REVENUE RECOGNITION (Disaggregated Revenues) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2023	Aug. 31, 2022	Aug. 31, 2021
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 4,411,842	$ 4,066,093	$ 3,619,871
Net merchandise sales
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	4,300,706	3,944,817	3,465,442
Foods & Sundries
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	2,148,584	1,947,734	1,736,509
Fresh Foods
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,262,132	1,145,920	1,003,694
Hardlines
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	454,207	443,311	409,644
Softlines
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	230,950	227,371	175,505
Other Business
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 204,833	$ 180,481	$ 140,090