Business Segments (Reconciliation Of Consolidated Adjusted Operating Profit To Net Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011
Business Segments [Abstract]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 27,829	$ (34,377)	$ 152,874	$ (19,491)
Income taxes (benefit)	15,015	(12,535)	(80,312)	(5,805)
Interest expense	16,043	17,862	32,340	35,733
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	1,798	927	3,458	2,138
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations	60,685	(28,123)	108,360	12,575
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from discontinued operations	2,387	(11,357)	(24,165)	(24,788)
Adjusted operating profit (loss)	$ 63,072	$ (39,480)	$ 84,195	$ (12,213)