Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 2,990	$ 4,459	$ 6,148
Charges to cost and expenses	650	584	688
Deductions	(920)	(2,053)	(2,377)
Balance at end of period	2,720	2,990	4,459
Allowance for notes and other contractual receivables
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	7,803	0
Charges to cost and expenses	(201)	7,803
Deductions	0	0
Balance at end of period	7,602	7,803
Deferred tax valuation allowance
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	29,696	794	589
Charges to cost and expenses	4,648	28,902	218
Deductions	(2,258)	0	(13)
Balance at end of period	$ 32,086	$ 29,696	$ 794