Income Tax (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2009
Current:
United States	$ 23,452	$ (104,135)	$ 43,488
Foreign	352	(2,684)	(4,537)
State and local	5,226	(18,581)	20,903
Current taxes (benefit)	29,030	(125,400)	59,854
Deferred:
United States	(28,048)	39,399	(20,566)
Foreign	9,742	34,749	(22,003)
State and local	5,616	(8,008)	(3,612)
Deferred taxes	(12,690)	66,140	(46,181)
Total taxes (benefit) on income	16,340	(59,260)	13,673
Taxes (benefit) on discontinued operations	(2,988)	(21,142)	12,926
Taxes (benefit) on continuing operations	$ 19,328	$ (38,118)	$ 747

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