Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense	$ 18,100	$ 15,100
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	(12,800)	(600)
Allowance for losses -Trade accounts receivable
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	11,229	7,762	$ 3,970
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense	1,389	3,112	2,274
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	76	1,452	3,090
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	(6,856)	(1,422)	(1,580)
Other	(437)	325	8
Ending Balance	5,401	11,229	7,762
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	22,671	8,147	8,053
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense	25,209	15,144	852
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	0	0	0
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	(12,804)	(620)	(1,026)
Other	0	0	268
Ending Balance	$ 35,076	$ 22,671	$ 8,147