Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Future minimum lease commitments [Abstract]
2015 Operating Leases	$ 171,875,000
2016 Operating Leases	149,902,000
2017 Operating Leases	123,289,000
2018 Operating Leases	103,134,000
2019 Operating Leases	74,871,000
Thereafter Operating Leases	296,334,000
2015 Capital Leases	17,963,000
2016 Capital Leases	10,957,000
2017 Capital Leases	4,093,000
2018 Capital Leases	947,000
2019 Capital Leases	330,000
Thereafter Capital Leases	611,000
Future minimum lease obligation	34,901,000
Future minimum lease obligation	919,405,000
Imputed interest on capital leases	(2,095,000)
Net present value of lease obligations	32,806,000
Restructuring [Line Items]
Future contractual lease payments	919,405,000
Noncancelable sublease rental income	25,700,000
Rent expense	144,900,000	184,600,000	207,500,000
Deferred gains on sale leasebacks	23,100,000	25,700,000
Sale leaseback gains recognized	2,000,000	2,800,000	2,800,000
Glendale, Arizona Sports Complex naming and sponsorship rights	5,800,000.0
Annual percentage increase for naming and sponsorship rights	3.00%
Remaining contractual obligation	101,400,000
Outstanding surety bonds	36,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding	24,000,000	14,000,000
Leased Facilities Abandoned [Member]
Future minimum lease commitments [Abstract]
Future minimum lease obligation	163,000,000
Restructuring [Line Items]
Future contractual lease payments	163,000,000
Leased Facilities We Expect to Abandon [Member]
Future minimum lease commitments [Abstract]
Future minimum lease obligation	6,000,000
Restructuring [Line Items]
Future contractual lease payments	$ 6,000,000