Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 4,459	$ 6,148	$ 6,209
Charges to cost and expenses	584	688	334
Deductions	(2,053)	(2,377)	(395)
Balance at end of period	2,990	4,459	6,148
Allowance for notes and other contractual receivables
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	0
Charges to cost and expenses	7,803
Deductions	0
Balance at end of period	7,803
Deferred tax valuation allowance
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	794	589	855
Charges to cost and expenses	28,902	218	189
Deductions	0	(13)	(455)
Balance at end of period	$ 29,696	$ 794	$ 589