Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 29, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 104,953	$ 108,167	$ 78,448
Receivables, net of allowances of $2,002, $2,331 and $2,340, respectively	77,536	79,006	75,096
Inventories, net	68,578	49,524	54,876
Deferred income taxes	8,336	8,598	5,457
Other current assets	14,193	12,398	10,035
Total current assets	273,596	257,693	223,912
Property, plant and equipment, net	57,236	58,465	58,141
Other intangible assets, net	26,839	28,639	27,807
Goodwill	30,443	30,943	28,528
Other noncurrent assets	5,486	5,404	4,869
Total assets	393,600	381,144	343,257
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	39,417	32,153	38,261
Current portion of long-term debt	4,286	4,286	4,286
Other current liabilities	33,428	42,880	27,049
Total current liabilities	77,131	79,319	69,596
Pension benefits liabilities	6,115	6,231	6,289
Long-term debt	2,143	4,285	6,428
Deferred income taxes	11,678	12,550	10,746
Other noncurrent liabilities	8,362	3,094	1,798
Total liabilities	105,429	105,479	94,857
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, 18,409, 18,257 and 18,374 shares issued at February 29, 2012, February 28, 2011 and August 31, 2011, respectively)	18,409	18,374	18,257
Capital in excess of stated value	40,736	39,058	32,954
Retained earnings	316,141	302,732	283,751
Less treasury stock (at cost, 5,698 shares)	(90,961)	(90,961)	(90,961)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	3,846	6,462	4,399
Total shareholders' equity	288,171	275,665	248,400
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 393,600	$ 381,144	$ 343,257