Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Net income	$ 127,223	$ 423,969	$ 780,333
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	30,100	6,583	(19,877)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	4,385	1,500	(242)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	2,242	(3,872)	(2,602)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(8,671)	(1,730)	(34,729)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	28,056	2,481	(57,450)
Total comprehensive income	155,279	426,450	722,883
Comprehensive Income, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(634)	(223)	(712)
Comprehensive Income, Attributable to Parent	$ 155,913	$ 426,673	$ 723,595