Operating Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 4,467,767	$ 4,250,918	$ 13,522,036	$ 12,813,861
Total segment income	176,895	190,329	539,652	561,068
Stock-based compensation expense and related charges	15,688	20,123	52,201	59,857
Restructuring and related charges	28,392		28,392
Impairment of notes receivable and related charges	25,597		25,597
Distressed customer charge		10,149		10,149
Amortization of intangibles	3,472	3,454	10,394	13,399
Other expense	1,540	1,899	4,663	6,503
Interest income	(402)	(733)	(1,334)	(1,579)
Interest expense	30,712	26,462	89,498	78,303
Income before income tax	71,896	128,975	330,241	394,436
Total assets	8,133,484		8,133,484		7,803,141
DMS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	1,795,177	1,871,508	6,041,608	5,546,347
Total segment income	100,476	122,334	336,691	353,612
Total assets	2,949,272		2,949,272		3,002,982
E&I
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	1,374,026	1,323,816	4,150,138	3,747,482
Total segment income	32,031	29,306	101,940	73,173
Total assets	1,075,153		1,075,153		1,157,464
HVS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	1,298,564	1,055,594	3,330,290	3,520,032
Total segment income	44,388	38,689	101,021	134,283
Total assets	984,566		984,566		970,819
Other non-allocated assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 3,124,493		$ 3,124,493		$ 2,671,876