Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2009	Aug. 31, 2008	Aug. 31, 2011 Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Additions [Member]	Aug. 31, 2010 Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Additions [Member]	Aug. 31, 2009 Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Additions [Member]	Aug. 31, 2011 Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Deductions [Member]	Aug. 31, 2010 Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Deductions [Member]	Aug. 31, 2009 Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Deductions [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Beginning Balance	$ 29,721	$ 42,134	$ 17,652
Charged to Costs and Expenses				4,037	3,058	33,733	(3,727)	(5,640)
Charged to Other Accounts				2,756	1,802	3,448	(16,692)	(11,633)	(12,699)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Ending Balance	16,095	42,134	17,652
Valuation allowances and reserves charged reclassified to fair value of deferred purchase price	$ 12,238