Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 10,955	$ 10,434
Common stock, par value	$ 1.00	$ 1.00
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,179	48,094
Treasury stock, shares	18,975	18,940

A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible.

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Face amount or stated value per share of common stock.

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The maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws.

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Total number of common shares of an entity that have been sold or granted to shareholders (includes common shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These shares represent capital invested by the firm's shareholders and owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of shares authorized. Shares issued include shares outstanding and shares held in the treasury.

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Number of common and preferred shares that were previously issued and that were repurchased by the issuing entity and held in treasury on the financial statement date. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends.

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