Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 156,693	$ 160,169
Investments (short-term)	12,725	13,919
Total assets measured at fair value	169,418	174,088
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (derivative liabilities)	3,085	2,374
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	4,655
Total liabilities measured at fair value	7,740	2,374
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	156,693	160,169
Total assets measured at fair value	156,693	160,169
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value [Line Items]
Investments (short-term)	12,725	13,919
Total assets measured at fair value	12,725	13,919
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (derivative liabilities)	3,085	2,374
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	4,655
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$ 7,740	$ 2,374