REVENUE RECOGNITION (Disaggregated Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2020	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	$ 3,191,762	$ 3,091,648	$ 3,053,754
Foods And Sundries [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	1,656,682	1,563,162	1,548,237
Fresh Foods [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	912,325	847,496	821,412
Hardlines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	345,051	358,276	366,487
Softlines [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	147,085	167,149	164,115
Other Business [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net Merchandise Sales	$ 130,619	$ 155,565	$ 153,503