Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 275,518	$ 79,235	$ 621,399	$ 568,117
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	(43)	(193)	(43)	(193)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Recognized in Net Periodic Pension Cost, Net of Tax	71	7	104	20
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	536	686	548	488
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	424	94	571	324
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	1,021	1,556	1,074	(3,262)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	2,009	2,150	2,254	(2,623)
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	277,527	81,385	623,653	565,494
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	432	765	2,606	73,439
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ 277,095	$ 80,620	$ 621,047	$ 492,055