REVENUE RECOGNITION (Disaggregated Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	$ 755,009	$ 750,473	$ 2,322,742	$ 2,312,447
Foods And Sundries [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	384,902	383,546	1,174,087	1,169,928
Fresh Foods [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	209,452	205,144	630,657	617,713
Hardlines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	83,606	85,122	274,596	285,021
Softlines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	38,700	38,514	127,158	123,696
Other Business [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	$ 38,349	$ 38,147	$ 116,244	$ 116,089