CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017	Feb. 28, 2018	Feb. 28, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 10,169	$ 30,332	$ 46,980	$ 36,607
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	11,943	9,551	14,778	(11,980)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives:
Unrealized holding gain	14	310	25	442
Reclassification for gain included in net earnings	(74)	(330)	(180)	(520)
Net unrealized loss on derivatives	(60)	(20)	(155)	(78)
Defined benefit obligation:
Amortization of prior services	(7)	(9)	(13)	(18)
Reclassification for settlement losses	0	0	437	0
Defined benefit obligation	(7)	(9)	424	(18)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	11,876	9,522	15,047	(12,076)
Comprehensive income	$ 22,045	$ 39,854	$ 62,027	$ 24,531