SEGMENT REPORTING: (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012 segment	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
SEGMENT REPORTING:
Number of reportable segments	2
Financial information concerning the reportable segments
Net Revenue from External Customers	$ 1,479,095	$ 1,542,777	$ 1,203,897
Gross Proceeds	867,842	1,111,157	783,055
Depreciation and Amortization	54,072	58,333	55,580
Interest Income	475	1,225	150
Interest Expense	8,165	9,684	9,012
Loss from Equity Method Investees	(47)	(462)	(521)
Other Income/(Expense), Net	(366)	140	86
Consolidated Net Proceeds	554,657	810,856	532,544
Capital Additions	52,611	64,752	74,073
Property and Equipment, Net	405,951	398,415
Assets Held for Lease, Net	84,095	92,824
Segment Assets	899,480	878,107
Sugar
Financial information concerning the reportable segments
Net Revenue from External Customers	1,454,273	1,518,977	1,179,349
Gross Proceeds	854,417	1,098,739	769,747
Depreciation and Amortization	42,675	46,951	44,340
Interest Income	475	1,225	150
Interest Expense	8,165	9,683	9,011
Loss from Equity Method Investees	(47)	(462)	(521)
Other Income/(Expense), Net	(113)	167	176
Consolidated Net Proceeds	541,587	798,559	519,418
Capital Additions	49,689	62,852	71,425
Property and Equipment, Net	405,951	398,415
Segment Assets	812,880	782,028
Leasing
Financial information concerning the reportable segments
Net Revenue from External Customers	24,822	23,800	24,548
Gross Proceeds	13,425	12,418	13,308
Depreciation and Amortization	11,397	11,382	11,240
Interest Expense		1	1
Other Income/(Expense), Net	(253)	(27)	(90)
Consolidated Net Proceeds	13,070	12,297	13,126
Capital Additions	2,922	1,900	2,648
Assets Held for Lease, Net	84,095	92,824
Segment Assets	$ 86,600	$ 96,079