Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS [Abstract]

Allowance for Credit Losses [Text Block]

ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

The changes in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts during the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 are as follows: 

	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	9,475		$	13,205		$	10,279
Provision	1,724			(1,495		)	6,647
Write-offs, net of recoveries	(1,007		)	(3,396		)	(2,848		)
Translation effect	(1,002		)	1,161			(873		)
Ending balance	$	9,190		$	9,475		$	13,205

The decrease in the provision from fiscal 2010 to 2011 was primarily related to the improvement of a certain customer’s financial situation in fiscal 2011, for which the Company had recorded a charge in fiscal 2010.