Business Segments (Reconciliation of Consolidated Adjusted Operating Profit (Loss) to Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 208,983	$ 19,278	$ (99,447)
Income taxes (benefit)	(46,190)	19,328	(61,942)
Interest expense	69,496	69,821	74,181
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	6,438	5,149	3,952
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations	238,727	113,576	(83,256)
Adjusted operating loss from discontinued operations	(8,675)	(150,678)	(101,645)
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	$ 230,052	$ (37,102)	$ (184,901)