Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Valuation Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 103,639	$ 94,589	$ 111,785
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	8,132	9,313	(13,130)
Deductions: Write-offs, net of Recoveries	(5,326)	(263)	(4,066)
Balance at End of Year	106,445	103,639	94,589
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	111,509	79,623	56,659
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	21,884	40,095	27,046
Deductions: Write-offs, net of Recoveries	(35,370)	(8,209)	(4,082)
Balance at End of Year	$ 98,023	$ 111,509	$ 79,623