Components of Inventories (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Inventory [Line Items]
Manufacturing supplies and raw materials	$ 203,165	$ 217,182
Work-in-process	51,087	48,990
Finished goods	78,924	54,839
Excess and obsolete adjustment	(4,941)	(4,228)
Inventories	$ 328,235	$ 316,783

Certain changes made in the current period to the value and amount of inventory reported.

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