BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliations of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted Operating Profit) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 102,087	$ 74,957	$ 210,549
Income taxes (benefit)	42,724	57,979	(45,762)
Interest expense	77,741	69,608	69,487
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	3,900	3,900	6,400
Continuing operations
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	3,865	3,894	6,438
Adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations	$ 226,417	$ 206,438	$ 240,712

It represents non-GAAP financial measures of adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations.

No definition available.

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- Definition

A gain (loss) realized on a transfer, accounted for as a sale, of all or a portion of financial assets in which the transferor surrenders control and receives consideration other than a beneficial interest in the assets transferred. Reflects the amount of sales proceeds in excess of, or deficient from, the sum of the carrying amounts of transferred financial assets plus transaction costs.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Section S99

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- Definition

This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest.

+ References

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- Definition

Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))

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-Glossary Income Tax Expense (or Benefit)

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- Definition

Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense.

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