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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2016
USD ($)
levels
Aug. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Aug. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Sep. 01, 2014
USD ($)
Equity method investment $ 0      
Retainage included in accounts receivable 38,700,000 $ 40,700,000    
Percentage of LIFO inventory (percent   51.00%    
Increase to retained earnings resulting from cumulative effect of change in accounting method       $ 124,200,000
Percentage of FIFO inventory (percent)   38.00%    
Goodwill impairment charges 0 $ 7,267,000 $ 0  
Goodwill 66,373,000 66,383,000 74,319,000  
Transaction gains (losses) $ (13,900,000) (45,400,000) 9,000,000  
Number of fair value hierarchy | levels 3      
One reporting unit within Americas Fabrication        
Goodwill $ 51,300,000 $ 51,300,000    
Receivables secured by credit insurance or letters of credit        
Percentage of accounts receivable secured by credit insurance or letters of credit 30.00% 35.00%    
Certain fabrication projects        
Sales recognized in excess of amounts billed $ 19,400,000 $ 25,000,000    
Maximum        
Cost method investment ownership percentage 20.00%      
Americas Recycling        
Goodwill impairment charges $ 0 7,267,000    
Goodwill $ 0 $ 0 $ 7,267,000