Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by operating activities - Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation, amortization and asset impairments Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Reorganization costs, net Restructuring And Reorganization Costs Benefits Net Net amount of costs charged or credited to earnings associated with restructuring and reorganization. Restructuring costs or benefits are related to severance costs, space abandonment and other restructuring charges. Reorganization costs were incurred when the company made the transition to a corporate structure in fiscal 2001. Share-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Deferred income taxes, net Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes Other, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions - Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Receivables from clients, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Unbilled services, current and non-current Increase (Decrease) in Unbilled Receivables Other current and non-current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Deferred revenues, current and non-current Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Accrued payroll and related benefits Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Income taxes payable, current and non-current Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Other current and non-current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from maturities and sales of available-for-sale investments Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of available-for-sale investments Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Proceeds from sales of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchases of businesses and investments, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Issuance of common shares Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Purchases of shares Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repayments of long-term debt, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Long-term Debt and Capital Securities Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Cash dividends paid Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract] Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Class I Common Shares Common Stock [Member] Restricted Share Units (related to Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury Shares Treasury Stock [Member] Investment in Accenture plc Common Stock Held By Subsidiary [Member] Common Stock Held by Subsidiary Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Total Accenture SCA Shareholders' Equity Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Beginning Balance (in shares) Shares, Issued Comprehensive income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Other comprehensive loss: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax and reclassification adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Unrealized gains on marketable securities, net of reclassification adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined benefit plans, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income tax benefit on share-based compensation plans Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Purchases/redemptions of Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares (in shares) Purchases Redemptions Of Noncontrolling Interests And Class X Shares Purchases and redemptions of Class X shares and shares related to noncontrolling interests. Purchases/redemptions of Accenture SCA Class I common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares Purchases Redemptions Of Noncontrolling Interests And Class X Shares Value Purchases and redemptions of Class X shares and shares related to noncontrolling interests. Issuances of Accenture SCA Class I common shares related to employee share programs (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Issuances of Accenture SCA Class I common shares related to employee share programs Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Dividends Dividends, Common Stock Other, net Stockholders' Equity, Other Ending Balance Ending Balance (in shares) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] SEGMENT REPORTING Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document - Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Income Statement [Abstract] REVENUES: Revenues [Abstract] Revenues before reimbursements ("Net revenues") Sales Revenue, Services, Net Reimbursements Reimbursement Revenue Revenues Revenues OPERATING EXPENSES: Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of services: Cost of Services [Abstract] Cost of services before reimbursable expenses Cost of Services Reimbursable expenses Cost of Reimbursable Expense Cost of services Cost of Revenue Sales and marketing Selling and Marketing Expense General and administrative costs General and Administrative Expense Total operating expenses Costs and Expenses OPERATING INCOME Operating Income (Loss) Gain (loss) on investments, net Gain (Loss) on Investments Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense Interest Expense Other (expense) income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) NET INCOME Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Or Exchangeable Shares Amount of net income or loss for the period allocated to noncontrolling shareholders of Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc, entities that are consolidated into the reporting entity's financial statements. Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Shares can be redeemed or exchanged for Accenture plc Class A Ordinary shares. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests - other Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Other NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE SCA Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Cash dividends per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid BASIS OF PRESENTATION Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Short-term investments Short-term Investments Receivables from clients, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Unbilled services, net Unbilled Services Net Current Revenues recognized in excess of billings, which are expected to be collected within one year of the balance sheet date. Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current NON-CURRENT ASSETS: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Unbilled services, net Unbilled Services Net Noncurrent Revenues recognized in excess of billings, which are expected to be collected after one year from the balance sheet date. Investments Long-term Investments Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Deferred contract costs Deferred Set-up Costs, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent TOTAL ASSETS Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] CURRENT LIABILITIES: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of long-term debt and bank borrowings Debt, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Deferred revenues Deferred Revenue, Current Accrued payroll and related benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued consumption taxes Sales and Excise Tax Payable, Current Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Current Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Current Other accrued liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Deferred revenues relating to contract costs Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Retirement obligation Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Class I common shares, par value 1.25 euros per share, 40,000,000,000 shares authorized, 1,049,032,064 shares issued as of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011 Common Stock, Value, Issued Restricted share units (related to Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares) Restricted Share Units Value Amount represents share-based compensation accumulated amounts expensed related to unvested awards of restricted share units. A restricted share unit represents an unfunded, unsecured right, which is nontransferable except in the event of death of the participant, to receive an Accenture plc Class A ordinary share on a specified date. Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Treasury shares, at cost: Class I common, 339,416,107 and 332,576,540 shares as of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Investment in Accenture plc shares, at cost, 13,816,959 shares as of May 31, 2012 and August 31, 2011 Parent Company Net Investment Amount represents the value of Accenture plc Class A shares, at cost, owned by the entity. Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Accenture SCA shareholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total shareholders' equity TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity REORGANIZATION COSTS, NET Reorganization Costs Net Disclosure [Text Block] Description of reorganization costs and associated liabilities regarding the company's transition to a corporate structure in fiscal 2001. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND GOODWILL Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Class I common shares, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Class I common shares, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Class I common shares, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Treasury shares, at cost Treasury Stock, Shares Investment in Accenture plc, shares Investment In Parent Company Shares Amount represents the number of Accenture plc shares owned by the entity.