BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Reconciliations of Earnings from Continuing Operations to Adjusted Operating Profit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2018	May 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Earnings from continuing operations	$ 42,325	$ 31,567	$ 83,977	$ 60,245
Income taxes	13,312	11,006	23,465	21,231
Interest expense	11,511	12,448	25,303	38,212
Discounts on sales of accounts receivable	261	230	715	639
Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations	$ 67,409	$ 55,251	$ 133,460	$ 120,327

It represents non-GAAP financial measures of adjusted operating profit (loss) from continuing operations.

No definition available.

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- Definition

A gain (loss) realized on a transfer, accounted for as a sale, of all or a portion of financial assets in which the transferor surrenders control and receives consideration other than a beneficial interest in the assets transferred. Reflects the amount of sales proceeds in excess of, or deficient from, the sum of the carrying amounts of transferred financial assets plus transaction costs.

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- Definition

Amount after tax of income (loss) from continuing operations including portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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- Definition

Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References

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- Definition

Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense.

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No definition available.

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