SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before tax	$ (113,117)	$ (250,438)	$ (135,839)	$ (420,300)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, income tax benefit (expense)	370	553	101	1,892
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(112,747)	(249,885)	(135,738)	(418,408)
Defined benefit plans, before tax	4,948	7,065	(5,678)	22,108
Defined benefit plans, income tax benefit (expense)	(12,855)	(3,035)	(8,063)	(8,485)
Defined benefit plans, net of tax	(7,907)	4,030	(13,741)	13,623
Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, before tax	(84,001)	(150,025)	(55,820)	(159,668)
Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, income tax benefit (expense)	29,508	56,241	19,896	61,155
Unrealized (losses) gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	(54,493)	(93,784)	(35,924)	(98,513)
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities, before tax	0	(84)	0	158
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities, income tax benefit (expense)	0	0	0	0
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities, net of tax	0	(84)	0	158
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME, BEFORE TAX	(192,170)	(393,482)	(197,337)	(557,702)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, income tax expense	17,023	53,759	11,934	54,562
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME	$ (175,147)	$ (339,723)	$ (185,403)	$ (503,140)