Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2009
Cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$ (129,404)	$ (205,108)	$ 20,252
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to cash flows from (used by) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	159,576	168,934	154,679
Provision for losses (recoveries) on receivables, net	306	(2,582)	33,733
Stock-based compensation	12,893	13,132	17,475
Deferred income taxes	(19,856)	59,286	(49,066)
Tax benefits from stock plans	(2,355)	(4,033)	(926)
Net (gain) loss on Sale of Property Plant Equipment	(1,315)	(4,740)	2,795
Write-down of inventory	25,503	53,203	127,056
Asset impairment	120,145	35,041	8,468
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	(168,779)	(106,402)	692,386
Accounts receivable sold (repurchased), net	78,297	10,239	(129,227)
Decrease (increase) in inventories	(200,204)	(60,612)	533,896
Decrease (increase) in other assets	73,382	(94,313)	94,183
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses, other payables and income taxes	82,642	186,952	(691,912)
Decrease in other long-term liabilities	(3,084)	(4,087)	(7,256)
Net cash flows from operating activities	27,747	44,910	806,536
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(73,215)	(127,121)	(369,694)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other	53,394	22,887	2,620
Proceeds from the sale of equity method investments	10,802
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(48,386)	(2,448)	(906)
Increase in deposit for letters of credit	(4,123)	(26,930)
Net cash flows used by investing activities	(61,528)	(133,612)	(367,980)
Cash flows from (used by) financing activities:
Increase (decrease) in documentary letters of credit	(55,950)	117,423	(83,282)
Short-term borrowings, net change	(10,253)	14,636	(26,244)
Repayments on long-term debt	(33,577)	(29,939)	(132,496)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		22,438	64,014
Stock issued under incentive and purchase plans	9,615	10,494	3,284
Treasury stock acquired			(18,514)
Cash dividends	(55,177)	(54,489)	(54,139)
Tax benefits from stock plans	2,355	4,033	926
Contribution from (purchase of) noncontrolling interests	(4,027)	21
Net cash flows from (used by) financing activities	(147,014)	84,617	(246,451)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	3,872	(2,205)	(5,528)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(176,923)	(6,290)	186,577
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	399,313	405,603	219,026
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 222,390	$ 399,313	$ 405,603