Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Identifiable Intangible Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 112,318	$ 109,870
Accumulated amortization	69,005	68,015
Net carrying amount	43,313	41,855
Data Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	53,039	56,974
Accumulated amortization	28,482	27,644
Net carrying amount	24,557	29,330
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	27,861	25,821
Accumulated amortization	17,383	17,443
Net carrying amount	10,478	8,378
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	26,877	22,881
Accumulated amortization	19,912	20,089
Net carrying amount	6,965	2,792
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,809	1,729
Accumulated amortization	1,072	958
Net carrying amount	737	771
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	2,732	2,465
Accumulated amortization	2,156	1,881
Net carrying amount	$ 576	$ 584