Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 37,174	$ 25,890
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	13,540	12,301
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs	497	941
Stock-based compensation expense	3,543	2,414
Benefit for deferred income taxes	(950)	(674)
Other non-cash adjustments	58	261
Changes in components of working capital and other:
Accounts receivable	(9,597)	(10,760)
Inventories	(2,595)	(8,710)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(825)	185
Trade accounts payable	(2,886)	285
Income taxes payable	1,216	2,039
Accrued compensation and benefits	(19,169)	(14,940)
Other accrued liabilities	469	(2,746)
Net cash provided by operating activities	20,475	6,486
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	5,918	59
Capital expenditures	(5,595)	(4,077)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(290)	(326)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	33	(4,344)
Financing Activities
Net borrowings on revolver and other debt	4,809	14
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes		(34)
Purchase of treasury shares	(20,410)
Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	2,782	3,553
Cash dividend	(2,748)	(2,716)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(15,567)	817
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,043)	1,029
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	3,898	3,988
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	44,221	40,222
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$ 48,119	$ 44,210