Property, Plant and Equipment (Components) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	$ 7,444,246	$ 6,844,961
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	4,110,496	3,646,945
Property plant and equipment, net	3,333,750	3,198,016
Land and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	146,719	144,136
Buildings
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	962,559	849,975
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	1,092,787	1,013,428
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	4,262,015	3,983,025
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	209,257	192,243
Computer hardware and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	671,252	601,955
Transportation equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	16,423	17,215
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property plant and equipment, gross	$ 83,234	$ 42,984