Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Receivables, allowance	$ 1,645	$ 1,717	$ 2,171
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1
Preferred stock, authorized	2,000,000
Preferred stock, issued	0		0
Common stock, par value	$ 1
Common stock, authorized	25,000,000
Common stock, issued	18,531,000
Treasury stock, shares	5,698,000

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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