BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS (Financial Information for Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	$ (10,871)	$ (1,042)	$ (20,241)	$ 17,969
Discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	43,307	66,068	143,644	200,932
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	$ (10,871)	$ (1,042)	$ (20,241)	$ 17,969