Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 108,731	$ 108,167	$ 80,535
Receivables, net of allowances of $2,171, $2,187 and $2,340, respectively	76,671	79,006	60,000
Inventories, net	57,646	49,524	53,147
Deferred income taxes	8,980	8,598	5,740
Other current assets	11,787	12,398	8,540
Total current assets	263,815	257,693	207,962
Property, plant and equipment, net	56,975	58,465	56,794
Other intangible assets, net	27,494	28,639	28,078
Goodwill	30,390	30,943	28,123
Other noncurrent assets	5,408	5,404	4,809
Total assets	384,082	381,144	325,766
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	39,955	32,153	33,316
Current portion of long-term debt	4,286	4,286	4,286
Other current liabilities	38,072	42,880	25,922
Total current liabilities	82,313	79,319	63,524
Pension benefits liabilities	6,173	6,231	6,344
Long-term debt	3,214	4,285	7,500
Deferred income taxes	10,433	12,550	11,461
Other noncurrent liabilities	8,128	3,094	1,994
Total liabilities	110,261	105,479	90,823
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, ($1 par value, 2,000 shares authorized,no shares issued and outstanding)
Common stock, ($1 par value, 25,000 shares authorized,18,397, 18,242 and 18,374 shares issued at November 30, 2011 and 2010 and August 31, 2011, respectively)	18,397	18,374	18,242
Capital in excess of stated value	39,446	39,058	31,942
Retained earnings	304,510	302,732	273,494
Less treasury stock (at cost, 5,698 shares)	(90,961)	(90,961)	(90,961)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	2,429	6,462	2,226
Total shareholders' equity	273,821	275,665	234,943
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 384,082	$ 381,144	$ 325,766