INCOME TAXES - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Reconciliation of the Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Balance at beginning of fiscal year	$ 13,528,000	$ 13,615,000	$ 13,851,000
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	575,000	1,130,000	429,000
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	0	(166,000)
Settlements	(591,000)	(643,000)	(21,000)
Expirations of the statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes	(2,300,000)	(574,000)	(478,000)
Balance at end of fiscal year	11,212,000	13,528,000	13,615,000
Deferred income taxes that could reduce unrecognized tax benefits	9,400,000
Unrecognized tax benefitt, net amount if recongized would favorably affect the effective tax rate	1,800,000
Expected change in unrecognized tax benefits reduction of taxes payable	860,000
Income tax interest and/or penalties accrued	$ 800,000	$ 1,300,000