Equity [Abstract]
Share Purchase and Redemption Activity
Share purchase and redemption activity [Table Text Block]
Table that details the Company's purchases of Class A Ordinary Shares and purchases of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. Exchangeable Shares.
Dividend Activity
Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain]
Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain]
All Countries [Domain]
All Countries [Domain]
Foreign Plan [Member]
Foreign Plan [Member]
UNITED STATES
UNITED STATES
Domestic Plan [Member]
Domestic Plan [Member]
Non-U.S. Plans
Non-US Pension Plan [Member]
Plan designed to provide participants with a pension benefit, not within the United States. Excludes other postretirement benefit plans.
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Pension Plan [Member]
Pension Plan [Member]
U.S. and Non-U.S. Plans
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Reconciliation of benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation, beginning of year
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation
Service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost
Interest cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost
Participant contributions
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant
Acquisitions/divestitures/transfers
Defined Benefit Plan Acquisitions Divestitures Transfers Benefit Obligation
The amount of change in the benefit obligation attributed to acquisitions, divestures or transfers.
Amendments
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment
Curtailment
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Curtailment
Pension settlement
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement
Special termination benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Special and Contractual Termination Benefits
Actuarial (gain) loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)
Benefits Paid
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid
Exchange rate impact
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)
Benefit obligation, end of year
Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount
Actual return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss)
Acquisitions/divestitures/transfers
Defined Benefit Plan Acquisitions Divestitures Transfers Change In Fair Value Of Plan Assets
The amount of change in the fair value of plan assets attributed to acquisitions, divestures or transfers.
Employer contributions
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer
Participant contributions
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant
Pension settlement
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement
Benefits paid
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid
Exchange rate impact
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year
Funded status, end of year
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Non-current assets
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan
Current liabilities
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current
Non-current liabilities
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
BORROWINGS AND INDEBTEDNESS
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Share Purchase and Redemption Activity [Table]
Share Purchase and Redemption Activity [Table]
Share Purchase and Redemption Activity [Table]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Open-market share purchases (1)
Open Market Share Purchases [Member]
Open Market Share Purchases [Member]
Other share purchase programs
Other Share Purchase Programs [Member]
Other Share Purchase Programs [Member]
Other purchases (2)
Other Purchases [Member]
Other Purchases [Member]
Share Purchase and Redemption Activity [Line Items]
Share Purchase and Redemption Activity [Line Items]
Share Purchase and Redemption Activity [Line Items]
Accenture plc Class A Ordinary Shares (in shares)
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired
Accenture plc Class A Ordinary Shares
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method
Accenture Holdings plc Ordinary Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. Exchangeable Shares (in shares)
Purchases Redemptions Of Noncontrolling Interests Shares
Purchases and redemptions of Class X shares and shares related to noncontrolling interests.
Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. Exchangeable Shares
Purchases Redemptions Of Noncontrolling Interests And Shares During Period, Value
Purchases and redemptions of shares and shares related to noncontrolling interests.
RETIREMENT AND PROFIT SHARING PLANS
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Statement, Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Axis]
Segment, Geographical [Domain]
Geographical [Domain]
INDIA
INDIA
IRELAND
IRELAND
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property and Equipment, net, percentage by country
Property and Equipment, net, percentage by country
Property and Equipment, net, percentage by country.
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Line of Credit Facility [Axis]
Lender Name [Axis]
Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]
Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]
Syndicated Loan Facility Due December 22, 2020 [Member]
Syndicated Loan Facility Due December 22, 2020 [Member]
Syndicated Loan Facility Due December 22, 2020 [Member]
Separate, uncommitted, unsecured multicurrency revolving credit facilities
Separate Uncommitted Unsecured Multi Currency Revolving Credit Facilities [Member]
Separate Uncommitted Unsecured Multi Currency Revolving Credit Facilities [Member]
Local guaranteed and non-guaranteed lines of credit
Local Guaranteed and Non Guaranteed Lines of Credit [Member]
Local Guaranteed and Non Guaranteed Lines of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Facility Amount
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Borrowing Under Facilities
Long-term Line of Credit
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance, Liens Securing Obligations Percentage of Assets
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance, Liens Securing Obligations Percentage of Assets
Restrictions on liens to the entity's consolidated assets as required by the terms of the credit facility.
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance, Debt to Cash Flow Ratio Maximum
Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance, Debt to Cash Flow Ratio Maximum
Restrictions to maintain a debt to cash flow ratio as required by the terms of the credit facility (maximum).
LineOfCreditFacilityCovenantComplianceDebtToCashFlowRatioMinimum
LineOfCreditFacilityCovenantComplianceDebtToCashFlowRatioMinimum
Line Of Credit Facility Covenant Compliance Debt To Cash Flow Ratio Minimum
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenue Recognition
Revenue [Policy Text Block]
Employee Share-Based Compensation Arrangements
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Policy Text Block]
Income Taxes
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Translation of Non-U.S. Currency Amounts
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Client Receivables, Unbilled Services and Allowances
Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Investments
Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Property and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Long-Lived Assets
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Computers, related equipment and software
Technology Equipment [Member]
Furniture and fixtures
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Leasehold improvements
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Statistical Measurement [Axis]
Statistical Measurement [Axis]
Statistical Measurement [Domain]
Statistical Measurement [Domain]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Maximum
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Table Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of year
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Additions for tax positions related to the current year
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions
Additions for tax positions related to prior years
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Statute of limitations expirations
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations
Settlements with tax authorities
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities
Foreign currency translation
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation
Balance, end of year
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Defined benefit plans
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax
Cash flow hedges
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax
Investments
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Income Taxes [Table]
Income Taxes [Table]
Income Taxes [Table]
Changes in Tax Laws and Tax Rates [Axis]
Changes in Tax Laws and Tax Rates [Axis]
Information for changes in tax laws and tax rates
Changes in Tax Laws and Tax Rates [Domain]
Changes in Tax Laws and Tax Rates [Domain]
[Domain] for Information for changes in tax laws and tax rates
Changes in Tax Laws and Tax Rates [Member]
Changes in Tax Laws and Tax Rates [Member]
Changes in Tax Laws and Tax Rates
PensionPlanSettlementType [Axis]
PensionPlanSettlementType [Axis]
Pension Plan Settlement Type [Axis]
PensionPlanSettlementType [Domain]
PensionPlanSettlementType [Domain]
[Domain] for Pension Plan Settlement Type [Axis]
Fiscal2017PensionSettlement [Member]
Fiscal2017PensionSettlement [Member]
Fiscal 2017 Pension Settlement [Member]
tax type [Axis]
tax type [Axis]
tax type [Axis]
tax type [Domain]
tax type [Domain]
[Domain] for tax type [Axis]
withholding tax [Member]
withholding tax [Member]
withholding tax [Member]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Tax Credit Carryforwards Expiring Between 2018 and 2027
TaxCreditCarryForwardsExpiringBetween2018And2027 [Member]
Tax Credit Carry Forwards Expiring Between 2018 And 2027 [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforwards Expiring Between 2028 and 2037
TaxCreditCarryForwardsExpiringBetween2028And2037 [Member]
Tax Credit Carry Forwards Expiring Between 2028 And 2037 [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforwards with Indefinite Carryforward Period
Tax Credit Carryforwards with Indefinite Carryforward Period [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforwards with Indefinite Carryforward Period [Member]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Between 2018 and 2027
NetOperatingLossCarryforwardsExpiringBetween2018and2027 [Member]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Between 2018 and 2027 Member
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Between 2028 and 2037
NetOperatingLossCarryforwardsExpiringBetween2028and2037 [Member]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards Expiring Between 2028 and 2037 [Member]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards with Indefinite Carryforward Period
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards with Indefinite Carryforward Period [Member]
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards with Indefinite Carryforward Period [Member]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net
Deferred Tax Assets, Net
Taxes Payable
Taxes Payable
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries
Unrecognized deferred tax liability from undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries
Deferred Tax Liability Not Recognized, Amount of Unrecognized Deferred Tax Liability, Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries
Tax holiday income tax benefits
Income Tax Holiday, Aggregate Dollar Amount
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Increase in deferred tax valuation allowance
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount
Tax credit carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits potential to favorably impact effective tax rate
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate
Unrecognized tax benefits from adjustments to equity
Unrecognized tax benefits from adjustments to equity
Represents items recorded to equity and offsetting tax benefits associated with the correlative effects of potential transfer pricing adjustments, state taxes, and timing adjustments
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties expense
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties accrued pre-tax
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties Accrued Net Of Tax Benefits
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties Accrued Net Of Tax Benefits
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties Accrued Net of Tax Benefits
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible
Increase in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible
Increase in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At US Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate
The U.S federal statutory tax rate applicable under enacted tax laws to the Company's pretax income from continuing operations for the period. The "statutory" tax rate shall be the regular tax rate if there are alternative tax systems.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Contract Estimates [Abstract]
Contract Estimates [Abstract]
Contract with Customer, Asset, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Estimate of Transaction Price
Contract with Customer, Asset, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Estimate of Transaction Price
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary Shares [Member]
Ordinary shares satisfy the minimum share capital requirements for an Irish public limited company commencing operations. Ordinary shares are held in Treasury by Accenture plc and have no voting rights and no dividend rights.
Class A Ordinary Shares
Common Class A [Member]
Class X Ordinary Shares
Common Class X [Member]
Class X ordinary shares are entitled to one vote per share and do not have cumulative voting rights. Holders of Class X ordinary shares are not entitled to receive dividends and are not entitled to be paid any amount upon a winding-up of Accenture plc. Accenture plc may redeem, at its option, any Class X ordinary share for a redemption price equal to the par value of the Class X ordinary share. Class X ordinary shares are not transferable without the consent of Accenture plc.
Restricted Share Units
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Treasury Shares
Treasury Stock [Member]
Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Total Accenture plc Shareholder's Equity
Parent [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption
Beginning Balance
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning Balance (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Beginning Balance Treasury (in shares)
Treasury Stock, Shares
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares
Purchases of Class A ordinary shares (in shares)
Cancellation of treasury shares
Treasury Stock, Retired, Cost Method, Amount
Cancellation of treasury shares (in shares)
Treasury Stock, Shares, Retired
Share-based compensation expense
APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares
Purchases or Redemptions Of Noncontrolling Interests And Shares During Period, Shares
Purchases or Redemptions Of Noncontrolling Interests And Shares During Period, Shares
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X shares
Purchases or Redemptions Of Noncontrolling Interests And Shares During Period, Value
Purchases and redemptions of shares and shares related to noncontrolling interests.
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures
Purchases/redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares, Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. exchangeable shares and Class X ordinary shares (in shares)
Purchases Redemptions Of Noncontrolling Interests And Shares During Period, Shares
Purchases and redemptions of shares and shares related to noncontrolling interests.
Issuances of Class A ordinary shares:
Issuance Of Class A Ordinary Shares [Abstract]
Issuance Of Class A Ordinary Shares [Abstract]
Employee share programs
Shares Issued, Value, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture
Employee share programs (in shares)
Shares Issued, Shares, Share-based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture
Upon redemption of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares (in shares)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other
Upon redemption of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Other
Dividends
Dividends, Common Stock
Other, net
Stockholders' Equity, Other
Ending Balance
Ending Balance Treasury (in shares)
Ending Balance (in shares)
Research and development costs
Research and Development Expense
Advertising costs (1)
Advertising Expense
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)
U.S. sources (1)
Income Before Income Taxes U.S.
Portion of earnings or loss from continuing operations before income taxes attributable to US sources.
Non-U.S. sources
Income Before Income Taxes Non U.S.
Portion of earnings or loss from continuing operations before income taxes attributable to Non-US sources.
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest
INCOME TAXES
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Letters of credit outstanding under borrowing facilities
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount
Total outstanding debt
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount
CommercialPaperProgramBackedbySyndicatedLoan
CommercialPaperProgramBackedbySyndicatedLoan
Accenture established a Commercial Paper Program that will be Backed by its Syndicated Loan facility
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Components of Property and Equipment, Net
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Deferred tax assets
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Pensions
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions
Revenue recognition
Deferred Tax Assets, Deferred Income
Compensation and benefits
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation
Share-based compensation
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Share-based Compensation Cost
Net operating loss carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment
Deferred amortization deductions
Deferred Tax Assets Amortization Carryforwards
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax assets attributable to carryforward of amortization deductions that are not subject to expiration dates.
Indirect effects of unrecognized tax benefits
Deferred Tax Assets Offsetting Benefits To Uncertain Tax Positions
Represents offsetting tax benefits associated with the correlative effects of potential transfer pricing adjustments, state taxes, and timing adjustments.
Deferred tax assets, Licenses and other intangibles
Deferred tax assets, Licenses and other intangibles
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible licenses and other intangibles.
Derivatives
Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments
Other
Deferred Tax Assets, Other
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance
Deferred tax liabilities
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Revenue recognition
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Deferred Income
Depreciation and amortization
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment
Investments in subsidiaries
Deferred Tax Liabilities Investments In Subsidiaries
The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to undistributed earnings of subsidiaries and other recognized entities which will increase future taxable income when such earnings are distributed.
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets
Other
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other
Total deferred tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross
Net deferred tax assets
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
Non-US [Member]
Non-US [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets by Measurement [Axis]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]
Fair Value Plan Asset Measurement [Domain]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain]
Level 1
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Level 2
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Level 3
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain]
U.S. Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Debt Security, Corporate, US [Member]
U.S. Government State And Local Debt Securities [Member]
U.S. Government State And Local Debt Securities [Member]
US Government State And Local Debt Securities [Member]
Mutual fund equity securities
Equity Funds [Member]
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member]
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member]
Debt Security, Corporate, Non-US [Member]
Debt Security, Corporate, Non-US [Member]
Mutual fund debt securities
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Cash and short-term investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Insurance contracts
Insurance Contracts [Member]
Insurance Contracts [Member]
Other
Other Assets [Member]
Total pension plan assets
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block]
Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block]
SEGMENT REPORTING
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Current and Deferred Income Taxes by Period
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Components of Income Before Income Taxes
Components of Income Before Income Taxes [Table Text Block]
Components of Income Before Income Taxes
Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to effective tax rate [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to effective tax rate [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of the U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate.
Components of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Adjustments to reconcile Net income to Net cash provided by (used in) 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
Share-based compensation expense
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense
Pension settlement charge
Pension Cost (Reversal of Cost)
(Gain) loss on sale of businesses
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business
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 and contract assets, current and non-current
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable
Unbilled services, current and non-current, net
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 (used in) operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
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
Proceeds from the sale of businesses and investments, net of cash transferred
Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments
Other investing, net
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities
Net cash provided by (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]
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares
Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity
Purchases of shares
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Proceeds from (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 Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock
Other, net
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities
Net cash provided by (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 INCREASE (DECREASE) 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
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid
Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities
Income taxes paid, net
Income Taxes Paid
Amounts of Borrowing Facilities and Borrowings Under Facilities, Table
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]
Remaining Performance Obligations [Abstract]
Remaining Performance Obligations [Abstract]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Domain]
Scenario [Domain]
Forecast [Member]
Forecast [Member]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Percentage
Net loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax
Prior service (credit) cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, pre-tax
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Summary of Share-Based Compensation
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table Text Block]
Restricted Share Units
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]
Leases [Abstract]
LEASE COMMITMENTS
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Communications, Media & Technology
CommunicationsMediaandTechnology [Member]
Communications, Media and Technology [Member]
Financial Services
Financial Services Segment [Member]
Financial Services Segment [Member]
Health & Public Service
Health And Public Service Segment [Member]
Health And Public Service Segment [Member]
Products
Products Segment [Member]
Products Segment [Member]
Resources
Resources Segment [Member]
Resources Segment [Member]
Other
Other Segments [Member]
Revenues
Revenues
Number of Reportable Segments
Number of Reportable Segments
Depreciation and amortization
Operating income
Operating Income (Loss)
Net Assets
Net Assets
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Business Combination, Goodwill [Abstract]
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS AND DIVESTITURE
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block]
Notional and Fair Values of All Derivative Instruments
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]
OffsettingDerivativeAssetsandLiabilities [Table Text Block]
OffsettingDerivativeAssetsandLiabilities [Table Text Block]
[Table Text Block] for Tabular disclosure of derivative assets and liabilities that are subject to offsetting, including master netting arrangements.
Number of Restricted Share Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested balance as of August 31, 2016 (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number
Granted (in shares) (1)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Vested (in shares) (2)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period
Forfeited (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period
Nonvested balance as of August 31, 2017 (in shares)
Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Nonvested balance as of August 31, 2016 (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Granted (in dollars per share) (1)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Vested (in dollars per share) (2)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Forfeited (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested balance as of August 31, 2017 (in dollars per share)
Vested, grant-date fair value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Beginning balance
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Foreign currency translation
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax
Income tax benefit (expense)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Foreign currency translation, net of tax
Ending balance
Defined benefit plans
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax [Abstract]
Beginning balance
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax
Actuarial (gains) losses
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax
Pension settlement
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Settlement and Curtailment Gain (Loss), before Tax
Prior service costs arising during the period
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax
Reclassifications into net periodic pension and post-retirement expense (1)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax
Income tax benefit (expense)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, before Tax, after Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Defined benefit plans, net of tax
Ending balance
Cash flow hedges
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax [Abstract]
Beginning balance
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax
Unrealized gain (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax
Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax
Income tax benefit (expense)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Cash flow hedges, net of tax
Ending balance (2)
Investments
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax [Abstract]
Beginning balance
AOCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax
Unrealized gain (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax
Reclassification adjustments into Other expense, net
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI for Sale of Securities, before Tax
Income tax benefit (expense)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-Sale, Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax
Portion attributable to noncontrolling interests
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Investments, net of tax
Ending balance
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization, Next Fiscal Year
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months
Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months
Basis of Presentation [Table]
Basis Of Presentation [Table]
Basis of Presentation [Table]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Axis]
Related Party [Domain]
Related Party [Domain]
Subsidiaries [Member]
Subsidiaries [Member]
Principal Transaction Revenue, Description of Reporting Category [Axis]
Principal Transaction Revenue, Description of Reporting Category [Axis]
Name of Reporting Category [Domain]
Name of Reporting Category [Domain]
Technology Integration Consulting Services
Technology Integration Consulting Services [Member]
Technology Integration Consulting Services [Member]
Non-Technology Integration Consulting Services
Non-Technology Integration Consulting Services [Member]
Non-Technology Integration Consulting Services [Member]
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Hardware/software resale previously included in reimbursements
Hardware/software resale previously included in reimbursements
Decrease in Revenues and Cost of services for Hardware/software resale previously included in reimbursements due to adoption of ASC 606.
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), net of tax impact
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), net of tax impact
Tax impact of the cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit.
Receivables previously classified as unbilled services, net
Receivables previously classified as unbilled services, net
Receivables previously classified as unbilled services, net due to the adoption of ASU 2014-09.
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification, Percent
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification, Percent
Represents the quantification of the estimated impact on effective tax rate percentage of adopting the new accounting standard expected by the entity to have a significant effect on the entity's financial statements.
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners
Deferred contract costs
Deferred Set-up Costs, Noncurrent
Deferred transition revenues
Deferred transition revenues
Amounts billable to a client for transition or set-up activities that are deferred and recognized as revenue evenly over the period outsourcing services are provided. They are included in non-current Deferred revenues relating to contract costs.
Money market funds
Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Contracts period
Contracts duration
Contract Duration
Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense Reclass From Operating to Non Operating Expense
Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense Reclass From Operating to Non Operating Expense
Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense Reclass From Operating to Non-Operating Expense
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement
Accumulated benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets
Contract Balances [Abstract]
Contract Balances [Abstract]
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]
Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block]
U.S. state and local taxes, net
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation U.S. State And Local Income Taxes
The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and U.S. federal statutory income tax rate that can be explained by the U.S. state and local income tax expense (benefit), net of the federal tax benefit (expense) thereon, recorded during the period.
Non-U.S. operations taxed at other rates
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Non U.S. Income Tax Rate Differential
The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and U.S. federal statutory income tax rate that can be explained by the difference between statutory income tax rates in Non-U.S. jurisdictions and the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate recorded during the period.
Final determinations (1)
EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationReorganization
The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and U.S. federal statutory income tax rate that can be explained by the reorganization benefit recorded during the period.
Other net activity in unrecognized tax benefits
Final Determinations Tax Rate
The increase or decrease in the effective income tax rate attributable to final agreements with tax authorities and expirations of statutes of limitations.
Change in indefinite reinvestment assertion
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Other Changes In Unrecognized Tax Benefits
The sum of the differences between the effective income tax rate and U.S. federal statutory income tax rate attributable to changes in all income tax contingencies, whether recorded or adjusted, during the period.
Excess tax benefits from share based payments
EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationExcessTaxBenefitsfromShareBasedPayments
The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and U.S. federal statutory income tax rate attributable to excess tax benefits from share based payments
Effective income tax rate reconciliation Changes in tax laws and tax rates
Effective income tax rate reconciliation Changes in tax laws and tax rates
The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and U.S. federal statutory income tax rate attributable to changes in tax laws and tax rates.
Other, net
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation U.S. Other Adjustments
The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and U.S. federal statutory income tax rate attributable to all other items not otherwise listed in the existing taxonomy.
Effective income tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table]
Ownership [Axis]
Ownership [Axis]
Ownership [Domain]
Ownership [Domain]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
Business Combinations [Table Text Block]
Business Combinations [Table Text Block]
Discount rate for determining projected benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate
Discount rate for determining net periodic pension expense
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate
Long term rate of return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Rate of increase in future compensation for determining projected benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase
Rate of increase in future compensation for determining net periodic pension expense
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five
Net Carrying Amount
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Receivables from clients, net
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current
Unbilled Services Net Current
Unbilled Services Net Current
Revenues recognized in excess of billings, which are expected to be collected within one year of the balance sheet date.
Contract assets (current)
Receivables and contract assets
Receivables and contract assets
Amount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.
Unbilled Services Net Noncurrent
Unbilled Services Net Noncurrent
Revenues recognized in excess of billings, which are expected to be collected after one year from the balance sheet date.
Contract assets (non-current)
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Noncurrent
Deferred contract costs
Deferred Costs, Non-current
Sum of the carrying amounts of deferred costs that are expected to be recognized as a charge against earnings in periods after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent
Deferred revenues
Deferred Revenue, Current
Retained earnings
Total share-based compensation expense included in Net income
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense
Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in Net income
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member]
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Dividends [Table]
Dividends [Table]
Dividends [Table]
Accenture plc Class A Ordinary Shares
Legal Entity [Axis]
Legal Entity [Axis]
Entity [Domain]
Entity [Domain]
Accenture Holdings plc Ordinary Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares
Accenture Holdings plc ordinary Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares [Member]
Accenture Holdings plc ordinary Shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc Exchangeable Shares [Member]
Dividends Paid [Axis]
Dividends Paid [Axis]
Dividends Paid [Axis]
Dividends Paid [Domain]
Dividends Paid [Domain]
Dividends Paid [Domain]
DividendPaymentNovember2018 [Member]
DividendPaymentNovember2018 [Member]
Dividend Payment November 2018 [Member]
DividendPaymentMay2019 [Member]
DividendPaymentMay2019 [Member]
Dividend Payment May 2019 [Member]
Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends [Line Items]
Dividends [Line Items]
Cancellation of treasury shares
Dividend Payment Date Day Month And Year
Dividend Payment Date Day Month And Year
The date dividends were paid.
Dividend Per Share
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid
Dividend Payment Date Of Record Day Month And Year
Dividend Payment Date Of Record Day Month And Year
For a dividend paid, the date as of when a holder must have owned the stock to be entitled to the dividend.
Cash Outlay
Payments of Ordinary Dividends
Basic Earnings per share
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Accenture plc
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Basic weighted average Class A ordinary shares (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Diluted Earnings per share
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. (1)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Net income for diluted earnings per share calculation
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted
Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests (1)
Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Redemption Or Exchange Of Noncontrolling Interests
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests of Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc, entities that are consolidated into the reporting entity's financial statements. Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Shares can be redeemed or exchanged for Accenture plc Class A Ordinary shares.
Diluted effect of employee compensation related to Class A ordinary shares
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements
Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Nonvested Shares with Forfeitable Dividends
Diluted weighted average Class A ordinary shares (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
SCA Class I Common Shares
Accenture Holdings plc Ordinary Share [Member]
Accenture Holdings plc Ordinary Share [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Ordinary shares, shares authorized (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares Authorized
Ordinary shares, par value (in euros per share)
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share
Common Stock, Voting Rights
Common Stock, Voting Rights
Number of shares used to redeem one share (in shares)
Number of Shares Used to Redeem One Share
Number of Shares Used to Redeem One Share
Defined Benefit Plan by Plan Asset Categories [Axis]
Equity securities
Equity Securities [Member]
Debt securities
Debt Securities [Member]
2018 Target Allocation
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocations [Abstract]
2018 Target Allocation
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage
Actual Plan Asset Allocation
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period
Goodwill, Acquired During Period
Goodwill
Goodwill
Goodwill, Translation Adjustments
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)
Goodwill
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]
Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]
Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]
Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Redeemable Common Stock Of Subsidiary
Redeemable Common Stock Of Subsidiary
Redeemable Common Stock Of Subsidiary
Expressly limited performance guarantee
Expressly Limited Performance Guarantee
Aggregate potential liability to clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties.
Portion of guarantee not recoverable
Portion Of Guarantee Not Recoverable
Portion of the aggregate potential liability to clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties that may not be recovered from third parties if payments to the client are required.
Product and Service [Axis]
Product and Service [Axis]
Product and Service [Domain]
Product and Service [Domain]
Consulting
Consulting Revenue [Member]
Consulting Revenue [Member]
Outsourcing
Outsourcing Revenue [Member]
Outsourcing Revenue [Member]
Reportable Operating Segments
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Revenues Attributed to Geographic Areas
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]
Concentration of Assets by Country
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]
RevenuesByTypeOfWork [Table Text Block]
RevenuesByTypeOfWork [Table Text Block]
[Table Text Block] for RevenuesByTypeOfWork [Table]
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets
North America
North America [Member]
Europe
Europe [Member]
Growth Markets
Growth Markets [Member]
Growth Markets [Member]
Property and equipment, net as of August 31
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Equity Funds [Member]
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Insurance Contracts
DefinedBenefitPlanCashContribution [Axis]
DefinedBenefitPlanCashContribution [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plan Cash Contribution [Axis]
DefinedBenefitPlanCashContribution [Domain]
DefinedBenefitPlanCashContribution [Domain]
[Domain] for Defined Benefit Plan Cash Contribution [Axis]
PreviouslyRecordedPensionLiabilities [Member]
PreviouslyRecordedPensionLiabilities [Member]
Previously recorded pension liabilities as a result of the U.S. pension plan termination.
AdditionalActuarialLosses [Member]
AdditionalActuarialLosses [Member]
Additiona lActuarial Losses [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year
Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate
CompanysU.S.PensionPlanActiveAndTerminatedEmployeesWhoAreNoLongerAccruingBenefitsinthePensionPlan
CompanysU.S.PensionPlanActiveAndTerminatedEmployeesWhoAreNoLongerAccruingBenefitsinthePensionPlan
Company's U.S. Pension Plan Active And Terminated Employees Who Are No Longer Accruing Benefits in the Pension Plan
ActiveEmployeesintheU.S.PensionPlanWhoAreCurrentlyEligibletoAccrueBenefitsUnderCreationofaSeparateDefinedBenefitPlan
ActiveEmployeesintheU.S.PensionPlanWhoAreCurrentlyEligibletoAccrueBenefitsUnderCreationofaSeparateDefinedBenefitPlan
Active Employees in the U.S. Pension Plan Who Are Currently Eligible to Accrue Benefits Under Creation of a Separate Defined Benefit Plan
Pension settlement charge
PensionSettlementChargeIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
PensionSettlementChargeIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Amount of income tax expense (benefit) recognized as a result of the pension settlement charge.
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax
Pension settlement
Reduction to PBO
Actuarial losses
Pension expense
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
Contributions to U.S. and non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans, cash funding for retiree medical plans and benefit payments related to the unfunded frozen plan for former pre-incorporation partners
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year
Total expenses recorded for the United States and the United Kingdom defined contribution retirement plans
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Deferred Tax Asset [Domain]
Deferred Tax Asset [Domain]
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
ASSETS
Assets [Abstract]
CURRENT ASSETS:
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Short-term Investments
Other current assets
Other Assets, Current
Total current assets
Assets, Current
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:
Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Investments
Long-term Investments
Property and equipment, net
Deferred contract costs
Deferred Costs, Noncurrent
Deferred income taxes, net
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, 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
Accrued payroll and related benefits
Employee-related Liabilities, Current
Income taxes payable
Accrued Income Taxes, 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 Lease Obligation
Deferred revenues
Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent
Retirement obligation
Deferred income taxes, net
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, 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]
Ordinary shares, value
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Restricted share units
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: Ordinary, 40,000 shares as of August 31, 2019 and August 31, 2018; Class A ordinary, 18,964,863 and 24,293,199 shares as of August 31, 2019 and August 31, 2018, respectively
Treasury Stock, Value
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Total Accenture plc 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
Income Statement [Abstract]
REVENUES:
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
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
Interest income
Investment Income, Interest
Interest expense
Interest Expense
Other income (expense), net
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Gain on sale of businesses
Provision for income taxes
Net Income
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in Accenture Holdings plc and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc.
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Redeemable
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests – other
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Other Noncontrolling Interests, Nonredeemable
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ACCENTURE PLC
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)
Diluted (in shares)
Earnings per Class A ordinary share:
Basic (in dollars per share)
Diluted (in dollars per share)
Cash dividends per share (in dollars per share)
Revenues, percentage by country
Revenues, percentage by country
Revenues, percentage by country
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition [Axis]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain]
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles
Entity Number of Employees
Entity Number of Employees
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses
Gain on sale of businesses
Derivative [Table]
Derivative [Table]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Axis]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Hedging Relationship [Domain]
Cash Flow Hedging
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Other Derivatives
Other Derivative Instruments [Member]
Other Derivative Instruments [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Other current assets
Other Current Assets [Member]
Other non-current assets
Other non-current liabilities
Other Liabilities [Member]
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative [Line Items]
Assets
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Fair value of derivative assets
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset
Liabilities
Derivative Liability [Abstract]
Fair value of derivative liabilities
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability
Total fair value
Derivative, Fair Value, Net
Derivative, Notional Amount
Derivative, Notional Amount
Cover page.
Document Information [Table]
Document Information [Table]
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Annual Report
Document Annual Report
Entity Emerging Growth Company
Entity Emerging Growth Company
Entity Shell Company
Entity Shell Company
Security Exchange Name
Security Exchange Name
Title of 12(b) Security
Title of 12(b) Security
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code
Document Transition Report
Document Transition Report
Document Type
Document Type
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Entity File Number
Entity File Number
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Trading Symbol
Trading Symbol
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Address, Address Line One
Entity Address, Address Line One
Entity Address, Address Line Two
Entity Address, Address Line Two
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 Public Float
Entity Public Float
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Interactive Data Current
Entity Interactive Data Current
Entity Small Business
Entity Small Business
Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block]
Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block]
Entity Tax Identification Number
Entity Tax Identification Number
Entity Address, City or Town
Entity Address, City or Town
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code
Entity Address, Country
Entity Address, Country
Country Region
Country Region
City Area Code
City Area Code
Local Phone Number
Local Phone Number
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract]
Options outstanding as of August 31, (in years)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Dividends Payable [Table]
Dividends Payable [Table]
Dividends [Axis]
Dividends [Axis]
Dividends [Domain]
Dividends [Domain]
Dividend Declared [Member]
Dividend Declared [Member]
Treasury Stock [Member]
Accenture Holdings plc ordinary [Member]
Accenture Holdings plc ordinary [Member]
Accenture Holdings plc ordinary[Member]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares issued upon redemption of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares
Stock Issued During Period For Redeemable Shares
Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares issued upon redemptions of an equivalent number of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares pursuant to the Company's registration statement on Form S-3. The registration statement allows the Company, at its option, to issue freely tradable Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares in lieu of cash upon redemptions of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares held by the Company's senior executives, former executives and their permitted transferees.
Accenture plc Class A Ordinary Shares Issued for Accenture Holdings plc Shares
Accenture plc Class A Ordinary Shares Issued for Accenture Holdings plc Shares
Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares Issued in exchange for Accenture Holdings plc shares due to the merger of Accenture Holdings plc with and into Accenture plc.
Accenture Plc Stock Issued Upon Redemptions of Accenture Holdings Plc Ordinary Shares
Accenture Plc Stock Issued Upon Redemptions of Accenture Holdings Plc Ordinary Shares
Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares issued upon redemptions of an equivalent number of Accenture Holdings plc ordinary shares pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3.
cancellation of treasury shares (in shares)
Cash dividend declared date
Dividends Payable, Date Declared
Cash dividend declared
Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share
Cash dividend record date
Dividends Payable, Date of Record
Cash dividend payment date
Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid
Treasury Stock Acquired Repurchase Additional Approved Authorization Value
Treasury Stock Acquired Repurchase Additional Approved Authorization Value
Additional approved available authorization for publicly announced open-market share purchase program and the other share purchase programs.
Treasury Stock Acquired Repurchase Authorization Value
Treasury Stock Acquired Repurchase Authorization Value
Aggregate available authorization for publicly announced open-market share purchase program and the other share purchase programs.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Customer-related
Customer-Related Intangible Assets [Member]
Technology
Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]
Patents
Patents [Member]
Other
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
Accumulated Amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
Rental Expense, Including Operating Costs and Taxes and Sublease Income from Third Parties
Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block]
Future Minimum Rental Commitments under Non-cancelable Operating Leases
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]
Description of Business and Accounting Policies
Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Rental expense
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Sublease income from third parties
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Sublease Revenue
QUARTERLY DATA
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis]
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis]
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain]
Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain]
Asset Class [Axis]
Asset Class [Axis]
Asset Class [Domain]
Asset Class [Domain]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine the Fiscal Year-End Pension Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Changes in Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets and Funded Status
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Schedule of Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) to be Recognized over Next Fiscal Year [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Weighted-Average Plan Assets Allocation
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Allocation [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Fair Value of Plan Assets
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]
Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Accounting Guidance [Domain]
Accounting Guidance [Domain]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Income Statement Location [Axis]
Income Statement and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location [Domain]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Axis]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Hedging Designation [Domain]
Nondesignated
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount
Fair value of derivative assets
Fair value of derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features in a liability position
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value
Reclassification adjustments into Cost of services
(Loss) gain recognized in income on derivatives
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net
Offsetting Derivative Asset and Liabilities [Abstract]
Offsetting Derivative Asset and Liabilities [Abstract]
Net derivative assets
Derivative Asset
Net derivative liabilities
Derivative Liability
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Buildings and land
Land and Building [Member]
Property and equipment, gross
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Total accumulated depreciation
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Property and equipment, net
Depreciation
Depreciation
2017
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months
2018
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two
2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three
2020
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four
2021
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five
2022-2026
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter
Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]
-Basic (in shares)
-Diluted (in shares)
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Share Price
Share Price
Ordinary shares, par value
Ordinary shares, shares authorized
Ordinary shares, shares issued
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding
Treasury shares, ordinary shares
Deferred Transition Revenues
Deferred Transition Costs
Deferred Transition Amortization Expense
DeferredTransitionAmortizationExpense
Deferred Transition Amortization Expense
Receivables, net of allowance
Deferred revenues (current)
Deferred revenues (non-current)
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized
MATERIAL TRANSACTION AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
MATERIAL TRANSACTION AFFECTING SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Text Block]
Footnote that details the Company's share purchase activity.
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Level 3 Assets [Abstract]
Level 3 Assets [Abstract]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements)
Change in Fair Value of Level 3 Assets During the Period
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Domain]
Plan Name [Domain]
ESPP 2010
ESPP 2010 [Member]
ESPP 2010 [Member]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Domain]
Award Type [Domain]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized
Shares authorized under SIP plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Shares available for future grants under SIP plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Share-based compensation arrangement vesting period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Compensation expense related to nonvested awards not yet recognized
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount
Compensation expense related to nonvested awards not yet recognized, expected weighted average period of recognition
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Restricted share units vested but not yet delivered
Restricted share units vested but not yet delivered
Restricted Share Units Vested but Not Yet Delivered
Cash received from option exercises
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised
Income tax benefit
Deferred Tax Expense from Stock Options Exercised
Percentage of employee compensation contributed into share purchase plan
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay
Maximum employee deferral into share purchase plan per offering
Maximum Employee Deferral Into Share Purchase Plan Per Offering
Maximum dollar amount that employees can contribute to the Share purchase plan per offering
Percentage of senior executive compensation contributed into share purchase plan maximum
Percentage Of Senior Executive Compensation Contributed Into Share Purchase Plan Maximum
Percentage of senior executive compensation contributed into the share purchase plan, maximum
Percentage of shares purchased granted as restricted share units granted under the V.E.I.P.
Percentage of shares purchased granted as restricted share units granted under the V.E.I.P.
Percentage of Shares Purchased Granted as Restricted Share Units Granted under VEIP
Number of shares authorized employee share purchase plan
Number of Shares authorized under the Employee Share Purchase Plan
Maximum shares that may be issued under the Employee Share Purchase Plan.
Shares issued under employee share purchase plan total
Stock Issued Shares Employee Stock Purchase Plans Total
The total shares issued to date under the Employee Share Purchase Plan.
Shares issued, during period, under the employee share purchase plan
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block]
Current taxes
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
U.S. federal
Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit)
U.S. state and local
Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit)
Non-U.S.
Current Non U.S. Tax Expense Benefit
The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of non-U.S. enacted tax law to the foreign taxable income (loss) from continuing operations.
Total current tax expense
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred taxes
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
U.S. federal
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
U.S. state and local
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Non-U.S.
Deferred Non U.S. Income Tax Expense Benefit
The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the net change in the entity's net non-U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of applicable enacted tax laws of countries other than the U.S.
Total deferred tax (benefit) expense
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total
Operating lease payments
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2018
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months
2019
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years
2020
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years
2021
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years
2022
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years
Thereafter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter
Operating lease payments
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
Operating sublease income
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract]
2018
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current
2019
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years
2020
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years
2021
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years
2022
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years
Thereafter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter
Operating sublease income
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]