BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($) segments	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Number of reporting segments | segments	5
Total assets	$ 3,372,302	$ 3,688,520
Discontinued operations
Total assets	$ 31,500	$ 151,100	$ 163,100