Balance Sheet Details - Components of Property Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property Plant and Equipment Gross	$ 367,815	$ 365,389
Accumulated depreciation	(255,425)	(252,198)
Net property, plant and equipment	112,390	113,191
Land and land improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property Plant and Equipment Gross	11,624	11,623
Plant and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property Plant and Equipment Gross	352,450	346,087
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property Plant and Equipment Gross	$ 3,741	$ 7,679

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

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Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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