Operating Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2014	May 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 3,785,875	$ 4,196,224	$ 11,705,901	$ 12,735,799
Total segment income	45,349	158,561	265,908	482,849
Amortization of intangibles	5,679	2,221	18,180	6,591
Stock-based compensation expense and related charges	14,561	14,433	6,627	47,620
Restructuring and related charges	12,446	23,182	65,652	23,182
Distressed customer charges	11,371		15,113
Loss on disposal of subsidiaries	2,905		2,905
Impairment of notes receivable and related charges		25,597		25,597
Other expense	1,520	1,422	4,547	4,545
Interest income	(1,060)	(381)	(2,109)	(1,263)
Interest expense	32,107	30,709	97,270	89,464
(Loss) income from continuing operations before tax	(34,180)	61,378	57,723	287,113
Total assets	8,221,330		8,221,330		9,153,781
DMS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	1,610,293	1,522,034	5,154,712	5,250,433
Total segment income	17,885	85,955	144,950	290,982
Total assets	3,380,999		3,380,999		3,580,133
E&I
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	1,335,197	1,375,626	3,906,365	4,155,076
Total segment income	26,011	30,844	95,206	96,883
Total assets	1,011,219		1,011,219		1,118,347
HVS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	840,385	1,298,564	2,644,824	3,330,290
Total segment income	1,453	41,762	25,752	94,984
Total assets	802,992		802,992		1,031,911
Other Non Allocated Assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	3,003,122		3,003,122		2,879,439
Discontinued Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 22,998		$ 22,998		$ 543,951