Note 7 - Equity Method Investments and Variable Interest Entities (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2012
Equity Method Investment, Additional Information
   
November 30,
2012
   
August 31,
2012
 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                            
  $ 74,569     $ 92,176  
Net accounts receivable                                                            
    45,894       22,664  
Other current assets                                                            
    154,246       185,124  
Non-current assets                                                            
    47,845       57,277  
          Total assets
  $ 322,554     $ 357,241  
                 
Accounts and subcontractors payable                                                            
  $ 64,629     $ 69,619  
Billings in excess of costs and accrued earnings
    23,747       24,315  
Accrued expenses and other                                                            
    108,159       101,826  
Total liabilities                                                     
  $ 196,535     $ 195,760  
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table Text Block]
   
Ownership
Percentage
   
November 30,
2012
   
August 31,
2012
 
Investment in Westinghouse
    20%       $ 996,211     $ 968,296  
Other
  5%  - 50%       4,861       6,160  
Total investments in and advances to unconsolidated entities, joint ventures and limited partnerships
            $ 1,001,072     $ 974,456  
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]
    Three Months Ended  
 
 
2012
   
2011
 
Investment in Westinghouse, net of income taxes of $2,680 and $3,297, respectively
  $ 4,245     $ 5,266  
Other unconsolidated entities, net of income taxes of $(750) and $1,057, respectively
    (1,252 )     1,687  
Total earnings (losses) from unconsolidated entities, net income of taxes
  $ 2,993     $ 6,953  
Unconsolidated [Member] | Other Entities[Member]
 
Consolidation, Less than Wholly Owned Subsidiary, Parent Ownership Interest, Effects of Changes, Net [Table Text Block]
   
Three Months Ended
 
Statements of Operations
 
September 30,
2012
(unaudited)
   
September 30,
2011
(unaudited)
 
Revenues
  $ 1,183,516     $ 1,082,174  
Gross profit
    223,690       221,274  
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    37,608       44,626  
Net income attributable to shareholders
    38,292       42,814