Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Identifiable Intangible Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 101,729	$ 95,926
Accumulated Amortization	61,513	59,703
Net Carrying Amount	40,216	36,223
Data Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	53,591	49,185
Accumulated Amortization	23,961	22,419
Net Carrying Amount	29,630	26,766
Client Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	23,470	22,915
Accumulated Amortization	15,872	16,185
Net Carrying Amount	7,598	6,730
Software Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	21,187	20,914
Accumulated Amortization	19,516	19,126
Net Carrying Amount	1,671	1,788
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	2,545	2,154
Accumulated Amortization	1,446	1,293
Net Carrying Amount	1,099	861
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	936	758
Accumulated Amortization	718	680
Net Carrying Amount	$ 218	$ 78