EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT PLANS (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
BRP liability	$ 23,000	$ 0
BRP plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Deferred compensation liability	73,100	71,000
Current value of segregated assets	75,700	69,700
Net holding gain on segregated assets	7,500	5,400
United States
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Compensation expense under defined contribution profit sharing and savings plan and BRP Plan	28,300	25,000	$ 9,700
Other Long-term Liabilities | BRP plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Deferred compensation liability	$ 50,100	$ 71,000