Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Total
Balance at Aug. 31, 2011	$ 225	$ 1,649,431	$ 441,793	$ 194,706	$ (419,035)	$ 16,703	$ 1,883,823
Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2011	203,416,503						203,416,503
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options		3,183					3,183
Shares issued upon exercise of stock options, (in shares)	222,974						227,596
Vesting of restricted stock awards	5	(5)
Vesting of restricted stock awards, (in shares)	5,549,866
Purchases of treasury stock under employee stock plans					(30,868)		(30,868)
Purchases of treasury stock under employee stock plans, (in shares)	(1,576,407)
Recognition of stock-based compensation		18,497					18,497
Tax benefit of stock awards		907					907
Declared dividends			(17,378)				(17,378)
Comprehensive income			112,872	(55,834)		909	57,947
Foreign currency adjustments attributable to noncontrolling interests						(398)	(398)
Balance at Nov. 30, 2011	$ 230	$ 1,672,013	$ 537,287	$ 138,872	$ (449,903)	$ 17,214	$ 1,915,713
Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2011	207,612,936						207,612,936