Summary of Changes in AOCI (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 81,248
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	7,340
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(1,626)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	5,714	(25,027)	(88,431)
Ending balance	86,962	81,248
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	125,594
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	8,652
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(10,835)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,183)
Ending balance	123,411
Derivative instruments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(5,050)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	2,469
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	7,153
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	9,622
Ending balance	4,572
Actuarial loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	(40,258)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(2,700)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	2,254
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(446)
Ending balance	(40,704)
Prior service cost
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	962
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	432
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(198)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	234
Ending balance	1,196
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(1,513)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,513)
Ending balance	$ (1,513)