Schedule Of Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Valuation Allowance For Deferred Taxes) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2009
Balance at end of period	$ 469,067	$ 375,301
Valuation Allowance Of Deferred Taxes [Member]
Balance at beginning of period	375,301	433,781	121,008
Additions charged to costs and expenses	46,825	31,012	308,560
Additions/(Reductions) charged to other accounts	76,489	(77,954)	4,835
Reductions charged to costs and expenses	(29,548)	(11,538)	(622)
Balance at end of period	$ 469,067	$ 375,301	$ 433,781