Business Segments (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2009
Business Segments [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ (129,427)	$ (166,488)	$ 1,187
Income taxes (benefit)	19,328	(38,118)	747
Interest expense	70,806	75,508	76,964
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	5,150	3,952	4,864
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations	(34,143)	(125,146)	83,762
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from discontinued operations	(2,959)	(59,755)	32,622
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	$ (37,102)	$ (184,901)	$ 116,384

The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to pretax Income or Loss from continuing operations; income tax expense or benefit may include interest and penalties on tax uncertainties based on the entity's accounting policy.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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+ Details