INCOME TAXES - Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Deferred tax assets:
U.S. net operating loss carryforward	$ 8,800	$ 8,953	$ 9,688
U.S. capital loss carryforward	0	0	4,318
U.S. timing difference and alternative minimum credits	202	295	1,787
Deferred compensation	1,835	683	921
Foreign tax credits	1,568	3,569	4,944
Foreign deferred taxes net operating losses	8,066	8,662	7,967
Foreign deferred taxes other timing differences	9,048	6,759	6,297
Total deferred tax assets	29,519	28,921	35,922
U.S. valuation allowance	(697)	(8)	(8,350)
Foreign valuation allowance	(8,368)	(7,661)	(7,296)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 20,454	$ 21,252	$ 20,276