Operating Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 3,577,315	$ 4,166,355	$ 7,918,271	$ 8,536,236
Total segment income	60,418	151,519	220,147	323,527
Amortization of intangibles	6,180	2,204	12,501	4,370
Distressed customer charge	3,742		3,742
Stock-based compensation expense and related charges	14,652	16,274	(7,934)	33,186
Restructuring and related charges	32,203		53,206
Other expense	1,850	1,554	3,027	3,123
Interest income	(341)	(391)	(1,047)	(878)
Interest expense	31,858	29,168	65,163	58,755
(Loss) income from continuing operations before tax	(29,726)	102,710	91,489	224,971
Total assets	8,128,208		8,128,208		9,153,781
Discontinued Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	539,388		539,388		551,840
DMS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	1,532,273	1,820,502	3,544,419	3,728,398
Total segment income	28,079	95,992	127,065	205,027
Total assets	3,344,445		3,344,445		3,580,133
E&I
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	1,233,418	1,357,595	2,569,413	2,776,112
Total segment income	29,988	34,100	68,785	65,278
Total assets	1,034,229		1,034,229		1,110,458
HVS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	811,624	988,258	1,804,439	2,031,726
Total segment income	2,351	21,427	24,297	53,222
Total assets	835,478		835,478		1,031,911
Other Non Allocated Assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 2,374,668		$ 2,374,668		$ 2,879,439