Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2010	$ 1,253,374	$ 1,290	$ 373,308	$ (12,526)	$ 1,178,372	$ (289,708)	$ 2,638
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2010		129,060,664				(14,735,315)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss)	(9,183)				(9,346)		163
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	92,807			92,807
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of taxes $575 for 2012 and $57 for 2011	(107)			(107)
Comprehensive income	83,517
Cash dividends	(41,313)				(41,313)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	10,062		(12,008)			22,070
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						1,110,252
Share-based compensation	8,518		8,518
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(3,980)		(1,399)				(2,581)
Tax benefits from stock plans	2,367		2,367
Ending balance at May. 31, 2011	1,312,545	1,290	370,786	80,174	1,127,713	(267,638)	220
Ending balance, shares at May. 31, 2011		129,060,664				(13,625,063)
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2011	1,160,648	1,290	371,616	59,473	993,578	(265,532)	223
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2011	129,060,664	129,060,664				(13,526,901)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss)	177,272				177,269		3
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(107,542)			(107,542)
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of taxes $575 for 2012 and $57 for 2011	(1,525)			(1,525)
Comprehensive income	68,205
Cash dividends	(41,657)				(41,657)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	1,488		(7,682)			9,170
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						441,153
Share-based compensation	7,385		7,385
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(46)		29				(75)
Tax benefits from stock plans	58		58
Ending balance at May. 31, 2012	$ 1,196,081	$ 1,290	$ 371,406	$ (49,594)	$ 1,129,190	$ (256,362)	$ 151
Ending balance, shares at May. 31, 2012	129,060,664	129,060,664				(13,085,748)