v3.26.1
CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Feb. 28, 2026
Aug. 31, 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Present value of lease liabilities $ 186,453 $ 158,917
Total debt 3,392,021 1,364,085
Less debt issuance costs (33,672) (14,051)
Total amounts outstanding 3,362,516 1,354,295
Less current maturities of long-term debt (52,621) (44,289)
Long-term debt $ 3,309,895 1,310,006
2030 Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.125%  
Long-term debt, less current maturities $ 300,000 300,000
2031 Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 3.875%  
Long-term debt, less current maturities $ 300,000 300,000
2032 Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.375%  
Long-term debt, less current maturities $ 300,000 300,000
2033 Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 5.75%  
Long-term debt, less current maturities $ 1,000,000 0
2035 Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 6.00%  
Long-term debt, less current maturities $ 1,000,000 0
Series 2022 Bonds, due 2047    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.00%  
Long-term debt, less current maturities $ 145,060 145,060
Plus unamortized bond premium $ 4,167 4,261
Series 2025 Bonds, Due 2032    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.625%  
Long-term debt, less current maturities $ 150,000 150,000
Other    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.906%  
Long-term debt, less current maturities $ 10,508 10,108
Finance leases    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 5.128%  
Present value of lease liabilities $ 186,453 $ 158,917