Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail)

v2.4.0.8
Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2013
Aug. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance $ 866,412 $ 888,466
Businesses acquired 87,734 40,289
Purchase accounting adjustments 17 (3,280)
Impairment charge (137,804) (36,557)
Reclassification to discontinued operations (76,877)  
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business (2,556)  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (1,974) (22,506)
Ending Balance 734,952 866,412
Industrial
   
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance 81,404 85,409
Businesses acquired 0 0
Purchase accounting adjustments 0 0
Impairment charge 0 0
Reclassification to discontinued operations 0  
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business 0  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 1,207 (4,005)
Ending Balance 82,611 81,404
Energy
   
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance 259,521 252,285
Businesses acquired 87,734 14,101
Purchase accounting adjustments 117 0
Impairment charge 0 0
Reclassification to discontinued operations 0  
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business 0  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (5,469) (6,865)
Ending Balance 341,903 259,521
Electrical
   
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance 213,870 260,777
Businesses acquired 0 0
Purchase accounting adjustments 0 (3,995)
Impairment charge (137,804) (36,557)
Reclassification to discontinued operations (76,877)  
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business 0  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 811 (6,355)
Ending Balance 0 213,870
Engineered Solutions
   
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Beginning Balance 311,617 289,995
Businesses acquired 0 26,188
Purchase accounting adjustments (100) 715
Impairment charge 0 0
Reclassification to discontinued operations 0  
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business (2,556)  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 1,477 (5,281)
Ending Balance $ 310,438 $ 311,617