REVENUE RECOGNITION (Disaggregated Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	$ 820,290	$ 816,573	$ 1,567,733	$ 1,561,974
Foods And Sundries [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	412,857	409,311	789,185	786,382
Fresh Foods [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	220,499	218,332	421,205	413,088
Hardlines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	98,947	102,901	191,101	199,902
Softlines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	47,975	46,245	88,364	85,182
Other Business [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	$ 40,012	$ 39,784	$ 77,878	$ 77,420