Operating Segment Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 4,550,418	$ 4,342,711
Total segment income	180,645	160,141
Amortization of intangibles	5,590	6,321
Stock-based compensation expense and related charges	18,043	(22,586)
Restructuring and related charges	12,257	21,003
Other expense	1,694	1,177
Interest income	(1,700)	(708)
Interest expense	31,839	33,305
Income from continuing operations before tax	112,922	121,629
Total assets	8,869,908		8,479,746
Discontinued Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	20,505		19,669
EMS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	2,633,518	2,764,159
Total segment income	62,582	77,594
Total assets	2,553,514		2,300,262
DMS
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net revenue	1,916,900	1,578,552
Total segment income	118,063	82,547
Total assets	3,726,256		3,460,769
Other Non Allocated Assets
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 2,569,633		$ 2,699,046