v3.26.1
CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
May 31, 2026
Aug. 31, 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Present value of lease liabilities $ 192,029 $ 158,917
Total debt 3,428,920 1,364,085
Less debt issuance costs (32,551) (14,051)
Total amounts outstanding 3,400,485 1,354,295
Less current maturities of long-term debt (88,792) (44,289)
Long-term debt $ 3,311,693 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 $ 4,116 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
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate 4.63%  
Short-term borrowings $ 33,012 0
Other    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.811%  
Long-term debt, less current maturities $ 8,819 10,108
Finance leases    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 5.132%  
Present value of lease liabilities $ 192,029 $ 158,917