Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2013	$ 734,952
Purchase accounting adjustments	74
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	10,450
Balance as of November 30, 2013	745,476
Industrial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2013	82,611
Purchase accounting adjustments	0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	983
Balance as of November 30, 2013	83,594
Energy
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2013	341,903
Purchase accounting adjustments	74
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	7,785
Balance as of November 30, 2013	349,762
Engineered Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2013	310,438
Purchase accounting adjustments	0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	1,682
Balance as of November 30, 2013	$ 312,120

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details