BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliations of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted Operating Profit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2024	Feb. 28, 2023	Feb. 29, 2024	Feb. 28, 2023
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 85,847	$ 179,849
Interest expense	11,878	9,945	$ 23,634	$ 22,990
Income taxes	31,072	55,641	79,494	132,366
Depreciation and amortization	68,299	51,216	137,485	102,399
Asset impairments	4	36	4	45
Corporate and Other expenses	34,512	15,573	65,499	55,298
Adjusted EBITDA reportable segments	$ 231,612	$ 312,260	568,236	754,721
Settlement of New markets Tax Credit transaction			$ 0	$ 17,659