STOCK BASED COMPENSATION (Summary of Other Information Related to Stock-Based Compensation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2018		Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION [Abstract]
Remaining unrecognized compensation cost (in thousands)	$ 29,473		$ 26,382	$ 32,380
Weighted average period of time over which this cost will be recognized (years)	3 years		3 years	4 years
Excess tax benefit (deficiency) on stock-based compensation (in thousands)	$ 530	[1]	$ 165	$ 610

[1] Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, the Company began recording the tax savings resulting from tax deductions in excess of expense for stock-based compensation and the tax deficiencies resulting from stock-based compensation in excess of the related tax deduction as income tax expense or benefit, based on the adoption of ASU 2016-09. See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for the Company's explanation of the accounting implications from the adoption of ASU 2016-09.