Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)

v2.4.0.8
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2013
Segment
May 31, 2013
Segment
Aug. 31, 2013
Segment
Aug. 31, 2012
Aug. 31, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Number of reportable segments 3 3 3    
Portion of inventory determined using last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method 21.00%   21.00% 19.00%  
Inventory LIFO reserve $ 5.8   $ 5.8 $ 6.6  
Accounts Receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts 3.7   3.7 4.4  
Research and development costs     21.0 17.1 12.5
Foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses     2.7 3.9 3.3
properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs
         
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Prior period reclassification adjustment $ 10.6        
Minimum | Buildings and improvements
         
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment useful life     10 years    
Minimum | Machinery and equipment
         
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment useful life     2 years    
Maximum | Buildings and improvements
         
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment useful life     40 years    
Maximum | Machinery and equipment
         
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Property, plant and equipment useful life     15 years