Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI by Components) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at August 31, 2012	$ (18,136)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(8,740)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(300)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(9,040)	(77,609)	71,999
Balance at August 31, 2013	(27,176)	(18,136)
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at August 31, 2012	(17,369)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(10,108)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,108)
Balance at August 31, 2013	(27,477)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at August 31, 2012	3,710
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	221
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(337)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(116)
Balance at August 31, 2013	3,594
Defined Benefit Obligation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at August 31, 2012	(4,477)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,147
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	37
Other comprehensive income (loss)	1,184
Balance at August 31, 2013	$ (3,293)