Business Segments Business Segments (Long-Lived Assets By Geographic Area) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 1,128,606	$ 1,201,415	$ 1,356,878
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	868,643	907,009	944,851
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	239,899	250,392	364,207
Australia/New Zealand [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	12,446	36,097	38,973
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 7,618	$ 7,917	$ 8,847