Business Segments (External Net Sales from Continuing Operations by Geographic Area) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012		May 31, 2012		Feb. 29, 2012		Nov. 30, 2011		Aug. 31, 2011		May 31, 2011		Feb. 28, 2011		Nov. 30, 2010		Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,878,147	[1]	$ 2,006,729	[1]	$ 1,956,744	[1]	$ 1,986,820	[1]	$ 2,243,920	[1]	$ 2,062,683	[1]	$ 1,781,650	[1]	$ 1,775,092	[1]	$ 7,828,440	$ 7,863,345	$ 6,276,928
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	4,674,704	4,362,629	3,215,337
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	1,313,611	1,581,688	1,268,658
Asia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	1,018,675	1,131,332	1,058,842
Australia/New Zealand [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	617,919	564,084	531,595
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	$ 203,531	$ 223,612	$ 202,496

[1] *Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations. See Note 9, Discontinued Operations.