Note 18 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2011
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Cash payments for:
           
Interest (net of capitalized interest)
  $ 20,100     $ 17,967  
Income taxes (net refunds)
  $ (20,754 )   $ 7,415  
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Additions to property, plant, and equipment
  $ 2,135     $  
Interest rate swap contract on JYP-denominated bonds, net of deferred tax of $2,979 and $2,082, respectively
  $ (4,758 )   $ (3,270 )
Equity in unconsolidated entities' other comprehensive income, net of deferred tax of $(3,957) and $10,793, respectively
  $ 6,321     $ (16,953 )