Accrued Expenses and Other Payables (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Accrued Expenses and Other Payables
Salaries and incentive compensation	$ 109,797	$ 61,260
Advance billings on contracts	58,774	42,549
Taxes other than income taxes	26,873	35,252
Insurance	26,817	27,914
Contract losses	$ 20,728	$ 28,328

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).

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).

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- 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).

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- 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.

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