Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Interest, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest expense	$ 25,649	$ 22,859	$ 73,304	$ 68,353
Interest-purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interest	45,574	51,601	126,261	67,457
Interest Costs Capitalized	(2,567)	(2,402)	(8,163)	(6,111)
Interest income	(2,262)	(940)	(4,413)	(3,143)
Interest Income (Expense), Net	$ 66,394	$ 71,118	$ 186,989	$ 126,556