Changes in Goodwill Allocated to Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012 DMS	Aug. 31, 2011 DMS	Aug. 31, 2012 E&I	Aug. 31, 2011 E&I	Aug. 31, 2012 HVS	Aug. 31, 2011 HVS	Aug. 31, 2010 HVS
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross, Beginning balance	$ 1,059,020	$ 1,051,276	$ 584,018	$ 583,423	$ 342,733	$ 335,584	$ 132,269	$ 132,269	$ 132,269
Accumulated Impairment, Beginning balance	(1,022,821)	(1,022,821)	(558,768)	(558,768)	(331,784)	(331,784)	(132,269)	(132,269)	(132,269)
Acquisitions & Adjustments	60,942	6,311	60,942			6,311
Foreign Currency Impact	(2,123)	1,433	(1,212)	595	(911)	838
Gross, Ending balance	1,117,839	1,059,020	643,748	584,018	341,822	342,733	132,269	132,269	132,269
Accumulated Impairment, Ending balance	(1,022,821)	(1,022,821)	(558,768)	(558,768)	(331,784)	(331,784)	(132,269)	(132,269)	(132,269)
Net Balance	$ 95,018	$ 36,199	$ 84,980	$ 25,250	$ 10,038	$ 10,949	$ 0	$ 0