Other Assets - Schedule of Other Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 160,414	$ 150,115	$ 158,696
Customer lists, trademarks and other intangible assets	44,766	50,648
Notes receivable	328,605	197,067
Long-term receivable	29,491	35,191
Prepaid pension and other benefits	120,693	138,497
Capitalized major maintenance	169,054	241,588	$ 67,643	$ 109,408
Other	245,207	211,378
Other assets	1,098,230	1,024,484
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	41,803	62,965
Customer lists
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer lists, trademarks and other intangible assets	$ 44,766	$ 50,648