Credit Arrangements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2011

Credit Arrangements [Abstract]

Long-term debt, including the net effect of interest rate swap revaluation adjustments

(in thousands)	Weighted Average Interest Rate at November 30, 2011			November 30, 2011		August 31, 2011
5.625% notes due November 2013		3.8	%	$	206,177	$	207,752
6.50% notes due July 2017		5.0	%		413,375		414,198
7.35% notes due August 2018		5.6	%		526,077		526,699
Other, including equipment notes					10,937		10,632
CMCZ term note due May 2013					—		48,648
CMCS financing agreement due July 2014					—		18,476
					1,156,566		1,226,405
Less current maturities					3,697		58,908
				$	1,152,869	$	1,167,497