Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, net Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	[1]	$ 1,173	$ 1,173
Total Gross Carrying Amount		13,271	25,447
Accumulated Amortization		(6,918)	(15,612)
Amortization of intangible assets		2,000	4,000	$ 5,000
Estimated amortization expense:
2016		1,156
2017		546
2018		422
2019		307
2020		280
Thereafter		2,469
Total		5,180
Covenants not to compete
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount		10,382	18,747
Accumulated Amortization		(5,991)	(11,768)
Supply contracts
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount		0	2,264
Accumulated Amortization		0	(2,109)
Other intangible assets subject to amortization
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	[2]	1,716	3,263
Accumulated Amortization	[2]	(927)	(1,735)
Discontinued Operations | Auto Parts Stores
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets		$ 1,000	$ 1,000	$ 1,000

[1] Indefinite-lived intangibles include trade names, permits and licenses and real property options.

[2] Other intangible assets subject to amortization include trade names, marketing agreements, employment agreements, leasehold interests, permits and licenses and real property options.