ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Adoption of ASC 606 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2018	Nov. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,277,342	$ 1,076,533
Net earnings	19,742	$ 36,810
Balances Without Adoption of Topic 606
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales	1,279,567
Net earnings	21,469
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Effect of Change - Higher (Lower)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales	(2,225)
Net earnings	$ (1,727)