Income Taxes (Domestic And Foreign Components Of Income (Loss) Before Taxes And Minority Interest) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2009
Income Taxes
U.S.	$ (112,705)	$ (115,657)	$ (330,043)
Foreign	593,892	362,924	(675,090)
Income (loss) before income tax	$ 481,187	$ 247,267	$ (1,005,133)

The portion of earnings or loss from continuing operations before income taxes that is attributable to domestic operations.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 4

-Section 08

-Paragraph h

-Subparagraph 1(i)

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)(1)(i))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

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The portion of earnings or loss from continuing operations before income taxes that is attributable to foreign operations, which is defined as Income or Loss generated from operations located outside the entity's country of domicile.

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Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before Income or Loss from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest.

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