Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2017 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	$ 2,261
Balance as of August 31, 2016	519,276
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(12,459)
Balance as of February 28, 2017	509,078
Industrial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	(59)
Balance as of August 31, 2016	101,739
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(1,812)
Balance as of February 28, 2017	99,868
Energy
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	2,320
Balance as of August 31, 2016	187,321
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(4,947)
Balance as of February 28, 2017	184,694
Engineered Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	0
Balance as of August 31, 2016	230,216
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(5,700)
Balance as of February 28, 2017	$ 224,516