Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Amounts Reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 7,895		$ (5,151)		$ (14,925)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	7,895		(5,151)		(14,925)
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)	260	[1]	1,000	[1]	1,031	[1]
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)	164	[1]	622	[1]	645	[1]
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL	8,294		(6,258)		(4,450)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL	5,193		(3,918)		(2,786)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	16,449		(10,409)		(18,344)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 13,252		$ (8,447)		$ (17,066)

[1] Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses