Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 45,544	$ 41,601
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	8,403	9,392
Stock-based compensation expense	5,880	3,677
Deferred income taxes	57	(1,151)
Gain on sale of assets	(1)	(1)
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	(3,178)	(7,505)
Changes in assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable, net of reserves	10,171	(4,176)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,839	3,155
Accrued compensation	(24,523)	(32,087)
Deferred fees	(1,279)	550
Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes	10,979	10,992
Prepaid expenses and other assets	539	(1,652)
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	(611)	(704)
Other working capital accounts, net	(66)	93
Net cash provided by operating activities	54,754	22,184
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of investments	(15,000)	0
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of proceeds from dispositions	(6,054)	(8,021)
Net cash used in investing activities	(21,054)	(8,021)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividend payments	(12,084)	(10,517)
Repurchase of common stock	(14,732)	(26,107)
Proceeds from employee stock plans	7,420	20,145
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	3,178	7,505
Net cash used in financing activities	(16,218)	(8,974)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(5,413)	1,421
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	12,069	6,610
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	181,685	195,741
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 193,754	$ 202,351