Note 2 - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-term Investments (Detail) - Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Nov. 30, 2012
Aug. 31, 2012
Cost Basis [Member] | Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
   
Available for sale securities $ 20,863 $ 20,734
Cost Basis [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
   
Available for sale securities 21,366 22,537
Cost Basis [Member]
   
Cash 799,108 932,628
Money market mutual funds 63,327 154,982
Certificates of deposit 293,200 257,766
Total 1,197,864 1,388,647
Unrealized Gain [Member] | Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
   
Available for sale securities   0
Unrealized Gain [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
   
Available for sale securities 86 46
Unrealized Gain [Member]
   
Cash 0 0
Money market mutual funds 0 0
Certificates of deposit 0 0
Total 86 46
Unrealized Loss [Member] | Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
   
Available for sale securities (237) (69)
Unrealized Loss [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
   
Available for sale securities (1) (9)
Unrealized Loss [Member]
   
Cash 0 0
Money market mutual funds 0 0
Certificates of deposit (690) 0
Total (928) (78)
Recorded Basis [Member] | Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
   
Available for sale securities 20,626 20,665
Recorded Basis [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
   
Available for sale securities 21,451 22,574
Recorded Basis [Member]
   
Cash 799,108 932,628
Money market mutual funds 63,327 154,982
Certificates of deposit 292,510 257,766
Total 1,197,022 1,388,615
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
   
Available for sale securities 0 0
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
   
Available for sale securities 0 0
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
   
Cash 799,107 932,628
Money market mutual funds 63,327 154,982
Certificates of deposit 78,997 4,273
Total 941,431 1,091,883
Short-term Investments [Member] | Bond Mutual Funds [Member]
   
Available for sale securities 20,626 20,665
Short-term Investments [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
   
Available for sale securities 21,451 22,574
Short-term Investments [Member]
   
Cash 0 0
Money market mutual funds 0 0
Certificates of deposit 213,514 253,493
Total $ 255,591 $ 296,732