Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves (Details) - Schedule II — Valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves for each of the three years in the peri (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 25, 2012	Aug. 27, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Reserves for Accounts Receivable
Balance, Beginning of Period	$ 5,152	$ 4,201	$ 4,102
Charged to Costs and Expenses	3,939	6,221	3,751
Charges for Which Reserves Were Created or Deductions	(4,197)	(5,270)	(3,652)
Balance, End of Period	4,894	5,152	4,201
Inventory Valuation Reserve [Member]
Reserves for Accounts Receivable
Balance, Beginning of Period	2,322	1,410	1,783
Charged to Costs and Expenses	251	1,465	52
Charges for Which Reserves Were Created or Deductions	(555)	(553)	(425)
Balance, End of Period	$ 2,018	$ 2,322	$ 1,410