Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock [Member]	Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Balance at Aug. 31, 2009	$ 1,178	$ 219,736	$ 649,398	$ (1,500)	$ (873,080)	$ 1,916	$ (2,352)
Balance, Shares at Aug. 31, 2009	117,781
Comprehensive Income:
Net income			21,209			4,630	25,839
Net change in deferred hedging losses, net of tax				657			657
Total comprehensive income, net of income taxes							26,496
Purchases of noncontrolling interests in Company Drive-Ins		(6,725)				(9,277)	(16,002)
Changes to noncontrolling interests						2,340	2,340
Stock-based compensation expense		7,666					7,666
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock	5	3,374	(119)		221		3,481
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock, Shares	532
Other		402			(78)	613	937
Balance at Aug. 31, 2010	1,183	224,453	670,488	(843)	(872,937)	222	22,566
Balance, Shares at Aug. 31, 2010	118,313
Comprehensive Income:
Net income			19,225				19,225
Net change in deferred hedging losses, net of tax				843			843
Total comprehensive income, net of income taxes							20,068
Changes to noncontrolling interests		1,866				(222)	1,644
Stock-based compensation expense		5,644					5,644
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock		(2,267)	(2,197)		6,594		2,130
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock, Shares	4
Other		(297)	(85)		26		(356)
Balance at Aug. 31, 2011	1,183	229,399	687,431		(866,317)		51,696
Balance, Shares at Aug. 31, 2011	118,309
Comprehensive Income:
Net income							36,085
Total comprehensive income, net of income taxes			36,085				36,085
Stock-based compensation expense		4,295					4,295
Purchase of treasury stock					(31,102)		(31,102)
Exercise of stock options and issuance of restricted stock		(820)	(529)		1,629		280
Other		(2,331)	(373)		697		(2,007)
Balance at Aug. 31, 2012	$ 1,183	$ 230,543	$ 722,614		$ (895,093)		$ 59,247
Balance, Shares at Aug. 31, 2012	118,309