Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

May 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]

the gross fair values of derivative assets and liabilities as cash flow hedging instruments were as follows:

	2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Derivative Assets:
Interest rate swaps	$	24,135

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

During the year ended August 31, 2013, we entered into derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments which expire during fiscal 2014, with $0.9 million expected to be included in earnings during the next 12 months. As of August 31, 2013 and 2012, the unrealized gains deferred to accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:

	2013		2012
	(Dollars in thousands)
Gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax expense of    $9.2 million in 2013	$	14,930

Purchase and Sales Contracts

As of August 31, 2013 and 2012, we had the following outstanding purchase and sale contracts:

	2013		2012
	Purchase Contracts	Sale Contracts	Purchase Contracts	Sale Contracts
	(Units in thousands)
Grain and oilseed - bushels	521,979	806,295	722,895	1,074,535
Energy products - barrels	12,626	21,312	9,047	19,561
Soy products - tons	24	847	15	215
Crop nutrients - tons	968	1,050	600	725
Ocean and barge freight - metric tons	1,225	151	1,018	183
Rail freight - rail cars	220	43	184	34
Livestock - pounds		17,280	2,560	3,440

Schedule of Derivative Assets and Liabilities Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

As of August 31, 2013 and 2012, with the exception of our interest rate swaps described below, our derivative assets and liabilities are not designated as hedging instruments.

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Consolidated Statements of Operations

The following table sets forth the pretax gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments that have been included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal 2013 and 2012.

	Location of Gain (Loss)	2013			2012			2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
Commodity and freight derivatives	Cost of goods sold	$	(482,352	)	$	311,167		$	186,265
Foreign exchange derivatives	Cost of goods sold	(452		)	(5,219		)	3,363
Interest rate derivatives	Interest, net	300			206			522
		$	(482,504	)	$	306,154		$	190,150