CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 36,343	$ 37,174
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	14,449	13,540
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs	496	497
Stock-based compensation expense	3,477	3,543
Benefit for deferred income taxes	(3,156)	(950)
Other non-cash adjustments	(177)	58
Changes in components of working capital and other:
Accounts receivable	4,539	(9,597)
Inventories	(11,318)	(2,595)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(6,143)	(825)
Trade accounts payable	(11,548)	(2,886)
Income taxes payable	1,161	1,216
Accrued compensation and benefits	(13,953)	(19,169)
Other accrued liabilities	(1,895)	469
Net cash provided by operating activities	12,275	20,475
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	977	5,918
Capital expenditures	(7,689)	(5,595)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(83)	(290)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(6,795)	33
Financing Activities
Net borrowings on revolver and other debt		4,809
Principal repayments on term loan	(1,250)
Purchase of treasury shares	(7,142)	(20,410)
Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	5,473	2,782
Cash dividend	(2,911)	(2,748)
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,830)	(15,567)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	477	(1,043)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	127	3,898
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	68,184	44,221
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$ 68,311	$ 48,119