Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 5,538,524	$ 5,045,479
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,367,120	2,259,155
Property, plant and equipment,net	3,171,404	2,786,324
Land and land improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	169,022	145,831
Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	574,834	598,269
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	4,195,523	3,786,488
Office and other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	118,442	109,136
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 480,703	$ 405,755

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

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Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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