Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Allowances for Doubtful Accounts
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 221,813	$ 225,726	$ 163,644
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	57,380	2,748	191,581
Deductions: Write-offs, Net of Recoveries	(102,388)	(6,661)	(129,499)
Balance at End of Year	176,805	221,813	225,726
Valuation Allowance for Deferred Tax Assets
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	230,374	289,083	213,583
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	41,260	61,854	115,893
Deductions: Write-offs, Net of Recoveries	(25,290)	(120,563)	(40,393)
Balance at End of Year	246,344	230,374	289,083
Reserve for Supplier Advance Payments
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	110,613	130,705
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	0	0
Deductions: Write-offs, Net of Recoveries	(44,728)	(20,092)
Balance at End of Year	$ 65,885	$ 110,613	$ 130,705