Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$ 47,966	$ 98,713
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Deferred income taxes	2,756	3,019
Depreciation and amortization	15,595	12,974
Net gain on disposition of equipment	(1,122)	(269)
Stock based compensation expense	5,343	5,301
Noncontrolling interest adjustments	(3,781)	262
Other	229	637
Decrease (increase) in assets:
Accounts receivable, net	(5,256)	(40,889)
Inventories	(39,108)	(274)
Leased railcars for syndication	34,295	(61,059)
Other	8,893	(3,578)
Decrease in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(25,693)	(77,605)
Deferred revenue	(11,111)	(723)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	29,006	(63,491)
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sales of assets	9,189	41,353
Capital expenditures	(12,584)	(15,595)
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash	15,637	(949)
Cash distribution from unconsolidated affiliates	550	616
Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates	(550)	(1,866)
Net cash provided by investing activities	12,242	23,559
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in revolving notes with maturities of 90 days or less		113,000
Repayments of notes payable	(1,750)	(1,761)
Debt issuance costs		(4,493)
Cash distribution to joint venture partner	(11,185)	(17,654)
Repurchase of stock		(20,203)
Dividends	(6,147)	(105)
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from restricted stock awards	(2,464)	2,827
Other		(6)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(21,546)	71,605
Effect of exchange rate changes	(8,591)	(6,970)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	11,111	24,703
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of period	222,679	172,930
End of period	233,790	197,633
Cash paid during the period for
Interest	3,511	4,058
Income taxes, net	10,433	48,349
Non-cash activity
Transfer from Leased railcars for syndication to Equipment on operating leases, net	6,082	31,568
Capital expenditures accrued in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 5,447	5,931
Dividends declared and accrued in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$ 5,745