CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Net earnings	$ 115,552	$ 77,319	$ 207,490
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other:
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other during the year	7,586	(10,108)	(71,631)
Reclassification for translation gain realized upon sale of investments in foreign entities	0	0	(4,675)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other	7,586	(10,108)	(76,306)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Unrealized holding gain (loss), net of income taxes of $(526), $2 and $(604)	(1,848)	221	(1,545)
Reclassification for loss (gain) included in net earnings, net of income taxes of $237, $(128) and $132	1,268	(337)	578
Net unrealized loss on derivatives, net of income taxes of $(289), $(126) and $(472)	(580)	(116)	(967)
Defined benefit obligation:
Net loss, net of income taxes of $14, $(51) and $(425)	(489)	(168)	(410)
Amortization of net loss, net of income taxes of $212, $45 and $40	1,392	207	188
Amortization of prior service credit, net of income taxes of $(47), $(38) and $(2)	(242)	(170)	(15)
Adjustment from plan changes, net of income taxes of $0, $309 and $(26)	0	1,315	(99)
Defined benefit obligation, net of income taxes of $179, $265 and $(413)	661	1,184	(336)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	7,667	(9,040)	(77,609)
Comprehensive income	$ 123,219	$ 68,279	$ 129,881