Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Identifiable Intangible Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 111,005	$ 95,926
Accumulated Amortization	66,402	59,703
Net Carrying Amount	44,603	36,223
Data Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	57,750	49,185
Accumulated Amortization	26,693	22,419
Net Carrying Amount	31,057	26,766
Client Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	26,029	22,915
Accumulated Amortization	17,075	16,185
Net Carrying Amount	8,954	6,730
Software Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	23,023	20,914
Accumulated Amortization	20,007	19,126
Net Carrying Amount	3,016	1,788
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,736	758
Accumulated Amortization	888	680
Net Carrying Amount	848	78
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	2,467	2,154
Accumulated Amortization	1,739	1,293
Net Carrying Amount	$ 728	$ 861