Note 9 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Identifiable Intangible Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 95,926	$ 95,765
Accumulated Amortization	59,703	52,394
Net Carrying Amount	36,223	43,371
Data Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	49,185	49,120
Accumulated Amortization	22,419	18,521
Net Carrying Amount	26,766	30,599
Client Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	22,915	22,841
Accumulated Amortization	16,185	14,089
Net Carrying Amount	6,730	8,752
Software Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	20,914	20,892
Accumulated Amortization	19,126	18,482
Net Carrying Amount	1,788	2,410
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	2,154	2,154
Accumulated Amortization	1,293	810
Net Carrying Amount	861	1,344
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	758	758
Accumulated Amortization	680	492
Net Carrying Amount	$ 78	$ 266