Severance Severance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Severance costs	$ 25.6	$ 8.2	$ 21.5
Termination benefits liability	$ 2.7	$ 5.4

The charge against earnings in the period for known and estimated costs of termination benefits provided to current employees that are involuntarily terminated under a benefit arrangement associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a duly authorized plan, excluding costs or losses pertaining to an entity newly acquired in a business combination or a discontinued operation as defined by generally accepted accounting principles and costs associated with one-time termination benefits.

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