Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	$ 121,898	$ 143,596
Other intangibles, gross	438,884	589,480
Other intangibles, net	316,986	445,884
Tradenames
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	99,516	137,393
Customer relationships
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	15 years
Gross Carrying Value	277,441	347,739
Accumulated Amortization	90,259	93,768
Net Book Value	187,182	253,971
Patents
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	11 years
Gross Carrying Value	30,485	52,851
Accumulated Amortization	18,121	34,842
Net Book Value	12,364	18,009
Trademarks and tradenames
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	19 years
Gross Carrying Value	24,381	43,820
Accumulated Amortization	7,125	8,670
Net Book Value	17,256	35,150
Non-compete agreements and other
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	4 years
Gross Carrying Value	7,061	7,677
Accumulated Amortization	6,393	6,316
Net Book Value	$ 668	$ 1,361