Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2015			$ 608,256
Business acquisition			7,210
Goodwill impairment charge	$ 118,122	$ 77,992	(118,462)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates			(10,651)
Balance as of February 29, 2016	486,353		486,353
Industrial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2015			92,107
Business acquisition			7,210
Goodwill impairment charge			0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates			(885)
Balance as of February 29, 2016	98,432		98,432
Energy
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2015			236,450
Business acquisition			0
Goodwill impairment charge			(73,919)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates			(7,884)
Balance as of February 29, 2016	154,647		154,647
Engineered Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of August 31, 2015			279,699
Business acquisition			0
Goodwill impairment charge			(44,543)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates			(1,882)
Balance as of February 29, 2016	$ 233,274		$ 233,274