Amount of gain (loss), before tax expense or benefit and not previously recognized, resulting from the sale of a business component.

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Discontinued Operations and Divestiture Activities Income Statement and Balance Sheet Summary (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Dec. 13, 2013
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	$ 0	$ 19,088	$ 0	$ 22,120
Electrical
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Net sales		9,127		72,139
Operating loss (1)		(10,102)		(4,873)
Gain on disposal		34,459		34,459	34,459
Income tax expense		(5,269)		(7,466)
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		$ 19,088		$ 22,120