PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Summary of Property and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, historical cost	$ 782,186	$ 670,586
Less: accumulated depreciation	(224,357)	(197,541)
Property and equipment, net	557,829	473,045
Depreciation and amortization expense	46,292	39,794	$ 34,445
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, historical cost	161,579	131,896
Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, historical cost	382,236	305,420
Fixtures And Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, historical cost	198,147	186,409
Construction In Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total property and equipment, historical cost	$ 40,224	$ 46,861