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, 2013	$ 1,270,155	$ 1,290	$ 363,772	$ (27,176)	$ 1,166,732	$ (234,619)	$ 156
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2013						(12,049,674)
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2013		129,060,664
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	57,063				57,062		1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	28,050			28,050
Cash dividends ($0.24 per share)	(28,160)				(28,160)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(740)		(15,098)			14,358
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						731,225
Stock-based compensation	9,104		9,104
Tax benefits from stock plans	484		484
Contribution of noncontrolling interest	(37)		31				(68)
Ending balance at Feb. 28, 2014	1,335,919	1,290	358,293	874	1,195,634	(220,261)	89
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Feb. 28, 2014						(11,318,449)
Ending balance, shares at Feb. 28, 2014		129,060,664
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2014	1,348,591	1,290	359,338	(19,509)	1,225,855	(218,494)	111
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2014	(11,231,402)					(11,231,402)
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2014	129,060,664	129,060,664
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	90,704				90,704
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(72,920)			(72,920)
Cash dividends ($0.24 per share)	(28,184)				(28,184)
Treasury stock acquired	(39,580)					(39,580)
Treasury stock acquired, shares						(2,762,835)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(1,377)		(14,824)			13,447
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						661,395
Stock-based compensation	10,173		10,173
Tax benefits from stock plans	46		46
Contribution of noncontrolling interest	38						38
Reclassification of share-based liability awards	3,948		3,948
Ending balance at Feb. 28, 2015	$ 1,311,439	$ 1,290	$ 358,681	$ (92,429)	$ 1,288,375	$ (244,627)	$ 149
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Feb. 28, 2015	(13,332,842)					(13,332,842)
Ending balance, shares at Feb. 28, 2015	129,060,664	129,060,664