Other Assets - Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 150,115	$ 158,696	$ 85,063
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	50,648	55,454
Notes receivable	197,067	166,901
Long-term receivable	35,191	40,718
Prepaid pension and other benefits	138,497	186,342
Capitalized major maintenance	241,588	67,643	$ 109,408	$ 70,554
Other	211,378	119,325
Other assets	1,024,484	795,079
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	(62,965)	(55,701)
Customer lists
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 50,648	$ 55,454