Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carry forward	$ 280,196	$ 269,686
Receivables	3,275	5,584
Inventories	10,909	5,798
Compensated absences	7,957	6,566
Accrued expenses	49,318	24,858
Property, plant and equipment, principally due to differences in depreciation and amortization	12,644	12,932
U.S. foreign tax credits	18,708	10,394
Foreign jurisdiction tax credits	13,587	20,044
Cash flow hedges	8,616	10,165
Intangible assets	69,885	101,783
Other	21,207	17,884
Total deferred tax assets before valuation allowances	570,909	554,515
Less valuation allowances	(487,745)	(469,067)
Net deferred tax assets	83,164	85,448
Deferred tax liabilities:
Other	10,120	15,665
Total deferred tax liabilities	10,120	15,665
Net deferred tax assets	73,044	69,783
U.S.
Deferred tax assets:
Equity compensation	65,800	60,634
Non U.S.
Deferred tax assets:
Equity compensation	$ 8,807	$ 8,187