Note 11 - Geographic And Segment Information (Detail) - Net Sales By Geographic Location as a Percentage of Total Consolidated Net Sales:	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Net Sales, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Inside the U.S.A to Unaffiliated Customers [Member]
Net Sales, Percentage	71.20%	68.10%
Joint Ventures In Which The Company Is A Shareholder Directly And Indirectly - Outside the U.S.A [Member]
Net Sales, Percentage	15.30%	15.70%
Unaffiliated Customers - Outside the U.S.A [Member]
Net Sales, Percentage	13.50%	16.20%