Acquisitions - Proforma Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Net sales
Net sales, As reported	$ 327,770	$ 300,468	$ 667,326	$ 608,277
Net sales, Pro forma	327,770	321,923	667,326	654,665
Earnings from continuing operations
Earnings from continuing operations, As reported	22,304	25,834	55,309	56,385
Earnings from continuing operations, Pro Forma	$ 22,304	$ 27,195	$ 55,309	$ 60,868
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations, As reported (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.35	$ 0.76	$ 0.77
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations, Pro Forma (in dollars per share)	$ 0.31	$ 0.37	$ 0.76	$ 0.84
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, As reported (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.35	$ 0.74	$ 0.76
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, Pro Forma (in dollars per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.37	$ 0.74	$ 0.82

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The pro forma income from continuing operations before changes in accounting and extraordinary items, net of tax effect per basic share of common stock for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

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The pro forma income from continuing operations before changes in accounting and extraordinary items, net of tax effect, per diluted share of common stock for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

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The pro forma income from continuing operations before changes in accounting and extraordinary items, net of tax effect, for the period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

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The pro forma revenue for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of the period.

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Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the parent. Also defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items but after deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests.

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The amount of net income (loss) from continuing operations per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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The amount of net income (loss) derived from continuing operations during the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

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Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts.

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