Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 5,045,479	$ 4,494,228
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,259,155	2,074,014
Property, plant and equipment,net	2,786,324	2,420,214
Land and land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	145,831	125,170
Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	598,269	533,231
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,786,488	3,481,046
Office and other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	109,136	96,841
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 405,755	$ 257,940

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

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Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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