Divestitures Activities Discontinued Operations - Loss From Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Divestiture Charges	$ 10,500
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	10,657	$ 14,450	$ (22,614)
Net (Loss) Earnings from Discontinued Operations	(257,212)	(26,394)	29,062
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	459,144	541,308	479,193
Cost of Goods and Services Sold	344,563	409,332	359,846
Gross Profit	114,581	131,976	119,347
Selling Administrative And Engineering Expenses	68,339	81,188	69,360
Amortization of Intangible Assets	5,666	11,285	11,377
Restructuring Charges	1,779	1,440	3,994
Impairment and other divestiture charges	286,175	70,071	0
Operating Income (Loss)	(247,378)	(32,008)	34,616
Financing Interest Expense	124	619	482
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(1,922)	(759)	(1,064)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	(249,424)	(31,868)	35,198
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	7,788	(5,474)	6,136
Net (Loss) Earnings from Discontinued Operations	$ (257,212)	$ (26,394)	$ 29,062