Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Net cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$ 147,089	$ 130,571	$ 166,524
Income taxes	5,184	54,229	23,363
Capital Expenditures and Major Repairs Incurred but Not yet Paid	44,307	60,226	64,825
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred	23,921	9,741	62,425
Other significant noncash investing and financing transactions:
Capital equity certificates redeemed with preferred stock	76,756	0	200,000
Capital equity certificates issued in exchange for Ag Business acquisitions	19,089	15,618	14,278
Dividends and equities payable	198,031	384,427	409,961
Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Given	14,586	0	0
Payable for Ag acquisitions	4,211	0	0
Ardent Mills LLC [Member]
Other Significant Noncash Transactions [Line Items]
Contribution of Property	$ 0	$ 0	$ 205,040