Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance at beginning of period	$ 3,913	$ 3,931	$ 5,612
Additions, net of reversals	641	351	(385)
Usage	(663)	(673)	(991)
Currency translation effect	(366)	304	(305)
Balance at end of period	$ 3,525	$ 3,913	$ 3,931

For an unclassified balance sheet, a valuation allowance for receivables due a company that are expected to be uncollectible.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7512638&loc=d3e5074-111524

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 4

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.10)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Name:	us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant