Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings	$ 43,277	$ 36,802	$ 24,862
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	12,468	11,734	10,710
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	379	388	732
Deferred Income Taxes	(3,868)	(2,828)	(1,500)
Share-based compensation expense	3,939	3,474	2,206
Other, net	959	208	(399)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(7,570)	(12,626)	(22,294)
Inventories	(5,609)	(1,826)	827
Other current assets	(641)	(1,430)	(2,862)
Accounts payable	723	4,780	6,739
Other current liabilities	(1,602)	8,223	1,388
Current taxes payable	5,408	(2,327)	5,287
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities	4,576	(1,517)	(1,863)
Net cash provided by operating activities	52,439	43,055	23,833
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(9,890)	(8,405)	(5,784)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	116	80	606
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired		(6,180)	(6,436)
Proceeds from note receivable			1,409
Proceeds (payment) for settlement of net investment hedge	2,925	(1,119)	518
Net cash used in investing activities	(6,849)	(15,624)	(9,687)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans	567	3,579	1,213
Common stock withheld from share-based compensation for payroll tax withholdings	(577)	(843)	(664)
Principal payments on long-term debt	(4,286)	(4,286)	(12,769)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	387	2,487	76
Dividends paid	(4,894)	(4,342)	(4,051)
Net cash used in financing activities	(8,803)	(3,405)	(16,195)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,510)	723	(462)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	35,277	24,749	(2,511)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	108,167	83,418	85,929
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	143,444	108,167	83,418
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income Taxes Paid	19,667	22,057	8,368
Interest Paid	$ 561	$ 860	$ 1,648