Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012
Net income (loss)	$ 9,591		$ (280,023)		$ 28,917
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,240)	[1]	(9,051)	[1]	(2,143)	[1]
Cash flow hedges, net	179	[2]	20	[2]	(116)	[2]
Pension obligations, net	781	[3]	3,289	[3]	(2,220)	[3]
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(3,280)		(5,742)		(4,479)
Comprehensive income (loss)	6,311		(285,765)		24,438
Less amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,667)		(1,419)		(1,513)
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	0		(1,030)		350
Total amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,667)		(2,449)		(1,163)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to SSI	$ 2,644		$ (288,214)		$ 23,275

[1] Net of tax expense (benefit) of $0 thousand, $(387) thousand and $(109) thousand for each respective period.

[2] Net of tax expense (benefit) of $(5) thousand, $23 thousand and $(24) thousand for each respective period.

[3] Net of tax expense (benefit) of $468 thousand, $1,890 thousand and $(1,290) thousand for each respective period.