Balance Sheet Details - Components of Property Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 369,657	$ 365,389
Accumulated depreciation	(258,709)	(252,198)
Net property, plant and equipment	110,948	113,191
Land and land improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	11,624	11,623
Plant and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	353,565	346,087
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Gross property, plant and equipment	$ 4,468	$ 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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