Note 11. Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Detail) - Shares of Common Stock Outstanding	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Balance, beginning of year	45,055,219	46,024,000	46,740,000
Common stock issued for employee stock plans	825,000	1,283,000	2,068,000
Stock issued for acquisition of business	43,000	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	(1,644,000)	(2,252,000)	(2,784,000)
Balance, end of year	44,279,214	45,055,219	46,024,000