LONG-LIVED ASSET IMPAIRMENT AND FACILITY CLOSURE COSTS (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Asset impairment and facility closure costs	$ 3,498,000	$ 17,270,000	$ 3,316,000
International Marketing and Distribution
Plant, property and equipment		20,400,000
Australia
Non-recurring impairment charges		6,300,000
Other operating units [Member]
Asset impairment and facility closure costs		$ 4,600,000