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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narrative) (Details) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($) levels | Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($) | Aug. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Equity method investment | $ 0 |  |
Restricted cash |  | $ 4,100,000 |
Goodwill impairment charges | 7,267,000 | 0 | $ 6,400,000
Goodwill | 66,383,000 | 74,319,000 | 69,579,000
Transaction gains (losses) | $ (45,400,000) | 9,000,000 | (5,800,000)
Number of fair value hierarchy | levels | 3 |  |
One reporting unit within Americas Fabrication |  |  |
Goodwill | $ 51,300,000 | $ 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 | 35.00% | 49.00% |
Certain fabrication projects |  |  |
Sales recognized in excess of amounts billed | $ 25,000,000 | $ 24,200,000 |
Maximum |  |  |
Cost method investment ownership percentage | 20.00% |  |
Americas Recycling |  |  |
Goodwill impairment charges | $ 7,267,000 |  | 6,400,000
Foreign currency translation gain related to goodwill impairment |  |  | 600,000
Goodwill | $ 0 | $ 7,267,000 | $ 7,267,000

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