Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (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, 2008	$ 1,642,026	$ 1,290	$ 371,913	$ 112,781	$ 1,471,542	$ (319,143)	$ 3,643
Balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2008		129,060,664				(15,283,512)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss)	20,252				20,802		(550)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(89,832)			(89,110)			(722)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes ($2,339), $150 and $119 for 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	11,034			11,034
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes $90, $620 and $28 for 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(448)			(448)
Comprehensive loss	(58,994)
Cash dividends	(54,139)				(54,139)
Treasury stock acquired	(18,514)					(18,514)
Treasury stock acquired, shares						(1,752,900)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	3,284		(9,577)			12,861
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						549,181
Stock-based compensation	17,475		17,475
Tax benefits from stock plans	926		926
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)	(205,108)				(205,344)		236
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(45,597)			(45,607)			10
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes ($2,339), $150 and $119 for 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(79)			(79)
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes $90, $620 and $28 for 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(1,097)			(1,097)
Comprehensive loss	(251,881)
Cash dividends	(54,489)				(54,489)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	10,494		(24,594)			35,088
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						1,751,916
Stock-based compensation	13,132		13,132
Tax benefits from stock plans	4,033		4,033
Contribution from noncontrolling interests	21						21
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	129,060,664				(14,735,315)
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net earnings (loss)	(129,404)				(129,617)		213
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	72,987			72,987
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of taxes ($2,339), $150 and $119 for 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(195)			(195)
Defined benefit obligation, net of taxes $90, $620 and $28 for 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively	(793)			(793)
Comprehensive loss	(57,405)
Cash dividends	(55,177)				(55,177)
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures	9,615		(14,561)			24,176
Issuance of stock under incentive and purchase plans, net of forfeitures, shares						1,208,414
Stock-based compensation	11,913		11,913
Tax benefits from stock plans	2,355		2,355
Contribution from noncontrolling interests	(4,027)		(1,399)				(2,628)
Balance at Aug. 31, 2011	$ 1,160,648	$ 1,290	$ 371,616	$ 59,473	$ 993,578	$ (265,532)	$ 223
Balance, shares at Aug. 31, 2011	129,060,664	129,060,664				(13,526,901)