Supplemental Cash Flow and Other Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Net cash paid during the period for:
Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities	$ 172,259	$ 148,874	$ 160,040
Income taxes	19,918	13,410	14,571
Other significant noncash investing and financing transactions:
Notes receivable reacquired under Securitization Facility	0	615,089	0
Trade receivables reacquired under Securitization Facility	0	402,421	0
Securitized debt reacquired under Securitization Facility	0	634,000	0
Deferred purchase price receivable extinguished under Securitization Facility	0	386,900	0
Notes receivable sold under Securitization Facility	0	0	747,345
Securitized debt extinguished under Securitization Facility	0	0	554,000
Deferred purchase price receivable recognized under Securitization Facility	0	0	547,553
Land and improvements received for notes receivable	0	0	138,699
Capital expenditures and major maintenance incurred but not yet paid	28,478	53,453	22,490
Capital lease obligations incurred	7,351	396	6,832
Capital equity certificates redeemed with preferred stock	0	0	19,985
Capital equity certificates issued in exchange for Ag acquisitions	0	0	2,928
Accrual of dividends and equities payable	180,000	$ 153,941	$ 12,121
Contribution of Property	$ 7,353