BUSINESS SEGMENTS (External Net Sales from Continuing Operations by Geographic Area) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014		May 31, 2014		Feb. 28, 2014		Nov. 30, 2013		Aug. 31, 2013		May 31, 2013		Feb. 28, 2013		Nov. 30, 2012		Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,903,196	[1]	$ 1,804,774	[1]	$ 1,649,098	[1]	$ 1,682,891	[1]	$ 1,698,861	[1]	$ 1,752,534	[1]	$ 1,688,665	[1]	$ 1,749,515	[1]	$ 7,039,959	$ 6,889,575	$ 7,656,375
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	4,510,080	4,107,231	4,503,786
Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	1,215,150	1,108,196	1,313,611
Asia
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	786,512	1,094,458	1,018,675
Australia/New Zealand
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	425,277	488,108	617,919
Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net sales																	$ 102,940	$ 91,582	$ 202,384

[1] Excludes divisions classified as discontinued operations. See Note 10, Businesses Held for Sale, Discontinued Operations and Dispositions.