Restructuring and Other Charges (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
Restructuring and other charges [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	$ 5,562		$ 3,846
Cumulative costs for restructuring activities	28,475
Restructuring obligation	17,802
Lease obligation costs, net	5,211
Interest accretion	351
Payments	(362)
Restructuring obligation	23,002
Lease obligation, net [Member]
Restructuring and other charges [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	5,211	17,800	0
Cumulative costs for restructuring activities	23,013
Interest accretion [Member]
Restructuring and other charges [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	351		0
Cumulative costs for restructuring activities	351
Asset impairments [Member]
Restructuring and other charges [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	0		0
Cumulative costs for restructuring activities	1,265
Severance and other benefits [Member]
Restructuring and other charges [Line Items]
Restructuring and other charges	0		3,846
Cumulative costs for restructuring activities	$ 3,846