Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable [Abstract]
Outstanding at fiscal year end	4,729	6,083	6,132	6,451
Outstanding at fiscal year end (in Dollars per share)	$ 75.95	$ 64.76	$ 57.28	$ 47.73
Exercisable at fiscal year end	1,925	2,858	2,643
Exercisable at fiscal year end (in Dollars per share)	$ 59.70	$ 48.44	$ 38.99