Note 7. Segment reporting (Detail) - Results Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
Revenues from clients	$ 196,448	$ 173,289
Segment operating profit	66,753	59,429
Total assets	663,506	659,407
Capital expenditures	6,054	8,021
United States [Member]
Revenues from clients	134,477	118,224
Segment operating profit	36,436	35,201
Total assets	373,984	416,677
Capital expenditures	5,612	6,620
Europe [Member]
Revenues from clients	48,105	43,187
Segment operating profit	23,781	18,519
Total assets	245,446	217,139
Capital expenditures	55	167
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenues from clients	13,866	11,878
Segment operating profit	6,536	5,709
Total assets	44,076	25,591
Capital expenditures	$ 387	$ 1,234