Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (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, treasury stock, value at Aug. 31, 2011						$ (265,532)
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2011	1,160,648	1,290	371,616	59,473	993,578		223
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2011						(13,526,901)
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2011		129,060,664
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings	107,736				107,734		2
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(75,578)			(75,578)
Comprehensive income	32,158
Cash dividends	(13,863)				(13,863)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(27)		(151)			124
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						5,085
Share-based compensation	3,275		3,275
Contribution from (purchase of) noncontrolling interests	(30)		14				(44)
Ending balance at Nov. 30, 2011	1,182,161	1,290	374,754	(16,105)	1,087,449		181
Ending balance, treasury stock, value at Nov. 30, 2011						(265,408)
Ending balance, shares at Nov. 30, 2011		129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Nov. 30, 2011						(13,521,816)
Beginning balance, treasury stock, value at Aug. 31, 2012	(248,009)					(248,009)
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2012	1,246,507	1,290	365,778	(18,136)	1,145,445		139
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2012	(12,709,240)					(12,709,240)
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2012	129,060,664	129,060,664
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings	49,719				49,717		2
Other comprehensive income (loss)	23,412			23,412
Comprehensive income	73,131
Cash dividends	(13,963)				(13,963)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(414)		(2,523)			2,109
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						97,474
Share-based compensation	3,081		3,081
Contribution from (purchase of) noncontrolling interests	15						15
Ending balance at Nov. 30, 2012	1,308,357	1,290	366,336	5,276	1,181,199		156
Ending balance, treasury stock, value at Nov. 30, 2012	$ (245,900)					$ (245,900)
Ending balance, shares at Nov. 30, 2012	129,060,664	129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Nov. 30, 2012	(12,611,766)					(12,611,766)