ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Income taxes (expense) benefit	$ 237	$ (128)	$ 132
Net of income taxes	(1,268)	337	(578)
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other | SG&A expenses
Foreign currency translation adjustments and other:
Reclassification for translation gain realized upon sale of investments in foreign entities	0	0	4,675
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before Tax	(1,505)	465	(710)
Income taxes (expense) benefit	237	(128)	132
Net of income taxes	(1,268)	337	(578)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | Commodity | Cost of goods sold
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before Tax	(160)	(260)	43
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | Foreign exchange | Cost of goods sold
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before Tax	(1,698)	0	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | Foreign exchange | Net sales
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before Tax	(232)	60	(1,072)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | Foreign exchange | SG&A expenses
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before Tax	53	48	(516)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives | Interest rate | Interest expense
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI on derivatives, before Tax	532	617	835
Defined benefit obligation
Defined benefit obligation:
Reclassification adjustments from AOCI, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, before tax	(1,315)	(44)	(86)
Income taxes (expense) benefit	165	7	12
Net of income taxes	(1,150)	(37)	(74)
Defined benefit obligation | SG&A expenses
Defined benefit obligation:
Amortization of net gain (loss)	(1,604)	(252)	(228)
Amortization of prior service credit (cost)	289	208	17
Adjustment from plan changes	$ 0	$ 0	$ 125