Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interests
Balance at Aug. 31, 2009	$ 1,532,064	$ 1,290	$ 380,737	$ 34,257	$ 1,438,205	$ (324,796)	$ 2,371
Balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2009		129,060,664				(16,487,231)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss) for the nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2011	(213,067)				(213,345)		278
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(69,826)			(69,857)			31
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes ($97 and $57 for nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2011 respectively)	7			7
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes ($267)	(508)			(508)
Comprehensive income	(283,394)
Cash dividends	(40,773)				(40,773)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net	10,355		(23,979)			34,334
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net, shares						1,717,832
Share-based compensation	5,590		5,590
Tax benefits from stock plans	3,204		3,204
Balance at May. 31, 2010	1,227,046	1,290	365,552	(36,101)	1,184,087	(290,462)	2,680
Balance, shares at May. 31, 2010		129,060,664				(14,769,399)
Balance at Aug. 31, 2010	1,253,374	1,290	373,308	(12,526)	1,178,372	(289,708)	2,638
Balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2010		129,060,664				(14,735,315)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss) for the nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2011	(9,183)				(9,346)		163
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	92,807			92,807
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes ($97 and $57 for nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2011 respectively)	(107)			(107)
Comprehensive income	83,517
Cash dividends	(41,313)				(41,313)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net	10,062		(12,008)			22,070
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net, shares						1,110,252
Share-based compensation	8,518		8,518
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(3,980)		(1,399)				(2,581)
Tax benefits from stock plans	2,367		2,367
Balance at May. 31, 2011	$ 1,312,545	$ 1,290	$ 370,786	$ 80,174	$ 1,127,713	$ (267,638)	$ 220
Balance, shares at May. 31, 2011		129,060,664				(13,625,063)