BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 987,420	$ 1,059,564	$ 1,127,894
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	803,245	860,784	864,491
Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	177,778	189,796	243,280
Asia
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	5,863	7,692	8,814
Australia/New Zealand
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 534	$ 1,292	$ 11,309