Income Tax (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2009
Income Tax [Abstract]
United States	$ (21,377)	$ (148,829)	$ 132,027
Foreign	(88,722)	(55,777)	(130,093)
Total	$ (110,099)	$ (204,606)	$ 1,934

The portion of earnings or loss from continuing operations before income taxes that is attributable to domestic operations.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 4

-Section 08

-Paragraph h

-Subparagraph 1(i)

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)(1)(i))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

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- Definition

The portion of earnings or loss from continuing operations before income taxes that is attributable to foreign operations, which is defined as Income or Loss generated from operations located outside the entity's country of domicile.

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- Definition

Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before Income or Loss from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest.

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