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 at Aug. 31, 2011	$ 1,160,648	$ 1,290	$ 371,616	$ 59,473	$ 993,578	$ (265,532)	$ 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	177,272				177,269		3
Other comprehensive loss	(109,067)			(109,067)
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
Tax benefits from stock plans	58		58
Contribution from (purchase of) noncontrolling interests	(46)		29				(75)
Ending balance at May. 31, 2012	1,196,081	1,290	371,406	(49,594)	1,129,190	(256,362)	151
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at May. 31, 2012						(13,085,748)
Ending balance, shares at May. 31, 2012		129,060,664
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2012	1,246,507	1,290	365,778	(18,136)	1,145,445	(248,009)	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	73,259				73,258		1
Other comprehensive loss	(7,343)			(7,343)
Comprehensive income	65,916
Cash dividends	(41,990)				(41,990)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	1,347		(9,753)			11,100
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						548,150
Share-based compensation	9,918		9,918
Tax benefits from stock plans	6		6
Contribution from (purchase of) noncontrolling interests	13						13
Ending balance at May. 31, 2013	$ 1,281,717	$ 1,290	$ 365,949	$ (25,479)	$ 1,176,713	$ (236,909)	$ 153
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at May. 31, 2013	(12,161,090)					(12,161,090)
Ending balance, shares at May. 31, 2013	129,060,664	129,060,664