v3.26.3
CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Long-term Debt) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Aug. 31, 2026
Aug. 31, 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 5.136%  
Finance leases $ 195,693 $ 158,917
Total debt 3,408,214 1,364,085
Less unamortized debt issuance costs (31,407) (14,051)
Total amounts outstanding 3,380,875 1,354,295
Less current maturities of long-term debt (67,147) (44,289)
Long-term debt $ 3,313,728 1,310,006
2030 Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.125%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 300,000 300,000
2031 Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 3.875%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 300,000 300,000
2032 Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.375%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 300,000 300,000
2033 Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 5.75%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,000,000 0
2035 Notes    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 6.00%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,000,000 0
Series 2022 Bonds, due 2047    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.00%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 145,060 145,060
Plus unamortized bond premium $ 4,068 4,261
Series 2025 Bonds, Due 2032    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.625%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 150,000 150,000
Less unamortized debt issuance costs   (2,900)
Short-term borrowings    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.57%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 8,642 0
Other    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Weighted average interest rate 4.811%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 8,819 $ 10,108