Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (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, 2010	$ 1,253,374	$ 1,290	$ 373,308	$ (12,526)	$ 1,178,372	$ (289,708)	$ 2,638
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2010		129,060,664				(14,735,315)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings	742				651		91
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	17,417			17,417
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of taxes $160 and $26 for 2011 and 2010 respectively	(10)			(10)
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes $13 and $16 for 2011 and 2010 respectively	(71)			(71)
Comprehensive income	18,078
Cash dividends	(13,722)				(13,722)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	389		(603)			992
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						50,315
Share-based compensation	2,135		2,135
Tax benefits from stock plans	71		71
Ending balance at Nov. 30, 2010	1,260,325	1,290	374,911	4,810	1,165,301	(288,716)	2,729
Ending balance, shares at Nov. 30, 2010		129,060,664				(14,685,000)
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2011	1,160,648	1,290	371,616	59,473	993,578	(265,532)	223
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2011	129,060,664	129,060,664				(13,526,901)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings	107,736				107,734		2
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(75,575)			(75,575)
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of taxes $160 and $26 for 2011 and 2010 respectively	(53)			(53)
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes $13 and $16 for 2011 and 2010 respectively	50			50
Comprehensive income	32,158
Cash dividends	(13,863)				(13,863)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	(27)		(151)			124
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						5,085
Share-based compensation	3,275		3,275
Tax benefits from stock plans	(30)		14				(44)
Ending balance at Nov. 30, 2011	$ 1,182,161	$ 1,290	$ 374,754	$ (16,105)	$ 1,087,449	$ (265,408)	$ 181
Ending balance, shares at Nov. 30, 2011	129,060,664	129,060,664				(13,521,816)