CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) earnings	$ (249,145)	$ (21,648)	$ (66,213)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(27,527)	49,307	20,470
Foreign currency translation adjustment related to divested business, net of tax	34,909	0	0
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	(4,809)	3,709	4,092
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	2,573	53,016	24,562
Comprehensive (loss) income	$ (246,572)	$ 31,368	$ (41,651)