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		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	$ (101,352)	$ 52,985	$ (65,592)	$ 106,672
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	(96,310)	56,896	(68,559)	75,305
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	(5,818)	(3,429)	948	2,595
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	344	(951)	(151)	(806)
Interest rate derivatives | Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net	(1)	1	(1)	4
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	$ 433	$ 468	$ 2,171	$ 29,574