CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 21,166	$ 37,958	$ (122,576)	$ (2,206)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	15,314	(10,882)	(20,182)	(131,249)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	(13)	143	23	895
Cash flow hedges	21	40	396	(56)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	15,322	(10,699)	(19,763)	(130,410)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 36,488	$ 27,259	$ (142,339)	$ (132,616)