Notes Payable and Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Interest, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest expense	$ 94,090	$ 83,044	$ 69,901
Interest-purchase of NCRA noncontrolling interest	113,184
Interest Costs Capitalized	(8,882)	(5,487)	(6,212)
Interest income	(5,129)	(2,722)	(5,365)
Interest Income (Expense), Net	$ 193,263	$ 74,835	$ 58,324