Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	May. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2014		$ 742,770
Purchase accounting adjustments		(3,244)
Goodwill Impairment charge	$ (77,992)	(78,530)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates		(48,764)
Balance as of May 31, 2015		612,232
Industrial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2014		100,265
Purchase accounting adjustments		(3,244)
Goodwill Impairment charge		0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates		(5,058)
Balance as of May 31, 2015		91,963
Energy
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2014		350,628
Purchase accounting adjustments		0
Goodwill Impairment charge		(78,530)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates		(31,382)
Balance as of May 31, 2015		240,715
Engineered Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2014		291,877
Purchase accounting adjustments		0
Goodwill Impairment charge		0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates		(12,324)
Balance as of May 31, 2015		$ 279,553