Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
		Feb. 28, 2021	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2021	Feb. 29, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)		$ (13,921)	$ 20,015	$ (20,550)	$ 44,026
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Translation adjustment		597	(703)	4,464	(2,286)
Reclassification of derivative financial instruments recognized in net earnings (loss)	[1]	1,274	168	2,515	477
Unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments	[2]	(142)	(3,638)	(895)	(1,484)
Other (net of tax effect)		52	242	53	(221)
Other comprehensive income		1,781	(3,931)	6,137	(3,514)
Comprehensive income (loss)		(12,140)	16,084	(14,413)	40,512
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		4,849	(6,384)	1,509	(22,720)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Greenbrier		$ (7,291)	$ 9,700	$ (12,904)	$ 17,792

[1] Net of tax effect of $(0.4 million) and $(0.1 million) for the three months ended February 28, 2021 and February 29, 2020 and $(0.8 million) and $(0.2 million) for the six months ended February 28, 2021 and February 29, 2020.

[2] Net of tax effect of ($0.1 million) and $1.3 million for the three months ended February 28, 2021 and February 29, 2020 and $(0.1 million) and $0.7 million for the six months ended February 28, 2021 and February 29, 2020.