Summary of Changes in Goodwill Recorded to Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
May 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross, Beginning balance	$ 1,059,020
Accumulated Impairment, Beginning balance	(1,022,821)
Acquisitions & Adjustments	60,942
Foreign Currency Impact	(2,858)
Gross, Ending balance	1,117,104
Accumulated Impairment, Ending balance	(1,022,821)
Net Balance	94,283	36,199
DMS
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross, Beginning balance	584,018
Accumulated Impairment, Beginning balance	(558,768)
Acquisitions & Adjustments	60,942
Foreign Currency Impact	(1,845)
Gross, Ending balance	643,115
Accumulated Impairment, Ending balance	(558,768)
Net Balance	84,347
E&I
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross, Beginning balance	342,733
Accumulated Impairment, Beginning balance	(331,784)
Acquisitions & Adjustments
Foreign Currency Impact	(1,013)
Gross, Ending balance	341,720
Accumulated Impairment, Ending balance	(331,784)
Net Balance	9,936
HVS
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross, Beginning balance	132,269
Accumulated Impairment, Beginning balance	(132,269)
Acquisitions & Adjustments
Foreign Currency Impact
Gross, Ending balance	132,269
Accumulated Impairment, Ending balance	$ (132,269)

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 34

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 43

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 72

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

+ References+ Details