Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment and Product Line (Detail)

v2.4.0.6
Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment and Product Line (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2012
Nov. 30, 2011
Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales $ 377,248 $ 392,799  
Operating profit (Loss) 51,302 57,281  
Assets 2,025,456   2,007,119
Industrial
      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales 101,122 100,253  
Operating profit (Loss) 27,006 27,934  
Assets 271,607   268,735
Energy
      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales 90,769 80,421  
Operating profit (Loss) 15,387 13,217  
Assets 545,760   540,409
Electrical
      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales 69,439 82,833  
Operating profit (Loss) 7,828 4,977  
Assets 444,780   437,914
Engineered Solutions
      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales 115,918 129,292  
Operating profit (Loss) 7,625 18,999  
Assets 671,372   667,550
General Corporate
      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Operating profit (Loss) (6,544) (7,846)  
Assets 91,937   92,511
Vehicle Systems
      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales 61,187 76,363  
Other
      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Net sales $ 54,731 $ 52,929