Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail)

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Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2012
Aug. 31, 2010
Aug. 31, 2012
Aug. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Beginning Balance     $ 888,466 $ 704,889
Businesses acquired     40,289 155,864
Purchase accounting adjustments     (3,280) 3,580
Impairment charge 36,557 24,500 (36,557)  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates     (22,506) 24,133
Ending Balance 866,412 704,889 866,412 888,466
Industrial
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Beginning Balance     85,409 77,936
Businesses acquired       200
Purchase accounting adjustments       3,192
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates     (4,005) 4,081
Ending Balance 81,404   81,404 85,409
Energy
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Beginning Balance     252,285 240,590
Businesses acquired     14,101  
Purchase accounting adjustments       248
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates     (6,865) 11,447
Ending Balance 259,521   259,521 252,285
Electrical
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Beginning Balance     260,777 171,539
Businesses acquired       84,478
Purchase accounting adjustments     (3,995)  
Impairment charge     (36,557)  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates     (6,355) 4,760
Ending Balance 213,870   213,870 260,777
Engineered Solutions
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Beginning Balance     289,995 214,824
Businesses acquired     26,188 71,186
Purchase accounting adjustments     715 140
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates     (5,281) 3,845
Ending Balance $ 311,617   $ 311,617 $ 289,995