SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 10,042		$ 9,480		$ 16,095
Additions, Charged to Cost and Expense	647		4,980		2,017
Additions, Charged to Other Accounts	842	[1]	193	[1]	(3,423)	[1]
Deductions, Charged to Cost and Expense	(1,544)		(550)		(4,480)
Deductions, Charged to Other Accounts	(4,079)	[2]	(4,061)	[2]	(729)	[2]
Balance at End of Period	5,908		10,042		9,480
Deferred tax valuation allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	48,837		25,779		75,289
Additions, Charged to Cost and Expense	24,964		25,119		11,855
Additions, Charged to Other Accounts
Deductions, Charged to Cost and Expense	(4,039)		(2,061)		(356)
Deductions, Charged to Other Accounts					(61,009)
Balance at End of Period	$ 69,762		$ 48,837		$ 25,779

[1] Recoveries and translation adjustments.

[2] Uncollectable accounts charged to the allowance. For the years ended August 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, $(1,010), $(1,163) and $(5,864) were reclassified to the fair value of the deferred purchase price under our sale of receivables program, respectively.