Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Net earnings	$ 12,561	$ 13,328
Other comprehensive income
Translation adjustment	2,135	(4,843)
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (net of tax of effect of $0.04 million and $0.2 million)	(616)	(1,353)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments (net of tax of effect of $0.3 million and $0.04 million)	1,299	(3,255)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,818	(9,451)
Comprehensive income	15,379	3,877
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,179)	1,336
Comprehensive income attributable to Greenbrier	$ 13,200	$ 5,213