Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Identifiable Intangible Assets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 106,547	$ 109,870
Accumulated Amortization	68,472	68,015
Net Carrying Amount	38,075	41,855
Data Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	54,722	56,974
Accumulated Amortization	28,067	27,644
Net Carrying Amount	26,655	29,330
Client Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	25,227	25,821
Accumulated Amortization	17,432	17,443
Net Carrying Amount	7,795	8,378
Software Technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	22,451	22,881
Accumulated Amortization	19,946	20,089
Net Carrying Amount	2,505	2,792
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,690	1,729
Accumulated Amortization	1,011	958
Net Carrying Amount	679	771
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	2,457	2,465
Accumulated Amortization	2,016	1,881
Net Carrying Amount	$ 441	$ 584