Inventories - Narrative (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	May 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of LIFO inventory	16.00%	16.00%	14.00%
LIFO inventory, difference amount had FIFO inventory valuation method been used	$ 569.8	$ 652.6	$ 535.8

Amount of difference between inventory at lower of LIFO cost or market and inventory at lower of other inventory accounting method cost or market, for example, but not limited to, FIFO or average cost.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(c))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph c

-Article 5

Name:	us-gaap_InventoryLIFOReserve
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant