BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliations of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted Operating Profit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2021	Feb. 29, 2020	Feb. 28, 2021	Feb. 29, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 66,233	$ 63,596	$ 130,144	$ 146,351
Interest expense	14,021	15,888	28,280	32,466
Income taxes	20,941	22,845	42,534	50,177
Depreciation and amortization	41,573	41,389	83,372	82,330
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog	(1,509)	(5,997)	(3,032)	(14,328)
Asset impairments	474	0
Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations	$ 141,733	$ 137,721	$ 285,366	$ 297,526

A gain (loss) realized on a transfer, accounted for as a sale, of all or a portion of financial assets in which the transferor surrenders control and receives consideration other than a beneficial interest in the assets transferred. Reflects the amount of sales proceeds in excess of, or deficient from, the sum of the carrying amounts of transferred financial assets plus transaction costs.

Amount after tax of income (loss) from continuing operations including portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References + Details