CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2014

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps

Long-term debt, including the deferred gain from the termination of the interest rate swaps, was as follows:

(in thousands)	Weighted Average Interest Rate as of November 30, 2014	November 30, 2014		August 31, 2014
$400 million notes at 6.50% due July 2017	5.74%	$	407,803	$	408,546
$500 million notes at 7.35% due August 2018	6.40%	517,149		518,305
$330 million notes at 4.875% due May 2023	4.875%	330,000		330,000
Other, including equipment notes		36,787		32,196
		1,291,739		1,289,047
Less current maturities		8,931		8,005
		$	1,282,808	$	1,281,042

Interest on these notes is payable semiannually.