Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 225,726	$ 163,644	$ 106,445
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	2,748	191,581	65,725
Deductions: Write-offs, net of Recoveries	(6,661)	(129,499)	(8,526)
Balance at End of Year	221,813	225,726	163,644
Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	289,083	213,583	104,334
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	61,854	115,893	138,794
Deductions: Write-offs, net of Recoveries	(120,563)	(40,393)	(29,545)
Balance at End of Year	230,374	289,083	213,583
Reserve for Supplier Advance Payments
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	130,705	0
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	0	130,705
Deductions: Write-offs, net of Recoveries	(20,092)	0
Balance at End of Year	$ 110,613	$ 130,705	$ 0