Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2009
Payments to Acquire Investments (in Dollars)	$ 15,000,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax (in Dollars)	(14,925,000)	14,897,000	(10,073,000)
Unbilled Receivables, Not Billable (in Dollars)	2,300,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable (in Dollars)	1,800,000	2,000,000
Number of Reportable Segments	3
Development Costs, Period Cost (in Dollars)	900,000	900,000	800,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets (in Dollars)	7,500,000	8,400,000	8,500,000
Contributions From Landlords Toward Leasehold Improvements (in Dollars)	1,500,000	1,400,000	500,000
Accrued Bonuses (in Dollars)	35,900,000	37,200,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits (in Dollars)	5,464,000	7,204,000	7,346,000	6,437,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued (in Dollars)	1,000,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax (in Dollars)	(21,175,000)	(6,250,000)	(21,147,000)
Computer Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Indian Rupee [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax (in Dollars)	2,200,000
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years
Employee Compensation Percentage Of Discretionary Incentives	15.00%
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years
Employee Compensation Percentage Of Discretionary Incentives	20.00%
Internal Use Software [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Capitalized Software Development [Member]
Amortization of Intangible Assets (in Dollars)	$ 900,000	$ 700,000	$ 600,000