Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values:

	Fair Value at November 30, 2013		Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)			Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Level 2 Significant Other Observable Inputs		Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets that fund deferred compensation:
Domestic equity funds	$	6,502	$	6,502	$	—	$	—
International equity funds	762		762		—		—
Fixed income funds	257		257		—		—
Total assets at fair value	$	7,521	$	7,521	$	—	$	—

	Fair Value at August 31, 2013		Fair Value Measurements Using Inputs Considered As
(In thousands)			Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Level 2 Significant Other Observable Inputs		Level 3 Significant Unobservable Inputs
Long-term investments:
Student loan ARS	$	2,108	$	—	$	—	$	2,108
Assets that fund deferred compensation:
Domestic equity funds	7,127		7,127		—		—
International equity funds	742		742		—		—
Fixed income funds	287		287		—		—
Total assets at fair value	$	10,264	$	8,156	$	—	$	2,108

Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

The following table provides a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

	Quarter Ended
(In thousands)	November 30, 2013			December 1, 2012
Balance at beginning of period	$	2,108		$	9,074
Transfer to Level 2	—			(250		)
Net change included in other comprehensive income	242			(1		)
Sales	(2,350		)	—
Balance at end of period	$	—		$	8,823