Changes in Goodwill Allocated to Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013 DMS	Aug. 31, 2012 DMS	Aug. 31, 2013 E&I	Aug. 31, 2012 E&I	Aug. 31, 2013 HVS	Aug. 31, 2012 HVS	Aug. 31, 2011 HVS
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross, Beginning balance	$ 1,117,839	$ 1,059,020	$ 643,748	$ 584,018	$ 341,822	$ 342,733	$ 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	341,593	60,942	341,593	60,942
Foreign Currency Impact	(406)	(2,123)	(715)	(1,212)	309	(911)
Gross, Ending balance	1,459,026	1,117,839	984,626	643,748	342,131	341,822	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	$ 436,205	$ 95,018	$ 425,858	$ 84,980	$ 10,347	$ 10,038