Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Other liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred rent and other lease incentives	$ 90,761	$ 81,218
Deferred gains on sale-leasebacks	31,288	5,560
Uncertain tax positions	28,218	126,999
Restructuring obligation	13,052	0
Other	51,151	51,925
Total other liabilities	214,470	265,702
Less current portion	(50,131)	(53,416)
Total other long-term liabilities	$ 164,339	$ 212,286