Equities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 7,866,250
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(14,494)	$ (3,553)
Ending Balance	7,931,280
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(211,726)	(214,207)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(17,989)	(217)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,495	(3,336)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(14,494)	(3,553)
Ending Balance	(226,220)	(217,760)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(165,146)	(171,729)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	6,419
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,239	(3,218)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,239	3,201
Ending Balance	(161,907)	(168,528)
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,656	4,156
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	777	560
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	777	560
Ending Balance	6,433	4,716
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(9,196)	(5,324)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	383	(4,216)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	271	(118)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	654	(4,334)
Ending Balance	(8,542)	(9,658)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(43,040)	(41,310)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(19,149)	(2,980)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(15)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(19,164)	(2,980)
Ending Balance	$ (62,204)	$ (44,290)