Note 16 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of the Provision for Income Taxes (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Current
U.S. federal	$ 77,368	$ 52,625	$ 73,272
U.S. state and local	3,972	3,309	4,305
Non-U.S.	10,350	11,188	10,224
Total current taxes	91,690	67,122	87,801
Deferred
U.S. federal	547	5,036	(1,405)
U.S. state and local	111	359	(152)
Non-U.S.	(427)	(243)	(348)
Total deferred taxes	231	5,151	(1,905)
Total provision for income taxes	$ 91,921	$ 72,273	$ 85,896