Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2012
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Basis of Presentation FactSet conducts business globally and is managed on a geographic basis. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts for prior years in order to conform to the current year’s presentation. FactSet has performed an evaluation of subsequent events occurring subsequent to the end of the Company’s fiscal 2012 fourth quarter and through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued based on the accounting guidance for subsequent events.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basis of Financial Statements and Use of Estimates The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates have been made in areas that include receivable reserves, accrued compensation, allocation of purchase price to assets and liabilities acquired, income taxes, stock-based compensation, valuation of goodwill, and useful lives and valuation of fixed and intangible assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Revenue Recognition The Company’s revenues are derived from month-to-month subscriptions to services such as workstations (also referred to as users), content and applications. The majority of clients are invoiced monthly to reflect the actual services provided. The remaining clients are invoiced quarterly, annually or biannually in advance. Subscription revenue is earned each month as the service is rendered to clients on a monthly basis. FactSet recognizes revenue when the client subscribes to FactSet services, the service has been rendered and earned during the month, the amount of the subscription is fixed or determinable based on established rates quoted on an annualized basis and collectability is reasonably assured. A provision for billing adjustments and cancellation of services is estimated and accounted for as a reduction of revenue, with a corresponding reduction to accounts receivable.
Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cost of Services Cost of services is comprised of compensation for Company employees within the content collection, consulting, product development, software and systems engineering groups in addition to data costs, amortization of identifiable intangible assets, computer maintenance and depreciation expenses and client-related communication costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Selling, General and Administrative Selling, general and administrative expenses include compensation for the sales and various other support and administrative departments, travel and entertainment expenses, marketing costs, rent, amortization of leasehold improvements, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, office expenses, professional fees and other miscellaneous expenses.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period increased by the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding during the period. The number of potential common shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury stock method to the extent they are dilutive. Common share equivalents consist of common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share-based compensation awards, including employee stock options and restricted stock. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price paid by the optionee, future stock-based compensation expense that the Company has not yet recognized and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value Measures Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. The Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 while the Company’s derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts) and certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by FactSet as of August 31, 2012 or 2011.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and corporate money market funds with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition and are reported at fair value. The Company’s corporate money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value.
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Investments Investments consist of certificates of deposits with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During fiscal 2012, the Company purchased $15.0 million of certificates of deposit with maturity dates up to twelve months from purchase date. The impact of foreign currency reduced the carrying value by $2.2 million as these deposits are held in Indian Rupees.
Accounts Receivable And Deferred Fees [Policy Text Block]	Accounts Receivable and Deferred Fees Amounts that have been earned but not yet paid are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as accounts receivable, net of reserves. Amounts invoiced in advance or client payments that are in excess of earned subscription revenues are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as deferred fees. As of August 31, 2012, the amount of accounts receivable that was unbilled totaled $2.3 million, which was billed in fiscal 2013.
Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy	Receivable Reserve The Company calculates its receivable reserve through analyzing aged client receivables, reviewing the recent history of client receivable write-offs and understanding general market and economic conditions. In accordance with this policy, a receivable reserve of $1.8 million and $2.0 million was recorded as of August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction of accounts receivable.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Computers and related equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three years. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases or estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever period is shorter. Repairs and maintenance expenditures, which are not considered leasehold improvements and do not extend the useful life of the property and equipment, are expensed as incurred. The Company performs a test for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an individual asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Should projected undiscounted future cash flows be less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment charge reducing the carrying amount to fair value is required. Fair value is determined based on the most appropriate valuation technique, including discounted cash flows.
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Asset Retirement Obligations An asset retirement obligation is recognized in the period in which sufficient information exists to determine the fair value of the liability with a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related property, plant and equipment which is then depreciated over its useful life. The liability is initially measured at discounted fair value and then accretion expense is recorded in each subsequent period. The Company’s asset retirement obligations are primarily associated with its build out of office space in London and Hong Kong where FactSet made significant leasehold improvements and is obligated to remove the leasehold improvements at the end of the lease term. The Company’s asset retirement obligations are not material to its consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill Goodwill has resulted from the acquisitions of the Insyte, LionShares, Mergerstat, CallStreet, JCF, TrueCourse, Derivative Solutions, AlphaMetrics, Global Filings, DealMaven, Thomson Fundamentals, Market Metrics and StreetAccount businesses. Goodwill resulting from the acquisitions of LionShares, Mergerstat, TrueCourse, Derivative Solutions, Market Metrics, and StreetAccount are income tax-deductible based on the structure of the acquisition. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates goodwill at the reporting unit level for indications of potential impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment based on the present value of discounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value. FactSet has determined that there were three reporting units during fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, which are consistent with the operating segments reported because there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflects the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed an annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 and determined that there were no reporting units that were deemed at risk and there had been no impairment.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Intangible Assets Intangible assets consist of certain acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from the acquisitions of Insyte (data central application), LionShares (global equity ownership data), Mergerstat (M&A data), CallStreet (events and transcripts), JCF (earnings and other estimates), TrueCourse (takeover defense intelligence), Derivative Solutions (fixed income), AlphaMetrics (research and performance evaluation networking tool), Global Filings (equity and fixed income prospectuses), DealMaven (investment banking workflow tool), Thomson Fundamentals (financial data), Market Metrics (market research data on advisor-sold investments and insurance products), and StreetAccount (financial news) and depending on the nature of the intangible asset, are amortized on either a straight-line or an accelerated basis using estimated useful lives ranging between two and twenty years. These intangible assets have no assigned residual values. Intangible assets are reviewed 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 an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss for intangible assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented.
Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Internal Use Software Certain costs related to computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized. FactSet capitalizes only those direct costs incurred during the application development and implementation stages for developing, purchasing or otherwise acquiring software solely to meet the Company’s internal needs. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the underlying software, three years or less. During fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company capitalized $0.9 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively of internal employee compensation costs associated with the application development and implementation stages for developing software for internal use only. In fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, FactSet recorded amortization expense related to capitalized software of $0.9 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Product Development The Company capitalizes software development costs related to software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed. Software development costs are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established, at which time such costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to the public. Once the point of technological feasibility is reached, which is the completion of a working prototype that has been certified as having no critical bugs and is a release candidate or has alternative future uses, development costs are capitalized until the product is ready for general release. Research and product development costs not subject to capitalization are expensed as incurred. As of August 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no software development costs capitalized related to software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed.
Landlord Contributions To Leasehold Improvements [Policy Text Block]	Landlord Contributions for Leasehold Improvements In conjunction with entering into leases for office space, the Company receives contributions from landlords toward leasehold improvements which are reported in the Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses line item (current portion only) and the Deferred Rent and Other Non-Current Liabilities line item (non-current portion) of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These contributions are amortized as a reduction to rent expense over the non-cancelable lease terms to which they pertain. During fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, cash contributions from landlords were $1.5 million, $1.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Derivative Instruments FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. The Company does not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes. FactSet enters into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the effects of foreign currency fluctuations. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considers several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. These transactions are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts mitigate the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. All derivatives are assessed for effectiveness at each reporting period.
Accrued Liabilities [Policy Text Block]	Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities include estimates relating to employee compensation, operating expenses and tax liabilities. Approximately 15-20% of the Company’s employee incentive compensation programs are discretionary. FactSet conducts a final review of Company and departmental individual performance each fiscal year end to determine the amount of discretionary employee compensation. The Company also reviews compensation throughout the year to determine how overall performance tracks against management’s expectations. Management takes these and other factors, including historical performance, into account in reviewing accrued compensation estimates quarterly and adjusting accrual rates as appropriate. The amount of the variable employee compensation recorded within accrued compensation as of August 31, 2012 and 2011, were $35.9 million and $37.2 million, respectively.
Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block]	Treasury Stock The Company accounts for repurchased common stock under the cost method and includes such treasury stock as a component of its stockholders’ equity. At the time treasury stock retirement is approved by FactSet’s Board of Directors, the Company’s accounting policy is to deduct its par value from common stock, reduce additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) by the amount recorded in APIC when the stock was originally issued and any remaining excess of cost as a deduction from retained earnings.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income and Deferred Taxes Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. FactSet recognizes the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will prevail upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position as of the reporting date. Otherwise, no benefit or expense can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, FactSet accrues interest and related penalties, if applicable, on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. Interest and penalties are classified as income tax expense in the financial statements. As of August 31, 2012, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $5.5 million, including $1.0 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Comprehensive Income Loss [Policy Text Block]	Comprehensive Income (Loss) The Company discloses comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with applicable standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income (loss) in a set of financial statements. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in net assets of a business enterprise during a period from transactions generated from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. See Note 13 for further disclosure of comprehensive income (loss).
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation Certain wholly owned subsidiaries within the Europe and Asia Pacific segments operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar, such as the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippines Peso. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Translation gains and losses that arise from translating assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of foreign operations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity. The accumulated foreign currency translation loss totaled $21.2 million and $6.25 million at August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation Accounting guidance requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock and common shares acquired under employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values of the share awards that are scheduled to vest during the period. FactSet uses the straight-line attribution method for all awards with graded vesting features and service conditions only. Under this method, the amount of compensation expense that is recognized on any date is at least equal to the vested portion of the award on that date. For all stock-based awards with performance conditions, the graded vesting attribution method is used by the Company to determine the monthly stock-based compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods. As stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based primarily on historical experience. Windfall tax benefits, defined as tax deductions that exceed recorded stock-based compensation, are classified as cash inflows from financing activities. Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets on a quarterly basis. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on the Company achieving certain performance levels. A change in the financial performance levels the Company achieves could result in changes to FactSet’s current estimate of the vesting percentage and related stock-based compensation.
Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]	Legal Matters From time to time, the Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including intellectual property litigation. FactSet accrues liabilities for contingencies when management believes that a loss is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, while contingent gains are recognized only when realized. Legal costs for services rendered in the course of these proceedings are charged to expense as they are incurred.
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Operating Leases The Company conducts all of its operations in leased facilities which have minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable operating leases. Certain of these leases contain rent escalations based on specified percentages. Most of the leases contain renewal options and require payments for taxes, insurance and maintenance. Rent expense is charged to operations as incurred except for escalating rents, which are charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. Lease incentives, relating to allowances provided by landlords, are amortized over the term of the lease as a reduction of rent expense. Costs associated with acquiring a subtenant, including broker commissions and tenant allowances, are amortized over the sublease term as a reduction of sublease income.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements On September 1, 2011, FactSet adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) on disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The guidance requires the disclosure of roll-forward activities on purchases, sales, issuance, and settlements of the assets and liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value measurements). Adoption of this new guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. On March 1, 2012, FactSet adopted guidance issued by the FASB on accounting and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The guidance is the result of joint efforts by the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board to develop a single, converged fair value framework on how to measure fair value and what disclosures to provide about fair value measurements. The most significant change in disclosures is an expansion of the information required for Level 3 measurements based on unobservable inputs. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective during fiscal 2012 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted Balance Sheet Offsetting In December 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring enhanced disclosures about certain financial instruments and derivative instruments that are offset in the balance sheet or that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements. This accounting standard update is effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Other than requiring additional disclosures, the adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Presentation of Comprehensive Income In June 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to provide guidance on increasing the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The guidance eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, it requires that the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance also required entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. The Company expects to present comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive statements upon adoption, beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Other than the change in presentation, the adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Goodwill Impairment Testing In September 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update intended to simplify how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. The guidance will allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity no longer will be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. This accounting standard update is effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting standard update intended to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment by providing entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. This accounting standard update is effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Basis of Presentation

FactSet conducts business globally and is managed on a geographic basis. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts for prior years in order to conform to the current year’s presentation.

FactSet has performed an evaluation of subsequent events occurring subsequent to the end of the Company’s fiscal 2012 fourth quarter and through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued based on the accounting guidance for subsequent events.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of Financial Statements and Use of Estimates

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates have been made in areas that include receivable reserves, accrued compensation, allocation of purchase price to assets and liabilities acquired, income taxes, stock-based compensation, valuation of goodwill, and useful lives and valuation of fixed and intangible assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenues are derived from month-to-month subscriptions to services such as workstations (also referred to as users), content and applications. The majority of clients are invoiced monthly to reflect the actual services provided. The remaining clients are invoiced quarterly, annually or biannually in advance. Subscription revenue is earned each month as the service is rendered to clients on a monthly basis. FactSet recognizes revenue when the client subscribes to FactSet services, the service has been rendered and earned during the month, the amount of the subscription is fixed or determinable based on established rates quoted on an annualized basis and collectability is reasonably assured. A provision for billing adjustments and cancellation of services is estimated and accounted for as a reduction of revenue, with a corresponding reduction to accounts receivable.

Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cost of Services

Cost of services is comprised of compensation for Company employees within the content collection, consulting, product development, software and systems engineering groups in addition to data costs, amortization of identifiable intangible assets, computer maintenance and depreciation expenses and client-related communication costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses include compensation for the sales and various other support and administrative departments, travel and entertainment expenses, marketing costs, rent, amortization of leasehold improvements, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, office expenses, professional fees and other miscellaneous expenses.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period increased by the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding during the period. The number of potential common shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury stock method to the extent they are dilutive. Common share equivalents consist of common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share-based compensation awards, including employee stock options and restricted stock. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price paid by the optionee, future stock-based compensation expense that the Company has not yet recognized and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when the award becomes deductible are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value Measures

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. The Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 while the Company’s derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts) and certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by FactSet as of August 31, 2012 or 2011.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and corporate money market funds with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition and are reported at fair value. The Company’s corporate money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments

Investments consist of certificates of deposits with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During fiscal 2012, the Company purchased $15.0 million of certificates of deposit with maturity dates up to twelve months from purchase date. The impact of foreign currency reduced the carrying value by $2.2 million as these deposits are held in Indian Rupees.

Accounts Receivable And Deferred Fees [Policy Text Block]

Accounts Receivable and Deferred Fees

Amounts that have been earned but not yet paid are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as accounts receivable, net of reserves. Amounts invoiced in advance or client payments that are in excess of earned subscription revenues are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as deferred fees. As of August 31, 2012, the amount of accounts receivable that was unbilled totaled $2.3 million, which was billed in fiscal 2013.

Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy

Receivable Reserve The Company calculates its receivable reserve through analyzing aged client receivables, reviewing the recent history of client receivable write-offs and understanding general market and economic conditions. In accordance with this policy, a receivable reserve of $1.8 million and $2.0 million was recorded as of August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a reduction of accounts receivable.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Computers and related equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of three years. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases or estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever period is shorter. Repairs and maintenance expenditures, which are not considered leasehold improvements and do not extend the useful life of the property and equipment, are expensed as incurred.

The Company performs a test for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an individual asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Should projected undiscounted future cash flows be less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment charge reducing the carrying amount to fair value is required. Fair value is determined based on the most appropriate valuation technique, including discounted cash flows.

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Asset Retirement Obligations

An asset retirement obligation is recognized in the period in which sufficient information exists to determine the fair value of the liability with a corresponding increase to the carrying amount of the related property, plant and equipment which is then depreciated over its useful life. The liability is initially measured at discounted fair value and then accretion expense is recorded in each subsequent period. The Company’s asset retirement obligations are primarily associated with its build out of office space in London and Hong Kong where FactSet made significant leasehold improvements and is obligated to remove the leasehold improvements at the end of the lease term. The Company’s asset retirement obligations are not material to its consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill

Goodwill has resulted from the acquisitions of the Insyte, LionShares, Mergerstat, CallStreet, JCF, TrueCourse, Derivative Solutions, AlphaMetrics, Global Filings, DealMaven, Thomson Fundamentals, Market Metrics and StreetAccount businesses. Goodwill resulting from the acquisitions of LionShares, Mergerstat, TrueCourse, Derivative Solutions, Market Metrics, and StreetAccount are income tax-deductible based on the structure of the acquisition. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates goodwill at the reporting unit level for indications of potential impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment based on the present value of discounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value. FactSet has determined that there were three reporting units during fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, which are consistent with the operating segments reported because there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflects the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed an annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 and determined that there were no reporting units that were deemed at risk and there had been no impairment.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of certain acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from the acquisitions of Insyte (data central application), LionShares (global equity ownership data), Mergerstat (M&A data), CallStreet (events and transcripts), JCF (earnings and other estimates), TrueCourse (takeover defense intelligence), Derivative Solutions (fixed income), AlphaMetrics (research and performance evaluation networking tool), Global Filings (equity and fixed income prospectuses), DealMaven (investment banking workflow tool), Thomson Fundamentals (financial data), Market Metrics (market research data on advisor-sold investments and insurance products), and StreetAccount (financial news) and depending on the nature of the intangible asset, are amortized on either a straight-line or an accelerated basis using estimated useful lives ranging between two and twenty years. These intangible assets have no assigned residual values. Intangible assets are reviewed 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 an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss for intangible assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented.

Internal Use Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Internal Use Software

Certain costs related to computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized. FactSet capitalizes only those direct costs incurred during the application development and implementation stages for developing, purchasing or otherwise acquiring software solely to meet the Company’s internal needs. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the underlying software, three years or less. During fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company capitalized $0.9 million, $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively of internal employee compensation costs associated with the application development and implementation stages for developing software for internal use only. In fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, FactSet recorded amortization expense related to capitalized software of $0.9 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Product Development

The Company capitalizes software development costs related to software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed. Software development costs are expensed as incurred until technological feasibility has been established, at which time such costs are capitalized until the product is available for general release to the public. Once the point of technological feasibility is reached, which is the completion of a working prototype that has been certified as having no critical bugs and is a release candidate or has alternative future uses, development costs are capitalized until the product is ready for general release. Research and product development costs not subject to capitalization are expensed as incurred. As of August 31, 2012 and 2011, there were no software development costs capitalized related to software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed.

Landlord Contributions To Leasehold Improvements [Policy Text Block]

Landlord Contributions for Leasehold Improvements

In conjunction with entering into leases for office space, the Company receives contributions from landlords toward leasehold improvements which are reported in the Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses line item (current portion only) and the Deferred Rent and Other Non-Current Liabilities line item (non-current portion) of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These contributions are amortized as a reduction to rent expense over the non-cancelable lease terms to which they pertain. During fiscal 2012, 2011 and 2010, cash contributions from landlords were $1.5 million, $1.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Instruments

FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. The Company does not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes.

FactSet enters into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the effects of foreign currency fluctuations. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considers several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. These transactions are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts mitigate the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. All derivatives are assessed for effectiveness at each reporting period.

Accrued Liabilities [Policy Text Block]

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities include estimates relating to employee compensation, operating expenses and tax liabilities. Approximately 15-20% of the Company’s employee incentive compensation programs are discretionary. FactSet conducts a final review of Company and departmental individual performance each fiscal year end to determine the amount of discretionary employee compensation. The Company also reviews compensation throughout the year to determine how overall performance tracks against management’s expectations. Management takes these and other factors, including historical performance, into account in reviewing accrued compensation estimates quarterly and adjusting accrual rates as appropriate. The amount of the variable employee compensation recorded within accrued compensation as of August 31, 2012 and 2011, were $35.9 million and $37.2 million, respectively.

Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block]

Treasury Stock

The Company accounts for repurchased common stock under the cost method and includes such treasury stock as a component of its stockholders’ equity. At the time treasury stock retirement is approved by FactSet’s Board of Directors, the Company’s accounting policy is to deduct its par value from common stock, reduce additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) by the amount recorded in APIC when the stock was originally issued and any remaining excess of cost as a deduction from retained earnings.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income and Deferred Taxes

Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates.

FactSet recognizes the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will prevail upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position as of the reporting date. Otherwise, no benefit or expense can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, FactSet accrues interest and related penalties, if applicable, on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. Interest and penalties are classified as income tax expense in the financial statements. As of August 31, 2012, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $5.5 million, including $1.0 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Comprehensive Income Loss [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company discloses comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with applicable standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income (loss) in a set of financial statements. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in net assets of a business enterprise during a period from transactions generated from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. See Note 13 for further disclosure of comprehensive income (loss).

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]

Foreign Currency Translation

Certain wholly owned subsidiaries within the Europe and Asia Pacific segments operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar, such as the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippines Peso. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Translation gains and losses that arise from translating assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of foreign operations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity. The accumulated foreign currency translation loss totaled $21.2 million and $6.25 million at August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Compensation

Accounting guidance requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock and common shares acquired under employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values of the share awards that are scheduled to vest during the period. FactSet uses the straight-line attribution method for all awards with graded vesting features and service conditions only. Under this method, the amount of compensation expense that is recognized on any date is at least equal to the vested portion of the award on that date. For all stock-based awards with performance conditions, the graded vesting attribution method is used by the Company to determine the monthly stock-based compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods.

As stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based primarily on historical experience. Windfall tax benefits, defined as tax deductions that exceed recorded stock-based compensation, are classified as cash inflows from financing activities.

Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets on a quarterly basis. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on the Company achieving certain performance levels. A change in the financial performance levels the Company achieves could result in changes to FactSet’s current estimate of the vesting percentage and related stock-based compensation.

Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block]

Legal Matters

From time to time, the Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including intellectual property litigation. FactSet accrues liabilities for contingencies when management believes that a loss is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, while contingent gains are recognized only when realized. Legal costs for services rendered in the course of these proceedings are charged to expense as they are incurred.

Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Operating Leases

The Company conducts all of its operations in leased facilities which have minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable operating leases. Certain of these leases contain rent escalations based on specified percentages. Most of the leases contain renewal options and require payments for taxes, insurance and maintenance. Rent expense is charged to operations as incurred except for escalating rents, which are charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. Lease incentives, relating to allowances provided by landlords, are amortized over the term of the lease as a reduction of rent expense. Costs associated with acquiring a subtenant, including broker commissions and tenant allowances, are amortized over the sublease term as a reduction of sublease income.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements

On September 1, 2011, FactSet adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) on disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The guidance requires the disclosure of roll-forward activities on purchases, sales, issuance, and settlements of the assets and liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value measurements). Adoption of this new guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On March 1, 2012, FactSet adopted guidance issued by the FASB on accounting and disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The guidance is the result of joint efforts by the FASB and International Accounting Standards Board to develop a single, converged fair value framework on how to measure fair value and what disclosures to provide about fair value measurements. The most significant change in disclosures is an expansion of the information required for Level 3 measurements based on unobservable inputs. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective during fiscal 2012 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

Balance Sheet Offsetting

In December 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring enhanced disclosures about certain financial instruments and derivative instruments that are offset in the balance sheet or that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements. This accounting standard update is effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Other than requiring additional disclosures, the adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Presentation of Comprehensive Income

In June 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to provide guidance on increasing the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The guidance eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, it requires that the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance also required entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in both the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance which indefinitely defers the guidance related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. The Company expects to present comprehensive income in two separate but consecutive statements upon adoption, beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Other than the change in presentation, the adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill Impairment Testing

In September 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update intended to simplify how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. The guidance will allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity no longer will be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. This accounting standard update is effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets

In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting standard update intended to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment by providing entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. This accounting standard update is effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.