Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands | Aug. 31, 2011 | Aug. 31, 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets: | ||
| Pensions | $ 229,963 | $ 224,331 |
| Revenue recognition | 96,930 | 84,110 |
| Compensation and benefits | 379,597 | 336,572 |
| Share-based compensation | 232,508 | 280,509 |
| Tax credit carryforwards | 165,451 | 149,905 |
| Net operating loss carryforwards | 181,892 | 158,302 |
| Depreciation and amortization | 169,200 | 56,865 |
| Indirect effects of unrecognized tax benefits | 254,101 | 121,464 |
| Other | 54,106 | 54,485 |
| Deferred Tax Assets, Gross, Total | 1,763,748 | 1,466,543 |
| Valuation allowance | (246,667) | (233,260) |
| Total deferred tax assets | 1,517,081 | 1,233,283 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||
| Revenue recognition | (29,689) | (34,415) |
| Depreciation and amortization | (75,230) | (44,866) |
| Investments in subsidiaries | (161,474) | (137,229) |
| Other | (43,353) | (26,167) |
| Total deferred tax liabilities | (309,746) | (242,677) |
| Net deferred tax assets | $ 1,207,335 | $ 990,606 |