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Accenture plc – ‘10-K’ for 8/31/10 – ‘XML’

On:  Monday, 10/25/10, at 7:06pm ET   ·   As of:  10/26/10   ·   For:  8/31/10   ·   Accession #:  1193125-10-235847   ·   File #:  1-34448

Previous ‘10-K’:  ‘10-K’ on 10/19/09 for 8/31/09   ·   Next:  ‘10-K’ on 10/21/11 for 8/31/11   ·   Latest:  ‘10-K’ on 10/12/23 for 8/31/23

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  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size             Issuer                      Filing Agent

10/26/10  Accenture plc                     10-K        8/31/10  112:14M                                    Donnelley … Solutions/FA

Annual Report   —   Form 10-K   —   Sect. 13 / 15(d) – SEA’34
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 10-K        Annual Report                                       HTML   1.51M 
 2: EX-21.1     Subsidiaries of the Registrant                      HTML     88K 
 3: EX-23.1     Consent of Kpmg LLP                                 HTML     34K 
 4: EX-23.2     Consent of Kpmg LLP Related to the Accenture Plc    HTML     33K 
                2010 Employee Share Purchase                                     
 9: EX-99.1     Accenture Plc 2010 Employee Share Purchase Plan     HTML     60K 
                Financial Statements                                             
 5: EX-31.1     Certification of the Chief Executive Officer        HTML     38K 
                Pursuant to Rules 13A-14(A)                                      
 6: EX-31.2     Certification of the Chief Financial Officer        HTML     38K 
                Pursuant to Rules 13A-14(A)                                      
 7: EX-32.1     Certification of the Chief Executive Officer        HTML     34K 
                Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350                               
 8: EX-32.2     Certification of the Chief Financial Officer        HTML     34K 
                Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350                               
85: XML         IDEA XML File -- Definitions and References          XML    326K 
101: XML         IDEA XML File -- Filing Summary                      XML    298K  
96: XML.R1      Document and Entity Information                      XML    237K 
97: XML.R2      Consolidated Balance Sheets                          XML    598K 
52: XML.R3      Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)          XML    159K 
61: XML.R4      Consolidated Income Statements                       XML    371K 
83: XML.R5      Consolidated Shareholders' Equity and                XML   2.01M 
                Comprehensive Income Statements                                  
78: XML.R6      Consolidated Cash Flows Statements                   XML    497K 
107: XML.R7      Summary of Significant Accounting Policies           XML     98K  
28: XML.R8      Earnings Per Share                                   XML     85K 
77: XML.R9      Restructuring and Reorganization Costs, Net          XML     99K 
24: XML.R10     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss                 XML     75K 
23: XML.R11     Property and Equipment                               XML     66K 
51: XML.R12     Business Combinations and Goodwill                   XML     88K 
90: XML.R13     Derivative Financial Instruments                     XML     88K 
53: XML.R14     Borrowings and Indebtedness                          XML     66K 
57: XML.R15     Income Taxes                                         XML    144K 
72: XML.R16     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans                  XML    278K 
112: XML.R17     Share-Based Compensation                             XML    105K  
45: XML.R18     Shareholders' Equity                                 XML     66K 
16: XML.R19     Material Transactions Affecting Shareholders'        XML     94K 
                Equity                                                           
60: XML.R20     Lease Commitments                                    XML     70K 
88: XML.R21     Commitments and Contingencies                        XML     60K 
35: XML.R22     Segment Reporting                                    XML    169K 
84: XML.R23     Quarterly Data                                       XML    145K 
58: XML.R24     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies           XML    222K 
                (Policy)                                                         
106: XML.R25     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies           XML     71K  
                (Tables)                                                         
92: XML.R26     Earnings Per Share (Tables)                          XML     91K 
64: XML.R27     Restructuring and Reorganization Costs, Net          XML     98K 
                (Tables)                                                         
73: XML.R28     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)        XML     79K 
22: XML.R29     Property and Equipment (Tables)                      XML     65K 
26: XML.R30     Business Combinations and Goodwill (Tables)          XML     83K 
38: XML.R31     Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)            XML    105K 
47: XML.R32     Borrowings and Indebtedness (Tables)                 XML     64K 
71: XML.R33     Income Taxes (Tables)                                XML    157K 
91: XML.R34     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Tables)         XML    329K 
20: XML.R35     Share-Based Compensation (Tables)                    XML    114K 
29: XML.R36     Material Transactions Affecting Shareholders'        XML     96K 
                Equity (Tables)                                                  
98: XML.R37     Lease Commitments (Tables)                           XML     75K 
105: XML.R38     Segment Reporting (Tables)                           XML    191K  
65: XML.R39     Quarterly Data (Tables)                              XML    140K 
109: XML.R40     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies           XML    109K  
                (Narrative) (Details)                                            
30: XML.R41     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies           XML    129K 
                (Property and Equipment) (Details)                               
111: XML.R42     Summary of Significant Accounting Policies           XML    109K  
                (Components of Operating Expenses) (Details)                     
40: XML.R43     Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details)             XML     76K 
17: XML.R44     Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Basic Earnings per   XML    207K 
                Share) (Details)                                                 
39: XML.R45     Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Diluted Earnings     XML    165K 
                per Share) (Details)                                             
87: XML.R46     Restructuring and Reorganization Costs, Net          XML    306K 
                (Narrative) (Details)                                            
104: XML.R47     Restructuring and Reorganization Costs, Net          XML    234K  
                (Schedule of Restructuring Activity) (Details)                   
55: XML.R48     Restructuring and Reorganization Costs, Net          XML    150K 
                (Rollforward of Reorganization Liability)                        
                (Details)                                                        
42: XML.R49     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Schedule of    XML    127K 
                Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive                    
                (Loss) Income) (Details)                                         
70: XML.R50     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Schedule of    XML    128K 
                Changes in Net Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Cash                 
                Flow Hedges, Net of Tax) (Details)                               
21: XML.R51     Property and Equipment (Details)                     XML    116K 
75: XML.R52     Business Combinations and Goodwill (Narrative)       XML     87K 
                (Details)                                                        
43: XML.R53     Business Combinations and Goodwill (Schedule of      XML    348K 
                Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details)                        
27: XML.R54     Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative)         XML    117K 
                (Details)                                                        
103: XML.R55     Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of        XML    113K  
                Derivative Instruments) (Details)                                
100: XML.R56     Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of the    XML    173K  
                Fair Values of Derivative Instruments - Cash Flow                
                Hedges) (Details)                                                
50: XML.R57     Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule of the    XML     97K 
                Fair Values of Derivative Instruments - Other                    
                Derivative Instruments) (Details)                                
34: XML.R58     Borrowings and Indebtedness (Narrative) (Details)    XML     72K 
94: XML.R59     Borrowings and Indebtedness (Amount of Borrowing     XML    107K 
                Facilities Table) (Details)                                      
25: XML.R60     Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)                   XML    378K 
79: XML.R61     Income Taxes (Components of Current and Deferred     XML    161K 
                Income Taxes by Period) (Details)                                
76: XML.R62     Income Taxes (Components of Income Before Income     XML    137K 
                Taxes) (Details)                                                 
99: XML.R63     Income Taxes (Reconciliation of the U.S. Federal     XML    140K 
                Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate)                 
                (Details)                                                        
95: XML.R64     Income Taxes (Components of Deferred Tax Assets      XML    207K 
                and Liabilities) (Details)                                       
108: XML.R65     Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax     XML    125K  
                Benefits) (Details)                                              
32: XML.R66     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Narrative)      XML    102K 
                (Details)                                                        
49: XML.R67     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Schedule of     XML    121K 
                Weighted-Average Assumptions Used to Determine the               
                Fiscal Year-End Pension Benefit) (Details)                       
68: XML.R68     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Schedule of     XML    517K 
                Changes in Benefit Obligation, Plan Assets and                   
                Funded Status) (Details)                                         
59: XML.R69     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Schedule of     XML    141K 
                Defined Benefit Plan in Accumulated Other                        
                Comprehensive (Loss) Income) (Details)                           
69: XML.R70     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Schedule of     XML    104K 
                Estimated Amounts to be Amortized from AOCI)                     
                (Details)                                                        
110: XML.R71     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Schedule of     XML    105K  
                Accumulated Benefit Obligation) (Details)                        
33: XML.R72     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Schedule of     XML    157K 
                Projected Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan                  
                Assets and for Plans with Accumulated Benefit                    
                Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details)                  
41: XML.R73     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Schedule of     XML    376K 
                Target Allocation for Fiscal 2011 and                            
                Weighted-Average Plan Assets Allocation) (Details)               
37: XML.R74     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Schedule of     XML   1.26M 
                Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details)                             
66: XML.R75     Retirement and Profit Sharing Plans (Schedule of     XML    144K 
                Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details)                     
74: XML.R76     Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details)       XML    394K 
63: XML.R77     Share-Based Compensation (Summary of Share-Based     XML     87K 
                Compensation) (Details)                                          
56: XML.R78     Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of Restricted     XML    118K 
                Share Units) (Details)                                           
31: XML.R79     Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of Stock          XML    244K 
                Options) (Details)                                               
19: XML.R80     Share-Based Compensation (Other Information          XML     97K 
                Pertaining to Stock Options) (Details)                           
67: XML.R81     Shareholders' Equity (Details)                       XML     73K 
48: XML.R82     Material Transactions Affecting Shareholders'        XML     99K 
                Equity (Narrative) (Details)                                     
62: XML.R83     Material Transactions Affecting Shareholders'        XML    212K 
                Equity (Share Purchase and Redemption Activity)                  
                (Details)                                                        
86: XML.R84     Material Transactions Affecting Shareholders'        XML    156K 
                Equity (Dividend Activity) (Details)                             
82: XML.R85     Lease Commitments (Schedule of Rental Expense)       XML     86K 
                (Details)                                                        
46: XML.R86     Lease Commitments (Schedule of Lease Commitments)    XML    142K 
                (Details)                                                        
89: XML.R87     Commitments and Contingencies (Details)              XML     82K 
80: XML.R88     Segment Reporting (Schedule of Reportable            XML    648K 
                Operating Segments) (Details)                                    
36: XML.R89     Segment Reporting (Revenues Attributed to            XML    636K 
                Geographic Areas) (Details)                                      
54: XML.R90     Segment Reporting (Concentration of Net Revenues     XML    119K 
                by Country) (Details)                                            
81: XML.R91     Segment Reporting (Concentration of Assets by        XML    143K 
                Country) (Details)                                               
44: XML.R92     Segment Reporting (Net Revenues by Type of Work)     XML    310K 
                (Details)                                                        
93: XML.R93     Quarterly Data (Details)                             XML    509K 
102: EXCEL       IDEA Workbook of Financial Reports (.xls)            XLS   1.87M  
10: EX-101.INS  XBRL Instance -- acn-20100831                        XML   2.91M 
12: EX-101.CAL  XBRL Calculations -- acn-20100831_cal                XML    319K 
13: EX-101.DEF  XBRL Definitions -- acn-20100831_def                 XML    715K 
14: EX-101.LAB  XBRL Labels -- acn-20100831_lab                      XML   1.51M 
15: EX-101.PRE  XBRL Presentations -- acn-20100831_pre               XML   1.21M 
11: EX-101.SCH  XBRL Schema -- acn-20100831                          XSD    267K 
18: ZIP         XBRL Zipped Folder -- 0001193125-10-235847-xbrl      Zip    235K

‘XML’   —   IDEA XML File — Definitions and References

This Document is an XBRL XML File.

                                                                                                                                                                                
<DefinitionAndReference>
<Element Id="acn_EmployeeShareBasedCompensationArrangementsPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> This element describes an entity's accounting policy for employee shared-based compensation arrangements. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_RedeemableCommonStockAndOptionsOfSubsidiary">
<definition> Fair Value of outstanding Avanade common stock, and intrinsic value of options to purchase Avanade common stock, which have put rights that under certain circumstances and conditions would require Avanade to redeem these shares at fair value. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_PercentageofSharesPurchasedGrantedAsRestrictedShareUnitsGrantedUnderVEIP">
<definition> For senior executives that participate in the Voluntary Equity Investment Program, the percentage applied to the number of shares purchased by the senior executive during the offering period that are granted as restricted share units. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_EntityFilerCategory">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYear">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_NumberOfSharesAuthorizedEmployeeSharePurchasePlan">
<definition> Maximum shares that may be issued under the Employee Share Purchase Plan. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_GoodwillTranslationAccountingAdjustments">
<definition> Reflects net changes to the recorded value of goodwill for foreign currency translation adjustments. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideDisclosureOnGeographicAreasLongLivedAssetsInIndividualForeignCountriesByCountryTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_TotalPurchasesAndRedemptionsOfNoncontrollingInterestsAndAllOtherClassesOfStockValue">
<definition> Total purchases and redemptions of noncontrolling interests and all other classes of stock, value </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToRedemptionOrExchangeOfNoncontrollingInterests">
<definition> Weighted average Class A ordinary shares issuable upon redemption/exchange of noncontrolling interests of Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc, entities that are consolidated into the reporting entity's financial statements. Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Shares can be redeemed or exchanged for Accenture plc Class A Ordinary shares. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_InterestExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_RestrictedShareUnitsTextBlock">
<definition> Restricted share unit activity during the period. 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 </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlansWithBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfAvailableForSaleSecurities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_Assets">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfLongTermDebtAndCapitalSecurities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsOtherRangeMaximum">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ConcentrationsOfCreditRiskPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> Concentrations Of Credit Risk Policy [Text Block] </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredRevenue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_LeaseCommitmentsTextBlock">
<definition> Description and amounts of entity's leasing arrangements for operating leases. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringCharges">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareBasicByCommonClassTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetPriorServiceCostCredit">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_DocumentType">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanCashAndShortTermInvestments">
<definition> The percentage of the fair value of cash and short-term investments to the fair value of total plan assets held as of the measurement date. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilityNotRecognizedAmountOfUnrecognizedDeferredTaxLiability">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_CurrentNonUSTaxExpensebenefit">
<definition> 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 non-U.S. taxable income (loss) from continuing operations. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_StockIssuedDuringPeriodForRedeemableShares">
<definition> Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares issued upon redemptions of an equivalent number of Accenture SCA Class I common 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 SCA Class I common shares held by the Company's senior executives, former executives and their permitted transferees. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ImpairmentOrDisposalOfLongLivedAssetsPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfNetGainsLosses">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialNetGainsLosses">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfOrdinaryDividends">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_NoncontrollingInterestPercentageOfConsolidatedSubsidiariesWithRedeemableOrExchangeableShares">
<definition> Noncontrolling interest percentage of consolidated subsidiaries with redeemable or exchangeable shares </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInYearOne">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_PercentageOfEmployeeCompensationContributedIntoSharePurchasePlanMinimum">
<definition> Percentage of employee compensation contributed into the share purchase plan, minimum </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ComponentsOfIncomeBeforeIncomeTaxesTextBlock">
<definition> Components of Income Before Income Taxes </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReclassificationsPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> Classifications in the current financial statements may be different from classifications in the prior year's financial statements. Disclose any material changes in classification including an explanation of the reason for the change and the areas impacted. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsEquitySecuritiesRangeMinimum">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_CumulativeTaxEffectOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustment">
<definition> Tax on the accumulated adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_CreditRiskOnDerivatives">
<definition> Maximum amount of credit risk loss from all derivatives from the possible non-performance of counterparties. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsInsuranceContractsRangeMinimum">
<definition> Target allocation minimum percentage of investments in insurance contracts to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwards">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSpecialTerminationBenefits">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_UseOfEstimatesPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> Provides an entity's explanation that the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of management estimates. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReorganizationLiabilityChangesInEstimate">
<definition> Changes In Estimates to the Reorganization Liability </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ComparabilityOfPriorYearFinancialData">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_Goodwill">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentEstimatedUsefulLives">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsCumulativeTranslationAdjustment">
<definition> Cumulative translation adjustment on the unrecognized tax benefits </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_OperatingSegmentAssets">
<definition> Operating segment assets directly attributed to an operating segment and provided to the chief operating decision maker include Receivables from clients, current and non-current Unbilled services, Deferred contract costs and current and non-current Deferred revenues. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserveCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_OperatingExpensesPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> Selected components of operating expenses. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenueFromExternalCustomersAttributedToForeignCountriesByGeographicAreaTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AssetsCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_CumulativeTaxEffectOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedges">
<definition> Tax on the accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableAndUnbilledServices">
<definition> Allowance for receivables and unbilled services expected to be uncollectible. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ScheduleOfRentalExpenseTextBlock">
<definition> Schedule of rental expense including operating costs and taxes and sublease income from third parties. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_TrainingExpense">
<definition> Costs incurred for the continued development of employees, who receive significant and focused technical, functional, industry, managerial and leadership skill development and training appropriate for their roles and levels within the company. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestments">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_NatureOfOperations">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfDerivatives">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_AmendmentFlag">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_OrdinarySharePricePerShareLow">
<definition> Ordinary Share Price Per Share - Low </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationDepreciationExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserveNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersDiluted">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_SalesAndExciseTaxPayableCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsUsefulLifeMinimum">
<definition> Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Life Minimum </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsFromAdjustmentsToEquity">
<definition> Represents items recorded to equity and offsetting tax benefits associated with the correlative effects of potential transfer pricing adjustments, state taxes, and timing adjustments </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriodAndAdjustments">
<definition> The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. Also includes purchase accounting adjustments needed to revise the carrying amount of goodwill to fair value. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_UnbilledServicesNetNoncurrent">
<definition> Revenues recognized in excess of billings, which are expected to be collected after one year from the balance sheet date. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserveSettledWithCash">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherNetactivityInUnrecognizedBenefits">
<definition> 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. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ConcentrationOfNetRevenuesByCountryTextBlock">
<definition> Concentration of Net revenues by country </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfInitialAdoptionOfFIN48">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteDisclosureTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ScheduleOfFairValueOfPlanAssetsTextBlock">
<definition> Schedule of fair value of plan assets [Text Block] </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_AcquiredFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsUsefulLifeMaximum">
<definition> The Maximum useful life of all acquired finite-lived intangible assets. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_NetRevenuesPercentageByCountry">
<definition> Net revenues, percentage by country </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterest">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_CurrentUSStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit">
<definition> The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted U.S. state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable income (loss) from continuing operations. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleEstimatedRangeOfChangeMaxium">
<definition> For a tax position taken for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months of the balance sheet date, provide an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change. Amount represents the upper end of the range. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInEmployeeRelatedLiabilities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingenciesDisclosureTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsDebtSecuritiesRangeMinimum">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligationTextBlock">
<definition> Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligation </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsEquitySecurities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToSharePurchasePlans">
<definition> Diluted effect of share purchase plans related to Class A ordinary shares assuming shares were purchased under the plans. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_EffectOnRetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitDueToChangeInMeasurementDateNetOfTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtUSFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate">
<definition> 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. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ConsolidationPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ReimbursementRevenue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_TermUnvestedStockOptionCompensationExpenseWillBeRecognizedOver">
<definition> The weighted average period over which unvested stock option compensation costs are expected to be reported. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInNextFiscalYear">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ComputersRelatedEquipmentAndSoftware">
<definition> Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of computers, related equipment and software. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_OtherComprehensiveIncomeCashFlowHedgesTax">
<definition> Tax effects of the net changes to accumulated comprehensive income during the period related to cash flow hedges. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentOnDerivativesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ClientReceivablesAndUnbilledServicesPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> Describes the entity's accounting policy for accounts receivables and unbilled services and related allowances. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_SharesIssued">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeSharePrograms">
<definition> Aggregate change in value for stock issued during the period as a result of employee stock purchase plans, stock options or restricted share units. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareDilutedByCommonClassTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_PurchasesRedemptionsOfNoncontrollingInterestsAndClassXShares">
<definition> Purchases and redemptions of Class X shares and shares related to noncontrolling interests. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsBenefitObligation">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_RollforwardOfReorganizationLiabilityTextBlock">
<definition> Rollforward of Reorganization Liability </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_TotalPurchasesAndRedemptionsOfNoncontrollingInterestsAndAllOtherClassesOfStockShares">
<definition> Total purchases and redemptions of noncontrolling interests and all other classes of stock, shares </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies2009">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_PurchasesRedemptionsOfNoncontrollingInterestsAndClassXSharesValue">
<definition> Purchases and redemptions of Class X shares and shares related to noncontrolling interests. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitTargetAndWeightedAveragePlanAssetsAllocationTextBlock">
<definition> Schedule of target allocation for next fiscal year and weighted-average plan assets allocation. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_TaxBenefitFromStockOptionsExercised">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsEquitySecuritiesRangeMaximum">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_IssuanceAndPurchasesOfOrdinaryShares">
<definition> Ordinary shares issued during the period, purchased and held in treasury. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_IncreaseInDeferredTaxValuationAllowance">
<definition> Increase in deferred tax valuation allowance. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingIntrinsicValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxHolidayAggregateDollarAmount">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DividendsCommonStockCashRedeemableShares">
<definition> Common stock cash dividend declared by a subsidiary entity subsequent to the end of the period. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_EntityWellKnownSeasonedIssuer">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DebtDisclosureTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_GoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsDisclosureTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanOtherPlanAssets">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_CurrentAndDeferredIncomeTaxesByPeriodTextBlock">
<definition> Components of Current and Deferred Income taxes by period. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DeferredUSIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
<definition> The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the net change during the period in the entity's U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the federally enacted tax law. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_BuildingAndLandGross">
<definition> Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of buildings and land. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_PortionOfGuaranteeNotRecoverable">
<definition> 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. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMinimum">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationAmortizableIntangibleAssets">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnbilledReceivables">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_CurrentUSFederalTaxExpenseBenefit">
<definition> The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the U.S. taxable income (loss) from continuing operations. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_EntityRegistrantName">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEquitySecurities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReorganizationLiabilityForeignCurrencyTranslation">
<definition> Foreign Currency Translation on the Reorganization Liability </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CostOfReimbursableExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesTaxDeferredIncome">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInYearThree">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_NetRevenuesByTypeOfWorkTextBlock">
<definition> Net Revenues by type of work [Text Block] </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ScheduleOfLeaseCommitmentsTextBlock">
<definition> Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_OrdinarySharePricePerShareHigh">
<definition> Ordinary Share Price Per Share - High </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_FinalDeterminationsTaxRate">
<definition> The increase or decrease in the effective income tax rate attributable to final agreements with tax authorities and expirations of statutes of limitations. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_InterestPaid">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_OtherInformationPertainingToStockOptionsTextBlock">
<definition> Other information pertaining to option activity. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DeferredTaxAssetsPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
<definition> The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis of capital assets and the basis of capital assets computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The difference in basis, attributable to different capitalization of costs, depreciation, or amortization methodologies, will decrease future taxable income when such basis difference is realized. Capital assets include but are not limited to assets such as land, real estate, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment and furniture and fixtures. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanInsuranceContracts">
<definition> The percentage of the fair value of insurance contracts to the fair value of total plan assets held as of the measurement date. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_LongTermInvestments">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReorganizationalLiabilityFinalDeterminations">
<definition> Reorganization Liability Final Determinations includes final agreements with tax authorities and expirations of statutes of limitations. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilitiesTextBlock">
<definition> Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_MaximumEmployeeDeferralIntoSharePurchasePlanPerOffering">
<definition> Maximum dollar amount that employees can contribute to the Share purchase plan per offering </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDisclosureTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReserve">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReconciliationOfUSFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRateToEffectiveTaxRateTextBlock">
<definition> Reconciliation of the U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanAcquisitionsDivestituresTransfersChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssets">
<definition> The amount of change in the fair value of plan assets attributed to acquisitions, divestures or transfers. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_RestrictedShareUnitsVestedButNotYetDelivered">
<definition> Restricted Share Units Vested but not yet delivered </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredSetUpCostsNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShortTermInvestments">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlansWithBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateBenefitObligation">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReorganizationLiabilityInterestExpenseAccrued">
<definition> Interest accruals made to cover reimbursement of interest on tax assessments. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationNonUSIncomeTaxRateDifferential">
<definition> 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. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_IssuanceAndPurchasesOfOrdinarySharesValue">
<definition> Value of ordinary shares issued during the period, purchased and held in treasury. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalTaxEffectFromShareBasedCompensation">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationSfas158MeasurementAdjustment">
<definition> Defined benefit plan change in projected benefit obligation due to SFAS 158 measurement adjustment. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DividendsPayableAmountPerShare">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfLineOfCreditFacilitiesTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsTextBlock">
<definition> Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeRelatedLiabilitiesCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingAssets">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DividendActivityTextBlock">
<definition> Table that details the Company's dividend activity. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriodWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLifeMaximum">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssetsForPlanBenefitsCurrentAndNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_PercentageOfEmployeeCompensationContributedIntoSharePurchasePlanMaximum">
<definition> Percentage of employee compensation contributed into the share purchase plan, maximum </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsDescriptionTextBlock">
<definition> Estimated Future Benefit Payments . </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DisclosureOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ExpresslyLimitedPerformanceGuarantee">
<definition> Aggregate potential liability to clients for expressly limited guarantees involving the performance of third parties. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentOnDerivativesIncludedInNetIncomeTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_CliffVestingPeriodOfRestrictedShareUnitsGrantedUnderVEIP">
<definition> Cliff vesting period of restricted share units granted under the Voluntary Equity Investment Program. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DisclosureOfCompensationRelatedCostsShareBasedPaymentsTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_SegmentReportingDisclosureTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_PurchasesRedemptionsOfNoncontrollingInterestsShares">
<definition> Purchases and redemptions of shares related to noncontrolling interests. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_IntradayLowSharePriceOnNYSE">
<definition> The Intraday low share price of Accenture plc Class A ordinary shares on the NYSE, Accenture's primary listing exchange, on May 6, 2010. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOrSaleOfEquity">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ScheduleOfEstimatedAmountsToBeAmortizedFromAociTextBlock">
<definition> Schedule of estimated amounts to be amortized from AOCI. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsAtCarryingValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDisclosureTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_RestructuringReservePeriodExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DeferredUSStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
<definition> The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the net change in the entity's U.S. state and local deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the applicable enacted tax laws. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesPlanAssets">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_PropertyAndEquipmentNetPercentageByCountry">
<definition> Property and Equipment, net, percentage by country. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_SalesRevenueServicesNet">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncomeTaxDisclosureTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ScheduleOfComponentsOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossIncomeTextBlock">
<definition> Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income [Text Block] </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestedFairValue">
<definition> Total fair value of stock options vested at the balance sheet date. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsDebtSecuritiesRangeMaximum">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_QuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesOther">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_TotalOutstandingDebt">
<definition> Total Outstanding Debt </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_UnvestedRestrictedShareUnitsCompensationCostsWeightedAveragePeriodRecognized">
<definition> Weighted average period over which unvested restricted share unit compensation costs are expected to be recognized </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationUsStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes">
<definition> 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. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AdvertisingExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsSfas158MeasurementAdjustment">
<definition> Defined benefit plan change in fair value of plan assets due to SFAS 158 measurement adjustment. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityOther">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_UnbilledServicesNetCurrent">
<definition> Revenues recognized in excess of billings, which are expected to be collected within one year of the balance sheet date. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationUnrecognizedCompensationCostsOnNonvestedAwards">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanAcquisitionsDivestituresTransfersBenefitObligation">
<definition> The amount of change in the benefit obligation attributed to acquisitions, divestures or transfers. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsEmployeeCompensation">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionsAndTranslationsPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReorganizationLiability">
<definition> In fiscal 2001, the Company accrued reorganization liabilities in connection with its transition to a corporate structure. These liabilities included certain non-income tax liabilities, such as stamp taxes, as well as liabilities for certain individual income tax exposures related to the transfer of interests in certain entities to the Company as part of the reorganization. These primarily represent unusual and disproportionate individual income tax exposures assumed by certain, but not all, of the Company's shareholders and partners in certain tax jurisdictions specifically related to the transfer of their partnership interests in certain entities to the Company as part of the reorganization. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DeferredTransitionCosts">
<definition> Certain transition costs related to the set-up of processes, personnel and systems, which are deferred during the transition period and expensed evenly over the period outsourcing services are provided. The deferred costs are specific internal costs or incremental external costs directly related to transition or set-up activities necessary to enable the outsourced services. Generally, deferred amounts are protected in the event of early termination of the contract and are monitored regularly for impairment. Impairment losses are recorded when projected undiscounted operating cash flows of the related contract are not sufficient to recover the carrying amount of contract assets. They are included in Deferred contract costs. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitProjectedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsTextBlock">
<definition> Schedule of projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets and for plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_SelectedComponentsOfOperatingExpensesTextBlock">
<definition> Selected Components of Operating Expenses. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentFairValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfNewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresAndExpirationsInPeriod">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_StockIssuedSharesEmployeeStockPurchasPlansTotal">
<definition> The total shares issued to date under the Employee Share Purchase Plan. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanForeignCurrencyExchangeRateChangesBenefitObligation">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_RestructuringAndReorganizationCostsBenefitsNetDisclosureTextBlock">
<definition> Description of restructuring and reorganization costs or benefits and related liabilities. Restructuring costs or benefits are related to severance costs, space abandonment and other restructuring charges. Reorganization costs were incurred when the company made the transition to a corporate structure in fiscal 2001. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_RestructuringReserveOtherAdjustments">
<definition> Other represents changes in estimates, imputed interest and foreign currency translation. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ScheduleOfChangesInNetUnrealizedLossesGainsOnCashFlowHedgesNetOfTaxTextBlock">
<definition> Schedule of changes in net unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges net of tax [Text Block] </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DeferredNonUSIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit">
<definition> 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. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossReclassifiedFromAccumulatedOCIIntoIncomeEffectivePortionNet">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_CumulativeTaxEffectOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlans">
<definition> Tax on the total of net (gain) loss, prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_RestructuringReserveAssetImpairments">
<definition> Asset impairments related to restructuring pursuant to a duly authorized plan. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_TreasuryStockAcquiredRepurchaseAuthorizationValue">
<definition> Aggregate available authorization for publicly announced open-market share purchase program and the other share purchase programs. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsInsuranceContractsRangeMaximum">
<definition> Target allocation maximum percentage of investments in insurance contracts to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDebtSecurities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_LettersOfCreditOutstandingUnderBorrowingFacilities">
<definition> Letters of Credit Outstanding under borrowing facilities </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriod">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CostOfServices">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_SharePurchaseAndRedemptionActivityTextBlock">
<definition> Table that details the Company's purchases of Class A Ordinary Shares and purchases of Accenture SCA Class I Common shares and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc. Exchangeable Shares. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInYearFive">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsCashAndShortTermInvestmentsRangeMaximum">
<definition> Target allocation maximum percentage of investments in cash and short-term investments to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleEstimatedRangeOfChangeMinimum">
<definition> For a tax position taken for which it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit will significantly increase or decrease within twelve months of the balance sheet date, provide an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change. Amount represents the lower end of the range. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDerivativesQualifyingAsHedgesNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecrease">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_RestrictedShareUnits">
<definition> 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. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsPensions">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_PropertyAndEquipmentTextBlock">
<definition> Property And Equipment [Text Block] </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReorganizationLiabilityPayments">
<definition> Payments made on the Reorganization liability </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsCashAndShortTermInvestmentsRangeMinimum">
<definition> Target allocation minimum percentage of investments in cash and short-term investments to total plan assets presented on a weighted-average basis as of the measurement date of the latest statement of financial position. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_RestructuringAndReorganizationCostsBenefitsNet">
<definition> Net amount of costs charged or credited to earnings associated with restructuring and reorganization. Restructuring costs or benefits are related to severance costs, space abandonment and other restructuring charges. Reorganization costs were incurred when the company made the transition to a corporate structure in fiscal 2001. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_RentalExpense">
<definition> Rental expense incurred for leased assets including furniture and equipment. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareCashPaid">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInFiveFiscalYearsThereafter">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReorganizationLiabilityNonCurrent">
<definition> Reorganization liabilities recorded in Other non-current liabilities. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentsInSubsidiaries">
<definition> 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. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInYearTwo">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsDebtSecurities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ScheduleOfQuarterlyFinancialInformationTextBlock">
<definition> Schedule of quarterly financial information [Text Block] </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesIncomeStatementSubleaseRevenue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageTotal">
<definition> Defined Benefit Plan Target Allocation Percentage, Total </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRedemptions">
<definition> Number of shares issued during the period upon the redemption of noncontrolling interests. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DebtCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CostOfRevenue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_Revenues">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsAndUnbilledServices">
<definition> Amount of the current period expense charged against operations to adjust the allowance for doubtful accounts and unbilled services for the purpose of reducing receivables and unbilled services to an amount that approximates their net realizable value (the amount expected to be collected). </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_StockOptionsContractualTerm">
<definition> General contractual term of stock options </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsInYearFour">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingBenefitObligationTextBlock">
<definition> Defined Benefit Plan Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Text Block] </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestRedeemableOrExchangeableShares">
<definition> Amount of net income or loss for the period allocated to noncontrolling shareholders of Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Inc, entities that are consolidated into the reporting entity's financial statements. Accenture SCA and Accenture Canada Holdings Shares can be redeemed or exchanged for Accenture plc Class A Ordinary shares. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DeferredTransitionRevenues">
<definition> 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. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_MinorityInterestInNetIncomeLossOtherMinorityInterests">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_MaterialTransactionsAffectingShareholdersEquityTextBlock">
<definition> Footnote that details the Company's share purchase activity. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNoteTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReorganizationLiabilityBenefitsRecorded">
<definition> Sum of the Reorganization liability Final determinations and Changes in estimates. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetAllocationPercentageOfAssetsOtherRangeMinimum">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_TradingSymbol">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_LeaseholdImprovementsGross">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRestructuringReserveByTypeOfCostTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_EntityPublicFloat">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReorganizationLiabilityCurrent">
<definition> Reorganization liabilities recorded in Other accrued liabilities. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="dei_EntityVoluntaryFilers">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_FurnitureAndFixturesGross">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ReincorporationInIrelandPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> Reincorporation in Ireland </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxTextBlock">
<definition> Schedule of defined benefit plan in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionContingentConsiderationPotentialCashPayment">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationGoodwillAmount">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsDeferredIncome">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeSharePrograms">
<definition> Number of shares issued during the period as a result of an employee stock purchase plans, stock options or restricted share units. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAccruedNetOfTaxBenefits">
<definition> Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties Accrued Net Of Tax Benefits </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAndAoci">
<definition> The aggregate net amount recognized in assets, liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive income associated with the defined benefit plan(s). </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationUSOtherAdjustments">
<definition> 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. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="acn_SubsequentEventsPolicyTextBlock">
<definition> Describes disclosed significant events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date, but before the issuance of the financial statements. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
<Element Id="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDerivativeInstrumentsInStatementOfFinancialPositionFairValueTextBlock">
<definition> No authoritative reference available. </definition>
<reference> No authoritative reference available. </reference>
</Element>
</DefinitionAndReference>

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Filing Submission 0001193125-10-235847   –   Alternative Formats (Word / Rich Text, HTML, Plain Text, et al.)
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