Identifiable Intangible and Other Assets (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 38,504	$ 40,129
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	912	912
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates	11,985	10,739
Prepaid and other assets	8,691	10,601
Nonqualified savings plan investments	8,202	7,687
Debt issuance costs, net	7,258	7,802
Assets held for sale	503	1,101
Total intangible and other assets	76,055	78,971
Customer Relationships
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets gross	66,288	66,288
Accumulated amortization	(28,551)	(26,964)
Other Intangible Assets
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Finite lived intangible assets gross	5,046	4,967
Accumulated amortization	$ (4,279)	$ (4,162)