Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012 item	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting
Number of reportable segments	2
Financial information concerning the reportable segments
Net Revenue from External Customers	$ 408,937	$ 363,272
Gross Proceeds	440,327	282,090
Depreciation and Amortization	17,087	17,515
Interest Income	2	17
Interest Expense	1,867	1,681
Income from Equity Method Investees		19
Other Income/(Expense), Net	(1)	(5)
Consolidated Net Proceeds	291,211	188,273
Capital Additions	6,057	5,895
Property and Equipment, Net	397,016	389,260	405,951
Assets Held for Lease, Net	82,179	90,540	84,095
Segment Assets	1,502,045	1,311,333	899,480
Sugar
Financial information concerning the reportable segments
Net Revenue from External Customers	402,512	357,224
Gross Proceeds	436,751	278,899
Depreciation and Amortization	14,238	14,658
Interest Income	2	17
Interest Expense	1,867	1,681
Income from Equity Method Investees		19
Other Income/(Expense), Net	17	(5)
Consolidated Net Proceeds	287,677	185,105
Capital Additions	5,107	5,322
Property and Equipment, Net	397,016	389,260	405,951
Segment Assets	1,417,378	1,217,554	812,880
Leasing
Financial information concerning the reportable segments
Net Revenue from External Customers	6,425	6,048
Gross Proceeds	3,576	3,191
Depreciation and Amortization	2,849	2,857
Other Income/(Expense), Net	(18)
Consolidated Net Proceeds	3,534	3,168
Capital Additions	950	573
Assets Held for Lease, Net	82,179	90,540	84,095
Segment Assets	$ 84,667	$ 93,779	$ 86,600