Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (40,970)	$ (195,882)	$ (45,937)	$ (197,484)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(892)	(12,601)	(1,901)	(19,873)
Cash flow hedges, net	0	(2,785)	240	(3,693)
Pension obligations, net	64	23	105	59
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(828)	(15,363)	(1,556)	(23,507)
Comprehensive loss	(41,798)	(211,245)	(47,493)	(220,991)
Less net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(275)	240	(604)	(631)
Comprehensive loss attributable to SSI	$ (42,073)	$ (211,005)	$ (48,097)	$ (221,622)