Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2011

Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Intangible Assets

8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

FactSet's identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from previous acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company's operations. The weighted average useful life of all acquired intangible assets is 12.1 years at August 31, 2011.

The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on undiscounted cash flows resulting from the use of the asset, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented. These intangible assets have no assigned residual values.

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization totals related to the Company's identifiable intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):

At August 31, 2011	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	52,438	$	16,849	$	35,589
Client relationships		21,088		12,782		8,306
Software technology		19,093		18,222		871
Non-compete agreements		1,750		437		1,313
Trade names		572		341		231
Total	$	94,941	$	48,631	$	46,310

At August 31, 2010	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	49,278	$	11,907	$	37,371
Client relationships		20,348		9,776		10,572
Software technology		18,575		16,386		2,189
Non-compete agreements		1,813		150		1,663
Trade names		571		187		384
Total	$	90,585	$	38,406	$	52,179

There were no intangible assets acquired during fiscal 2011. The increase in the gross carrying amount of intangible assets at August 31, 2011 as compared to August 31, 2010 was due to foreign currency translations.

During fiscal 2010, $17.2 million of intangible assets were acquired with a weighted average useful life of 6.6 years as a result of purchasing the Market Metrics business on June 1, 2010.

	Weighted Average Amortization  Period		Acquisition Cost
Data content		5.0 years	$	8,070
Client relationships		9.0 years		6,990
Non-compete agreements		5.0 years		1,750
Trade name		3.0 years		380
Total		6.6 years	$	17,190

Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets during fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $8.4 million, $8.5 million and $8.3 million, respectively. As of August 31, 2011, estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization Expense
2012	$	7,431
2013		5,919
2014		4,839
2015		4,126
2016		2,634
Thereafter		21,361
Total	$	46,310