XML 45 R52.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.8
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2014
levels
Aug. 31, 2013
Aug. 31, 2012
Equity method investment $ 0    
Restricted cash 4,100,000 18,000,000  
Goodwill impairment charges 0 6,331,000 0
Goodwill 74,319,000 69,579,000 76,897,000
Impairment of intangible assets with finite lives 0    
Transaction gains (losses) 9,000,000 (5,800,000) 2,200,000
Number of fair value hierarchy 3    
One reporting unit within Americas Fabrication
     
Goodwill 51,300,000 51,300,000  
Australia
     
Goodwill impairment charges   6,400,000  
Foreign currency translation gain related to goodwill impairment   600,000  
Receivables secured by credit insurance or letters of credit
     
Percentage of accounts receivable secured by credit insurance or letters of credit 49.00% 49.00%  
Certain fabrication projects
     
Sales recognized in excess of amounts billed $ 24,200,000 $ 24,300,000  
Maximum
     
Cost method investment ownership percentage 20.00%