Identifiable Intangible and Other Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 41,111	$ 44,957
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	912	912
Prepaid and other assets	10,672	10,337
Debt issuance costs, net	8,346	10,194
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	9,148	8,301
Nonqualified savings plan investments	7,981	6,667
Assets held for sale	1,194
Total intangible and other assets	79,364	81,368
Customer Relationships
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets gross	66,288	66,825
Accumulated amortization	(26,033)	(22,995)
Other Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets gross	4,997	4,906
Accumulated amortization	$ (4,141)	$ (3,779)