Operating Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 4,637,018	$ 4,326,769
Total segment income	192,535	194,581
Stock-based compensation expense and related charges	18,803	18,665
Amortization of intangibles	3,451	5,074
Other expense	1,569	2,685
Interest income	(510)	(558)
Interest expense	29,604	25,519
Income before income tax	139,618	143,196
Total assets	8,185,500		7,803,141
DMS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	2,175,034	1,810,867
Total segment income	125,092	122,230
Total assets	3,307,553		3,002,982
E&I
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	1,418,516	1,207,673
Total segment income	33,758	22,944
Total assets	1,318,262		1,157,464
HVS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	1,043,468	1,308,229
Total segment income	33,685	49,407
Total assets	1,049,602		970,819
Other non-allocated assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 2,510,083		$ 2,671,876