Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 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
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
May 31, 2013
May 31, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Balance as of August 31, 2012   $ 866,412
Purchase accounting adjustments   725
Impairment charges 137,800 (137,548)
Discontinued operations reclassification   (76,937)
Sale of Nielsen Sessions   (2,556)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates   (2,946)
Balance as of May 31, 2013 647,150 647,150
Industrial
   
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Balance as of August 31, 2012   81,404
Purchase accounting adjustments   0
Impairment charges   0
Discontinued operations reclassification   0
Sale of Nielsen Sessions   0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates   750
Balance as of May 31, 2013 82,154 82,154
Energy
   
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Balance as of August 31, 2012   259,521
Purchase accounting adjustments   117
Impairment charges   0
Discontinued operations reclassification   0
Sale of Nielsen Sessions   0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates   (5,646)
Balance as of May 31, 2013 253,992 253,992
Electrical
   
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Balance as of August 31, 2012   213,870
Purchase accounting adjustments   0
Impairment charges   (137,548)
Discontinued operations reclassification   (76,937)
Sale of Nielsen Sessions   0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates   615
Balance as of May 31, 2013 0 0
Engineered Solutions
   
Goodwill [Roll Forward]    
Balance as of August 31, 2012   311,617
Purchase accounting adjustments   608
Impairment charges   0
Discontinued operations reclassification   0
Sale of Nielsen Sessions   (2,556)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates   1,335
Balance as of May 31, 2013 $ 311,004 $ 311,004