Operating Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 4,417,251	$ 4,236,174	$ 9,054,269	$ 8,562,943
Total segment income	170,222	176,158	362,757	370,739
Stock-based compensation expense and related charges	17,710	21,069	36,513	39,734
Amortization of intangibles	3,471	4,871	6,922	9,945
Other expense	1,554	1,919	3,123	4,604
Interest income	(422)	(288)	(932)	(846)
Interest expense	29,182	26,322	58,786	51,841
Income before income tax	118,727	122,265	258,345	265,461
Total assets	8,247,641		8,247,641		7,803,141
DMS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	2,071,398	1,863,971	4,246,431	3,674,838
Total segment income	111,123	109,048	236,215	231,278
Total assets	3,305,818		3,305,818		3,002,982
E&I
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	1,357,595	1,215,994	2,776,112	2,423,667
Total segment income	36,151	20,923	69,909	43,867
Total assets	1,278,372		1,278,372		1,157,464
HVS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	988,258	1,156,209	2,031,726	2,464,438
Total segment income	22,948	46,187	56,633	95,594
Total assets	1,016,753		1,016,753		970,819
Other non-allocated assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 2,646,698		$ 2,646,698		$ 2,671,876