Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Valuation Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 94,589	$ 111,785	$ 119,026
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	9,313	(13,130)	7,380
Deductions: Write-offs, net of Recoveries	(263)	(4,066)	(14,621)
Balance at End of Year	103,639	94,589	111,785
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	79,623	56,659	47,599
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	40,095	27,046	12,404
Deductions: Write-offs, net of Recoveries	(8,209)	(4,082)	(3,344)
Balance at End of Year	$ 111,509	$ 79,623	$ 56,659