Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)		$ (195,076)	$ 9,591	$ (280,023)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	(23,346)	(4,240)	(9,051)
Cash flow hedges, net	[2]	(298)	179	20
Pension obligations, net	[3]	(2,237)	781	3,289
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(25,881)	(3,280)	(5,742)
Comprehensive income (loss)		(220,957)	6,311	(285,765)
Less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		(1,933)	(3,667)	(1,419)
Foreign currency translation adjustments attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest		0	0	(1,030)
Total amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests		(1,933)	(3,667)	(2,449)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to SSI		$ (222,890)	$ 2,644	$ (288,214)

[1] Net of tax expense (benefit) of $0, $0 and $(387) thousand for each respective period.

[2] Net of tax expense (benefit) of $(89) thousand, $(5) thousand and $23 thousand for each respective period.

[3] Net of tax expense (benefit) of $(62) thousand, $468 thousand and $1,890 thousand for each respective period.