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, treasury stock, value at Aug. 31, 2011						$ (265,532)
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2011	1,160,648	1,290	371,616	59,473	993,578		223
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2011						(13,526,901)
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2011		129,060,664
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings	136,589				136,587		2
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(33,925)			(33,925)
Comprehensive income	102,664
Cash dividends	(27,752)				(27,752)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	1,559		(7,355)			8,914
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						429,284
Share-based compensation	5,007		5,007
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(41)		26				(67)
Tax benefits from stock plans	32		32
Ending balance at Feb. 29, 2012	1,242,117	1,290	369,326	25,548	1,102,413		158
Ending balance, treasury stock, value at Feb. 29, 2012						(256,618)
Ending balance, shares at Feb. 29, 2012		129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Feb. 29, 2012						(13,097,617)
Beginning balance, treasury stock, value at Aug. 31, 2012	(248,009)					(248,009)
Beginning balance at Aug. 31, 2012	1,246,507	1,290	365,778	(18,136)	1,145,445		139
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Aug. 31, 2012	(12,709,240)					(12,709,240)
Beginning balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2012	129,060,664	129,060,664
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings	54,296				54,294		2
Other comprehensive income (loss)	16,889			16,889
Comprehensive income	71,185
Cash dividends	(27,963)				(27,963)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	2,353		(8,291)			10,644
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						526,785
Share-based compensation	4,785		4,785
Contribution of noncontrolling interests	14						14
Tax benefits from stock plans	1		1
Ending balance at Feb. 28, 2013	1,296,882	1,290	362,273	(1,247)	1,171,776		155
Ending balance, treasury stock, value at Feb. 28, 2013	$ (237,365)					$ (237,365)
Ending balance, shares at Feb. 28, 2013	129,060,664	129,060,664
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Feb. 28, 2013	(12,182,455)					(12,182,455)