Note 16. Income Taxes (Detail) - Components of the Provision for Income Taxes (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Current
U.S. federal	$ 73,272	$ 53,925	$ 63,712
U.S. state and local	4,305	4,833	4,839
Non-U.S.	10,224	10,728	10,151
Total current taxes	87,801	69,486	78,702
Deferred
U.S. federal	1,405	606	5,718
U.S. state and local	152	27	279
Non-U.S.	348	941	735
Total deferred taxes	1,905	1,574	6,732
Total provision for income taxes	$ 85,896	$ 67,912	$ 71,970