Business Segments (External Net Sales From Continuing Operations By Geographic Area) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,956,744	$ 1,781,650	$ 3,943,564	$ 3,556,742
United States	1,180,307	1,001,263	2,334,086	1,961,082
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales by geographic area	309,793	356,452	661,981	767,331
Asia [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales by geographic area	257,122	263,074	538,164	476,199
Australia/New Zealand [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales by geographic area	151,338	124,316	298,901	262,917
Other [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales by geographic area	$ 58,184	$ 36,545	$ 110,432	$ 89,213