Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Allowances for doubtful accounts
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 176,805	$ 221,813	$ 225,726
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	3,089	57,380	2,748
Deductions: Write-offs, Net of Recoveries	(14,354)	(102,388)	(6,661)
Balance at End of Year	165,540	176,805	221,813
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	246,344	230,374	289,083
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	5,206	41,260	61,854
Deductions: Write-offs, Net of Recoveries	(31,659)	(25,290)	(120,563)
Balance at End of Year	219,891	246,344	230,374
Reserve for supplier advance payments
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	110,613	130,705
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses	0	0	0
Deductions: Write-offs, Net of Recoveries	0	(44,728)	(20,092)
Balance at End of Year	$ 65,885	$ 110,613	$ 130,705