RETIREMENT AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS - Changes in the Defined Benefit Pension Obligations, Plan Assets and Funded Status of Material Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Non-current liabilities	$ (1,408,759)	$ (1,494,789)
Total	(35,879)
U.S. and Non-U.S. Plans
Reconciliation of benefit obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	500,964	403,095
Service cost	19,898	18,565
Interest cost	15,270	15,618
Participant contributions	0	0
Acquisitions/divestitures/transfers	0	0
Amendments	0	0
Curtailment	0	84
Pension settlement	0	0
Special termination benefits	0	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	5,084	74,213
Benefits Paid	(13,047)	(11,143)
Exchange rate impact	1,511	532
Benefit obligation, end of year	529,680	500,964
Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	27,130	24,643
Actual return on plan assets	(38)	3,856
Acquisitions/divestitures/transfers	0	0
Employer contributions	12,496	9,774
Participant contributions	0	0
Pension settlement	0	0
Benefits paid	(13,047)	(11,143)
Exchange rate impact	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	26,541	27,130
Funded status, end of year	(503,139)	(473,834)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Non-current assets	0	0
Current liabilities	(1,659)	(1,579)
Non-current liabilities	(501,480)	(472,255)
Funded status, end of year	(503,139)	(473,834)
UNITED STATES \| Pension Plan [Member]
Reconciliation of benefit obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	2,030,006	1,635,744
Service cost	7,380	7,305
Interest cost	48,354	63,470
Participant contributions	0	0
Acquisitions/divestitures/transfers	0	0
Amendments	0	0
Curtailment	0	0
Pension settlement	(1,612,824)	0
Special termination benefits	0	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	(80,507)	371,294
Benefits Paid	(49,546)	(47,807)
Exchange rate impact	0	0
Benefit obligation, end of year	342,863	2,030,006
Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	1,801,435	1,596,186
Actual return on plan assets	(63,919)	242,112
Acquisitions/divestitures/transfers	0	0
Employer contributions	129,483	10,944
Participant contributions	0	0
Pension settlement	(1,612,824)	0
Benefits paid	(49,546)	(47,807)
Exchange rate impact	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	204,629	1,801,435
Funded status, end of year	(138,234)	(228,571)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Non-current assets	2,127	0
Current liabilities	(11,047)	(11,091)
Non-current liabilities	(129,314)	(217,480)
Funded status, end of year	(138,234)	(228,571)
Non-U.S. Plans
Reconciliation of benefit obligation
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	1,758,110	1,439,225
Service cost	82,727	72,502
Interest cost	36,906	43,827
Participant contributions	11,832	9,857
Acquisitions/divestitures/transfers	15,664	41,719
Amendments	(847)	(1,561)
Curtailment	0	(689)
Pension settlement	0	0
Special termination benefits	0	1,332
Actuarial (gain) loss	(76,066)	261,252
Benefits Paid	(47,233)	(52,549)
Exchange rate impact	35,369	(56,805)
Benefit obligation, end of year	1,816,462	1,758,110
Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	1,081,154	982,471
Actual return on plan assets	42,417	97,638
Acquisitions/divestitures/transfers	818	24,052
Employer contributions	67,300	71,046
Participant contributions	11,832	9,857
Pension settlement	0	0
Benefits paid	(47,233)	(52,549)
Exchange rate impact	(2,160)	(51,361)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	1,154,128	1,081,154
Funded status, end of year	(662,334)	(676,956)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Non-current assets	64,461	59,335
Current liabilities	(21,015)	(16,691)
Non-current liabilities	(705,780)	(719,600)
Funded status, end of year	$ (662,334)	$ (676,956)

The amount of change in the benefit obligation attributed to acquisitions, divestures or transfers.

No definition available.

Name:	acn_DefinedBenefitPlanAcquisitionsDivestituresTransfersBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix:	acn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of change in the fair value of plan assets attributed to acquisitions, divestures or transfers.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	acn_DefinedBenefitPlanAcquisitionsDivestituresTransfersChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix:	acn_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in plan assets of defined benefit plan from actual return (loss) determined by change in fair value of plan assets adjusted for contributions, benefit payments, and other expenses.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of gain (loss) from change in actuarial assumptions which (increases) decreases benefit obligation of defined benefit plan. Assumptions include, but are not limited to, interest, mortality, employee turnover, salary, and temporary deviation from substantive plan.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of asset, recognized in statement of financial position, for overfunded defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64852052&loc=d3e1731-114919

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(17))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64852052&loc=d3e1703-114919

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(10))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(10))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of actuarial present value of benefits attributed to service rendered by employee for defined benefit plan.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of payment to participant of defined benefit plan which decreases benefit obligation. For pension plan, payment includes, but is not limited to, pension benefits and death benefits. For other postretirement plan, payment includes, but is not limited to, prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 60
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6414203&loc=d3e39716-114964

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(6)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationBenefitsPaid
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of contributions received by defined benefit plan from participant which increase benefit obligation.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationContributionsByPlanParticipant
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of contribution received by defined benefit plan from employer which increases plan assets.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of (increase) decrease in benefit obligation of defined benefit plan from event reducing expected years of future service of present employees or eliminating accrual of benefits for some or all future services of present employees.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cost (credit) included in accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost (credit) for fiscal year following most recent annual statement of financial position.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedAmortizationNextFiscalYear
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value of assets that have been segregated and restricted to provide pension or postretirement benefits. Assets include, but are not limited to, stocks, bonds, other investments, earnings from investments, and contributions by the employer and employees.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of foreign currency translation gain (loss) which (increases) decreases benefit obligation of defined benefit plan.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of funded (unfunded) status of defined benefit plan, measured as difference between fair value of plan assets and benefit obligation. Includes, but is not limited to, overfunded (underfunded) status.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of cost recognized for passage of time related to defined benefit plan.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in benefit obligation of defined benefit plan from change in terms of existing plan or initiation of new plan.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of payment to participant under defined benefit plan which decreases plan assets. For pension plan, payment includes, but is not limited to, pension benefits and death benefits. For other postretirement plan, payment includes, but is not limited to, prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 60
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6414203&loc=d3e39716-114964

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(5)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsBenefitsPaid
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of contributions received by defined benefit plan from participant which increases plan assets.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsContributionsByPlanParticipant
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of foreign currency translation gain (loss) which increases (decreases) plan assets of defined benefit plan.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAssetsForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of cost for actuarial present value of benefits attributed to service rendered by employee for defined benefit plan.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of (increase) decrease to benefit obligation of defined benefit plan from irrevocable action relieving primary responsibility for benefit obligation and eliminating risk for obligation and assets used to effect settlement. Includes, but is not limited to, lump-sum cash payment to participant in exchange for right to receive specified benefits, purchase of nonparticipating annuity contract and change from remeasurement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of payment, which decreases plan assets of defined benefit plan, for irrevocable action relieving primary responsibility for benefit obligation and eliminating risk for obligation and assets used to effect settlement. Transaction constituting settlement includes, but is not limited to, making lump-sum cash payment to participant in exchange for their rights to receive specified benefits and purchasing nonparticipating annuity contract.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase in benefit obligation for benefits provided to employees payable from defined benefit plan or payable upon retirement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of liability, recognized in statement of financial position, for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, classified as current.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64852052&loc=d3e1731-114919

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(20))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64852052&loc=d3e1703-114919

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of liability, recognized in statement of financial position, for defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans, classified as noncurrent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64852052&loc=d3e1731-114919

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(24))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64852052&loc=d3e1703-114919

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis=us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RetirementPlanSponsorLocationAxis=country_US
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis=us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RetirementPlanSponsorLocationAxis=acn_NonUSPensionPlanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: