Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax	$ 3,903	$ (12,726)	$ 8,410
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Tax	947	(154)	1,251
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	(2,410)	(1,607)	(8,883)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax	$ 1,163	$ 4,057	$ (783)