Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 530,081	$ 519,276
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired	12,441
Goodwill, Impairment Charge	(21,227)		$ (118,122)
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(7,383)	9,720
Goodwill, Reclassification of Assets Held for Sale	(1,500)
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		1,085
Ending Balance	512,412	530,081	519,276
Industrial Tools & Services [Member] [Domain]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	238,707	235,457
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired	12,441
Goodwill, Impairment Charge	0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(2,443)	2,165
Goodwill, Reclassification of Assets Held for Sale	0
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		1,085
Ending Balance	248,705	238,707	235,457
Engineered Components & Systems [Member] [Domain]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	291,374	283,819
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired	0
Goodwill, Impairment Charge	21,227
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(4,940)	7,555
Goodwill, Reclassification of Assets Held for Sale	(1,500)
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		0
Ending Balance	$ 263,707	$ 291,374	$ 283,819