OPERATING SEGMENTS (Reconciliations of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted Operating Profit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2022	Aug. 31, 2021	Aug. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net earnings from continuing operations	$ 1,217,262	$ 412,865	$ 278,302
Interest expense	(50,709)	(51,904)	(61,837)
Income taxes	(297,885)	(121,153)	(92,476)
Amortization of acquired unfavorable contract backlog	0	(6,035)	(29,367)
Impairment of assets	(4,926)	(6,784)	(7,611)
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 1,745,806	$ 754,284	$ 576,608