Fair Value (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 29, 2012

Fair Value [Abstract]

Financial Assets And Financial Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis

		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	February 29, 2012	Quoted Prices in Active  Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable  Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable  Inputs (Level 3)
Money market investments	$138,041	$138,041	$—	$—
Derivative assets	62,697	2,285	60,412	—
Nonqualified benefit plan assets *	52,815	52,815	—	—
Derivative liabilities	7,939	3,679	4,260	—
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities *	82,887	—	82,887	—
		Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
(in thousands)	August 31, 2011	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Money market investments	$153,839	$153,839	$—	$—
Derivative assets	52,858	2,329	50,529	—
Nonqualified benefit plan assets *	49,357	49,357	—	—
Derivative liabilities	5,688	2,625	3,063	—
Nonqualified benefit plan liabilities *	81,167	—	81,167	—

*The Company provides a nonqualified benefit restoration plan to certain eligible executives equal to amounts that would have been available under tax qualified ERISA plans but for limitations of ERISA, tax laws and regulations. Though under no obligation to fund this plan, the Company has segregated assets in a trust. The plan assets and liabilities consist of securities included in various mutual funds.