Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	$ 157,701	$ 143,596
Other intangibles, gross	588,528	589,480
Other intangibles, net	430,827	445,884
Tradenames
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	136,946	137,393
Customer relationships
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	15 years
Gross Carrying Value	347,474	347,739
Accumulated Amortization	104,772	93,768
Net Book Value	242,702	253,971
Patents
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	13 years
Gross Carrying Value	52,655	52,851
Accumulated Amortization	36,292	34,842
Net Book Value	16,363	18,009
Trademarks and tradenames
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	19 years
Gross Carrying Value	43,853	43,820
Accumulated Amortization	9,959	8,670
Net Book Value	33,894	35,150
Non-compete agreements and other
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	4 years
Gross Carrying Value	7,600	7,677
Accumulated Amortization	6,678	6,316
Net Book Value	$ 922	$ 1,361