EARNINGS PER SHARE (Schedule of the Computation of Net Income Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2019		Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2019		Feb. 28, 2018
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc.	$ 23,810	[1]	$ 14,148	$ 38,422	[1]	$ 36,638
Less: Allocation of income to unvested stockholders	(27)			(219)		(398)
Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. per share available for distribution:	$ 23,783		$ 14,148	$ 38,203		$ 36,240
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	30,206		30,100	30,189		30,089
Add dilutive effect of performance stock units (two-class method)	5			11		1
Diluted average shares outstanding	30,211		30,100	30,200		30,090
Basic net income per share	$ 0.79		$ 0.47	$ 1.27		$ 1.21
Diluted net income per share	$ 0.79		$ 0.47	$ 1.27		$ 1.21

[1] In March 2018, the Company acquired technology, talent and cross-border logistics infrastructure that operated a marketplace and casillero business. Investments in the technology, talent and infrastructure to expand our omni-channel capabilities, together with the operating results from the marketplace and casillero business, negatively impacted Net income attributable to PriceSmart, Inc. by $4.2 million for the quarter and $8.1 million for the six months ended February 28, 2019. Management considers this business to be part of its United States operations.