Note 7. Segment Information (Detail) - Results of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012
Revenues from clients	$ 211,085	$ 196,448
Segment operating profit	71,085	66,753
Total assets	711,856	663,506	694,143
Capital expenditures	6,097	6,054
United States [Member]
Revenues from clients	143,941	134,477
Segment operating profit	39,600	36,436
Total assets	389,558	373,984
Capital expenditures	3,277	5,612
Europe [Member]
Revenues from clients	51,631	48,105
Segment operating profit	24,723	23,781
Total assets	272,544	245,446
Capital expenditures	553	55
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenues from clients	15,513	13,866
Segment operating profit	6,762	6,536
Total assets	49,754	44,076
Capital expenditures	$ 2,267	$ 387