Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Changes In Carrying Value Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance as of August 31, 2011	$ 888,466
Business acquired	12,042
Purchase accounting adjustments	(2,719)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(13,966)
Balance as of February 29, 2012	883,823
Industrial [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance as of August 31, 2011	85,409
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(2,459)
Balance as of February 29, 2012	82,950
Energy [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance as of August 31, 2011	252,285
Business acquired	12,042
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(4,498)
Balance as of February 29, 2012	259,829
Electrical [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance as of August 31, 2011	260,777
Purchase accounting adjustments	(3,995)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(3,641)
Balance as of February 29, 2012	253,141
Engineered Solutions [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance as of August 31, 2011	289,995
Purchase accounting adjustments	1,276
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(3,368)
Balance as of February 29, 2012	$ 287,903