Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities Pretax Gains (Losses) On Derivatives Not Accounted For As Hedging Instruments (Details) - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 95,658	$ (209,215)	$ 202,331	$ (115,073)
Commodity and freight derivatives | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	102,327	(193,548)	177,633	(103,532)
Foreign currency derivatives | Cost of goods sold
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(7,168)	2,249	(4,573)	(7,550)
Foreign currency derivatives | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	22	(12,820)	(784)	2,308
Interest rate derivatives | Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	0	(5,096)	4	(6,299)
Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] | Other Income [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ 477	$ 0	$ 30,051	$ 0