Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details 3) - Valuation allowance for deferred taxes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 261,285	$ 280,755	$ 447,630
Additions charged to costs and expenses	79,933	60,334	28,221
Additions/(Reductions) charged to other accounts	(29,069)	(67,167)	(121,373)
Reductions charged to costs and expenses	(7,329)	(12,637)	(73,723)
Balance at end of period	$ 304,820	$ 261,285	$ 280,755