Business Segments Business Segments (Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Area) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 1,201,415	$ 1,356,878	$ 1,530,947
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	907,009	944,851	1,062,080
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	250,392	364,207	443,986
Australia/New Zealand [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	36,097	38,973	16,725
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 7,917	$ 8,847	$ 8,156