| Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Nov. 30, 2020 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Fiscal Period, Policy | Fiscal Year End Our fiscal year ends on November 30 of each year. References herein to individual years mean the year ended November 30. For example, 2020 means the year ended November 30, 2020. |
| Consolidation, Policy | Consolidation Policy The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In May 2017 and again in February 2019, we sold redeemable noncontrolling interests in a small limited liability company we own. The units issued to the noncontrolling interests include put/call options, and we have determined that the noncontrolling interests should be reported as mezzanine equity. The carrying value for these interests as of November 30, 2020 and 2019 approximates fair value. |
| Use of Estimates, Policy | Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Significant estimates have been made in areas that include valuation of acquired long-lived and intangible assets and goodwill, income taxes, long-term compensation arrangements, and stock-based compensation. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
| Concentration Risk Disclosure | Concentration of Credit Risk We are exposed to credit risk associated with cash equivalents, foreign currency derivatives, and trade receivables. We do not believe that our cash equivalents or derivatives present significant credit risks because the counterparties to the instruments consist of major financial institutions that are financially sound or have been capitalized by the U.S. government, and we manage the notional amount of contracts entered into with any counterparty. Substantially all trade receivable balances are unsecured. The concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited by the large number of customers in our customer base and their dispersion across various industries and geographic areas. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and maintain an allowance for probable credit losses. The allowance is based upon management’s assessment of known credit risks, as well as general industry and economic conditions. Specific accounts receivable are written off upon notification of bankruptcy or once the account is significantly past due and our collection efforts are unsuccessful. |
| Fair Value Measurements, Policy | Fair Value Measurements Fair value is determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. We utilize the following fair value hierarchy in determining fair values: Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, and observable inputs other than quoted prices such as interest rates or yield curves. Level 3 – Unobservable inputs reflecting our view about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Our cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are all short-term in nature; therefore, the carrying value of these items approximates their fair value. The carrying value of our debt instruments other than our senior notes approximate their fair value because of the variable interest rate associated with those instruments. The fair value of the senior notes is included in Note 10, and is measured using observable inputs in markets that are not active; consequently, we have classified the senior notes within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Our derivatives, as further described in Note 9, are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by reference to similar transactions in active markets and observable inputs other than quoted prices; consequently, we have classified those financial instruments within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. |
| Revenue Recognition, Policy | Revenue Recognition On December 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” using the modified retrospective transition method applied to our customer revenue contracts as of the adoption date. Revenue results for periods beginning after December 1, 2018 are presented in accordance with ASC Topic 606, while amounts for 2018 continue to be reported in accordance with ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.” The following table shows the cumulative effect of the changes made to the December 1, 2018 consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of ASC Topic 606 related to contracts that were in effect at the time of adoption (in millions): November 30, 2018 Adjustments due to adoption of ASC Topic 606 December 1, 2018 Accounts receivable, net $ 792.9 $ 29.8 $ 822.7 Other current assets 88.4 4.2 92.6 Other non-current assets 47.9 9.5 57.4 Deferred revenue 886.8 (28.8) 858.0 Deferred income taxes 699.9 16.3 716.2 Retained earnings 2,743.1 56.0 2,799.1 The net cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was primarily related to (1) the change in accounting for the license rights associated with certain term-based software license arrangements, which were historically recognized over the term of the contract, but are now recognized at contract inception based on estimated stand-alone selling price, and (2) the change in accounting for commission costs incurred to obtain a portion of our contracts, which costs were historically expensed as incurred, but are now deferred at contract inception and recognized over the expected customer life. For the year ended November 30, 2019, the adoption of ASC Topic 606 did not result in a material difference between what we reported under ASC Topic 606 and what we would have reported under ASC Topic 605. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy | Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. |
| Deferred Subscription Costs, Policy | Deferred Subscription Costs Deferred subscription costs represent royalties associated with customer subscriptions. These costs are deferred and amortized to expense over the period of the subscriptions. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy | Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: Buildings and improvements 7 to 30 years Capitalized software 3 to 7 years Computers and office equipment 4 to 10 years Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful life or the life of the lease. Maintenance, repairs, and renewals of a minor nature are expensed as incurred. Betterments and major renewals that extend the useful lives of buildings, improvements, and equipment are capitalized. We also capitalize certain software development costs in accordance with ASC 350-40, “Accounting for Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use” and ASC 985-20, “Software to Be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed.” |
| Leases, Policy | Leases On December 1, 2019, we adopted ASC Topic 842, “Leases,” using the modified retrospective transition method applied to our lease contracts as of the adoption date. We elected to use the transition relief package of practical expedients, but we did not elect to use the hindsight practical expedient in determining a lease term and impairment of the right-of-use (“ROU”) assets at the adoption date. We did not apply the lease accounting recognition requirements to leases with a term of one year or less. We utilize operating leases for our various workplaces worldwide, and we also utilize operating leases for our data centers. These leases have remaining terms ranging from one to 12 years, many of which include renewal and early termination options. As of November 30, 2020, we have not considered extension and early termination options in our calculation of the ROU assets and lease liabilities because we do not believe that it is reasonably certain that we will exercise those options. We do not have any significant finance leases. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception. We consider any contract where there is an identified asset that we have the right to control in determining whether the contract contains a lease. ROU assets represent our right to use the underlying assets for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As our operating leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available on the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We calculate our incremental borrowing rates by extrapolating our current unsecured bond portfolio across the maturity ladder and adjusting the resultant corporate rate for the estimated spread for a secured borrowing and for foreign currencies, as appropriate. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating lease transactions are included in operating lease right-of-use assets, net, and current and non-current operating lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The following table shows the cumulative effect of the changes made to the December 1, 2019 consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of ASC Topic 842 related to lease contracts that were in effect at the time of adoption (in millions): November 30, 2019 Adjustments due to adoption of ASC Topic 842 December 1, 2019 Other current assets $ 3.4 $ (3.4) $ — Operating lease right-of-use assets, net $ — $ 380.7 $ 380.7 Other accrued expenses $ (9.6) $ 9.6 $ — Operating lease liabilities, current $ — $ (63.9) $ (63.9) Operating lease liabilities, non-current $ — $ (350.6) $ (350.6) Other liabilities $ (27.6) $ 27.6 $ — |
| Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy | Intangible Assets and Goodwill We account for our business combinations using the purchase method of accounting. We allocate the total cost of an acquisition to the underlying net assets based on their respective estimated fair values. As part of this allocation process, we must identify and attribute values and estimated lives to the intangible assets acquired. Finite-lived intangible assets Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective lives, as follows: Information databases 5 to 15 years Customer relationships 5 to 25 years Developed technology 5 to 15 years Developed computer software 9 to 10 years Trademarks 3 to 15 years Other 3 to 5 years We review the carrying amount of finite-lived intangible assets at least annually to determine whether current events or circumstances indicate a triggering event which could require an adjustment to the carrying amount. A finite-lived intangible asset is considered to be impaired if its carrying value exceeds the estimated future undiscounted cash flows to be derived from it. We exercise judgment in selecting the assumptions used in the estimated future undiscounted cash flows analysis. Any impairment is measured by the amount that the carrying value of such assets exceeds their fair value. We did not identify any impairment in the fiscal years ended November 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018. Goodwill |
| Income Taxes, Policy | Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are provided using tax rates enacted for periods of expected reversal on all temporary differences. Temporary differences relate to differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities, principally intangible assets, property and equipment, deferred revenue, pension and other postretirement benefits, accruals, and stock-based compensation. Valuation allowances are established to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. To the extent that a determination is made to establish or adjust a valuation allowance, the expense or benefit is recorded in the period in which the determination is made. Judgment is required in determining the worldwide provision for income taxes. Additionally, the income tax provision is based on calculations and assumptions that are subject to examination by many different tax authorities and to changes in tax law and rates in many jurisdictions. We record tax benefits when it is more likely than not that the tax benefits will be sustained |
| Treasury Shares, Policy | Treasury Shares Treasury share purchases, whether through share withholdings for taxes or repurchase programs and transactions, are recorded at cost. Issuances from treasury shares are recorded using the weighted-average cost method. |
| Earnings Per Share, Policy | Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities were exercised or converted into common shares. |
| Advertising Costs, Policy | Advertising Costs Production costs are expensed as of the first date that the advertisements take place. Advertising expense was approximately $59.5 million, $64.9 million, and $59.7 million for the years ended November 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, and was primarily comprised of advertising for CARFAX. |
| Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] | Foreign Currency The functional currency of each of our foreign subsidiaries is typically such subsidiary’s local currency. Assets and liabilities are translated at period-end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at weighted-average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Any translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive income. Transactions executed in currencies other than a subsidiary’s functional currency (which result in exchange adjustments) are remeasured at spot rates and resulting foreign-exchange-transaction gains and losses are included in the results of operations. |
| Stock-based Compensation, Policy | Stock-based Compensation All stock-based awards are recognized in the income statement based on their grant date fair values. Compensation expense is recognized net of estimated forfeitures. We adjust compensation expense in future periods if actual forfeitures differ from our estimates. Our forfeiture rate is based upon historical experience as well as anticipated employee turnover considering certain qualitative factors. We amortize the value of stock-based awards to expense over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. For awards with performance conditions, we evaluate the probability of the number of shares that are expected to vest, and compensation expense is then adjusted to reflect the number of shares expected to vest and the cumulative vesting period met to date. |
| Reclassification, Policy | Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current year presentation. |
| Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted | Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, which replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2021. We do not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, which removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2021, although early adoption is permitted. We do not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, which addresses the accounting for implementation costs associated with a hosted service. The standard provides that implementation costs be evaluated for capitalization using the same criteria as that used for internal-use software development costs, with amortization expense being recorded in the same income statement expense line as the hosted service costs and over the expected term of the hosting arrangement. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2021, although early adoption is permitted. The amendments will be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We do not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, which enhances and simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance, including requirements such as tax basis step-up in goodwill obtained in a transaction that is not a business combination, ownership changes in investments, and interim-period accounting for enacted changes in tax law. The |
| Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy | We record an accounts receivable allowance when it is probable that the accounts receivable balance will not be collected. The amounts comprising the allowance are based upon management’s estimates and historical collection trends. |
