Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Net income (loss)	$ (9,566)	$ (5,117)	$ 6,683
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax benefit (expense) of $(1,419), $3,690 and $530	2,315	(6,018)	(864)
Loss (gain) from derivative transactions reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income, net of tax benefit (expense) of $(863), $4,494 and $1,555	(1,408)	7,331	2,537
Foreign currency translation adjustments			930
Gain from foreign currency translation reclassified into earnings			(13,420)
Actuarial gain (loss) on postretirement liabilities, net of tax benefit (expense) of $5,722, $(2,450) and $780	(9,336)	3,997	(1,272)
Loss from postretirement liabilities reclassified to earnings, net of tax benefit of $242, $601 and $645	395	981	1,053
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(8,034)	6,291	(11,036)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ (17,600)	$ 1,174	$ (4,353)