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Investments (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2011
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Aug. 31, 2010
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May 31, 2011
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Aug. 31, 2011
Childrens Television Programming Holdings [Member]
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May 31, 2011
Childrens Television Programming Holdings [Member]
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Aug. 31, 2010
Childrens Television Programming Holdings [Member]
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Aug. 31, 2006
Childrens Television Programming Holdings [Member]
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Aug. 31, 2006
Childrens Book Publishing And Distribution [Member]
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Aug. 31, 2011
Usborne [Member]
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May 31, 2011
Usborne [Member]
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Aug. 31, 2010
Usborne [Member]
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Aug. 31, 2006
Usborne [Member]
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| Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures | $ 21.2 | $ 21.7 | $ 20.4 | |||||||||
| Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments | 3.6 | |||||||||||
| Cost Method Investments | 5.7 | 9.1 | 5.7 | |||||||||
| Equity Method Investments | 15.5 | 12.6 | 14.7 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 6.0 | 1.3 | 14.2 | 13.4 | 11.7 | 14.2 |
| Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 12.25% | 26.20% | ||||||||||
| Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments | $ 0.4 | $ 0.3 | ||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
This item represents the aggregate carrying amount of all cost-method investments as reported on or included in the balance sheet. The original cost of the investments may differ from the aggregate carrying amount disclosed due to various adjustments such as: (i) dividends received in excess of earnings after the date of investment that are considered a return of investment and therefore recorded as reductions to cost of the investment, or (ii) a series of operating losses of an investee or other factors which may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred which is other than temporary and accordingly such decrease in value has been recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The amount by which the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost basis or carrying amount of that investment at the balance sheet date and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, before considering whether or not such amount is recognized in earnings or other comprehensive income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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