BUSINESS SEGMENTS BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 1,134,729	$ 1,128,606	$ 1,201,415
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	871,326	868,643	907,009
Europe
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	243,280	239,899	250,392
Australia/New Zealand
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	11,309	12,446	36,097
Other
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 8,814	$ 7,618	$ 7,917