BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE, DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND DISPOSITIONS (Financial Information for Discontinued Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	$ (20,124)	$ 15,005	$ (26,094)
Discontinued operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 173,065	$ 266,819	$ 446,285