Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Allowance for losses -Trade accounts receivable
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 6,034	$ 3,701	$ 4,375
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,633	2,447	584
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	0	440	(437)
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	(2,742)	664	(787)
Other	(955)	110	(34)
Ending Balance	3,970	6,034	3,701
Valuation allowance - Income taxes
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,608	17,268	8,153
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	5,694	1,243	4,527
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	0	(5,487)	5,772
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	(2,254)	(6,936)	(1,184)
Other	(995)	(480)	0
Ending Balance	$ 8,053	$ 5,608	$ 17,268