Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits (Reconciliation of Funded Status) (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Funded Status
Ending projected benefit obligation	$ (161,230)	$ (182,653)	$ (164,294)
Under or unfunded status	(26,422)	(46,202)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Information
Accrued benefit liability, current	(140)	(146)
Accrued benefit liability, noncurrent	(26,282)	(46,056)
Net liability recorded at August 31	(26,422)	(46,202)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
Net actuarial loss	32,986	48,858
Prior service cost	(1,405)	(1,594)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, before taxes	$ 31,581	$ 47,264