methods: (i) prospective to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (ii) retrospective to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter, with the cumulative effect of applying ASU 2014-12 as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-16 (“ASU 2015-16”), Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This ASU requires adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period of a business combination to be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Acquirers are no longer required to revise comparative information for prior periods as if the accounting for the business combination had been completed as of the acquisition date. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-03 (“ASU 2015-03”), Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs . ASU 2015-03 requires the presentation of debt issue costs in the consolidated balance sheets as a reduction to the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of debt issuance costs continues to be classified as interest expense. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09 (“ASU 2016-09”), Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . This ASU simplifies the accounting for share-based payment |