INCOME TAX (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Effective tax rate from discontinued operations	0.90%	2.20%	(64.60%)
Effective income tax rates from continuing operations	14.80%	32.10%	28.70%
Statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Net Income tax payments (refunds)	$ 50,200	$ 61,000	$ 11,800
Indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings	537,000
Unrecognized tax benefits	9,522	27,349	27,349	$ 28,551
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate			$ 12,000
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	1,000	4,200
State
Net operating losses carry forward	324,000
Foreign
Net operating losses carry forward	461,000
Valuation allowance, net operating loss carryforwards
Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets	$ 73,000	$ 10,200
POLAND
Foreign income tax rate	19.00%