CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 5,908	$ 10,042
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	129,060,664	129,060,664
Common stock, shares outstanding	117,829,262	117,010,990
Treasury stock, shares	11,231,402	12,049,674