Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Segment Information (Details)

v2.4.0.6
Segment Information (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Feb. 29, 2012
Feb. 28, 2011
Feb. 29, 2012
Feb. 28, 2011
Aug. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Number of reportable segments     4    
Net sales $ 378,024 $ 330,698 $ 770,823 $ 649,110  
Operating profit 49,456 37,046 106,737 78,618  
Assets 2,051,887   2,051,887   2,056,681
Industrial [Member]
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 98,342 88,935 198,595 176,327  
Operating profit 26,691 20,149 54,624 40,336  
Assets 275,956   275,956   263,680
Energy [Member]
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 78,937 61,587 159,358 132,330  
Operating profit 11,632 6,792 24,849 18,650  
Assets 536,017   536,017   517,428
Electrical [Member]
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 77,105 70,176 159,938 125,572  
Operating profit 5,801 4,945 10,778 8,705  
Assets 518,851   518,851   547,556
Engineered Solutions [Member]
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 123,640 110,000 252,932 214,881  
Operating profit 13,281 13,425 32,280 27,227  
Assets 622,868   622,868   632,242
Vehicle Systems [Member]
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 68,916 79,762 145,280 156,503  
Other [Member]
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 54,724 30,238 107,652 58,378  
General Corporate [Member]
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Operating profit (7,949) (8,265) (15,794) (16,300)  
Assets $ 98,195   $ 98,195   $ 95,775