Accrued Expenses And Other Payables (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Salaries and incentive compensation	$ 77,849	$ 88,717
Advance billings on contracts	53,089	65,241
Taxes other than income taxes	46,480	38,024
Insurance	24,911	27,646
Contract losses	$ 5,621	$ 3,784

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for real and property taxes. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References+ Details

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable to insurance entities to mitigate potential loss from various risks or to satisfy a promise to provide certain coverage's to employees. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the obligations incurred through that date and payable for employees' services provided. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Liability attributable to (i) billings in excess of costs under the percentage of completion contract accounting method representing the difference between contractually invoiced amounts (billings) and revenue recognized based, for example, on costs incurred to estimated total costs at period end or (ii) contractually invoiced amounts (billings) in excess of costs incurred and accumulated under the completed contract accounting method that are expected to be realized within one year or one operating cycle, whichever is longer, from the reporting date.

+ References+ Details