Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013 levels	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Impairment	$ 6,331,000
Goodwill	69,579,000	76,897,000	77,638,000
Stand by letters of credit outstanding amount	28,300,000
Restricted cash	18,000,000
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax	(5,800,000)	2,200,000	7,100,000
Number of Fair Value Hierarchy	3
Americas Fabrication excluding construction services [Member]
Goodwill	51,300,000	51,300,000
Australia
Impairment	6,400,000
Foreign currency translation gain related to goodwill impairment	600,000
Secured Accounts Receivable [Member]
Percentage of accounts receivable secured by credit insurance or letters of credit	49.00%	60.00%
Fabrication Projects [Member]
Unbilled revenue	$ 24,300,000	$ 19,200,000
Maximum [Member]
Cost method investment ownership percentage	20.00%