COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair value of Avanade redeemable common stock and options	$ 88,568	$ 95,957
Expressly limited performance guarantee	767,000	596,000
Portion of guarantee not recoverable	$ 17,000	$ 21,000

Fair value of outstanding Avanade common stock, and intrinsic value of options to purchase Avanade common stock, which have put rights that under certain circumstances and conditions would require Avanade to redeem these shares at fair value.

No definition available.

Name:	acn_RedeemableCommonStockAndOptionsOfSubsidiary
Namespace Prefix:	acn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant