Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Valuation Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 106,445	$ 103,639	$ 94,589
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	65,725	8,132	9,313
Deductions: Write-offs, net of Recoveries	(8,526)	(5,326)	(263)
Balance at End of Year	163,644	106,445	103,639
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	98,023	111,509	79,623
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	120,300	21,884	40,095
Deductions: Write-offs, net of Recoveries	(24,046)	(35,370)	(8,209)
Balance at End of Year	$ 194,277	$ 98,023	$ 111,509