Note 9 - Goodwill (Details) - Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	$ 244,573	$ 245,791
Goodwill Acquired	37,143	5
Foreign Currency Translations	3,892	(1,223)
Balance	285,608	244,573
UNITED STATES
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	167,822	167,817
Goodwill Acquired	11,612	5
Foreign Currency Translations	0	0
Balance	179,434	167,822
Europe [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	73,424	73,806
Goodwill Acquired	25,531	0
Foreign Currency Translations	4,077	(382)
Balance	103,032	73,424
Asia Pacific [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance	3,327	4,168
Goodwill Acquired	0	0
Foreign Currency Translations	(185)	(841)
Balance	$ 3,142	$ 3,327