Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	$ 135,862	$ 127,776
Other intangibles, gross	511,169	504,468
Other intangibles, net	375,307	376,692
Tradenames
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	126,234	124,639
Customer relationships
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	15 years
Gross Carrying Value	322,758	318,143
Accumulated Amortization	102,017	95,215
Net Book Value	220,741	222,928
Patents
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	11 years
Gross Carrying Value	30,821	30,564
Accumulated Amortization	19,464	18,747
Net Book Value	11,357	11,817
Trademarks and tradenames
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	19 years
Gross Carrying Value	24,213	24,088
Accumulated Amortization	7,764	7,356
Net Book Value	16,449	16,732
Non-compete agreements and other
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	4 years
Gross Carrying Value	7,143	7,034
Accumulated Amortization	6,617	6,458
Net Book Value	$ 526	$ 576