Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) of Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2011	May 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Current
Federal									$ 10,750	$ (683)	$ (9,471)
State									2,783	620	(2,191)
Foreign									8,548	333	712
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total									22,081	270	(10,950)
Deferred
Federal									19,426	2,956	10,059
State									(3,399)	351	1,745
Foreign									(6)	239	(933)
Total Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total									16,021	3,546	10,871
Change in valuation allowance									(5,710)	(252)	(880)
Income tax (expense) benefit	$ 10,593	$ 8,655	$ 5,348	$ 7,797	$ 4,376	$ (301)	$ 100	$ (611)	$ 32,393	$ 3,564	$ (959)