Property, Plant and Equipment, net (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Buildings and improvements	$ 390,410	$ 354,647
Accumulated depreciation	(207,981)	(193,447)
Property, plant and equipment, net	182,429	161,200
Land and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Buildings and improvements	34,214	31,682
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Buildings and improvements	198,141	181,161
Building and improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Buildings and improvements	94,514	82,668
Other
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Buildings and improvements	$ 63,541	$ 59,136

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References+ Details

Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

+ References+ Details