Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail)

v2.4.0.8
Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2014
Aug. 31, 2013
Aug. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Beginning Balance $ 734,952 $ 866,412  
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired 17,536 87,734 40,100
Purchase accounting adjustments (835) 17  
Impairment charge   (137,804)  
Reclassification of discontinued operations   (76,877)  
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit (17,843) (2,556)  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 8,960 (1,974)  
Ending Balance 742,770 734,952 866,412
Industrial
      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Beginning Balance 82,611 81,404  
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired 17,536 0  
Purchase accounting adjustments 0 0  
Impairment charge   0  
Reclassification of discontinued operations   0  
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit 0 0  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 119 1,207  
Ending Balance 100,266 82,611  
Energy
      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Beginning Balance 341,903 259,521  
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired 0 87,734  
Purchase accounting adjustments (835) 117  
Impairment charge   0  
Reclassification of discontinued operations   0  
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit 0 0  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 9,559 (5,469)  
Ending Balance 350,627 341,903  
Electrical
      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Beginning Balance 0 213,870  
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired 0 0  
Purchase accounting adjustments 0 0  
Impairment charge   (137,804)  
Reclassification of discontinued operations   (76,877)  
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit 0 0  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 0 811  
Ending Balance 0 0  
Engineered Solutions
      
Goodwill [Roll Forward]      
Beginning Balance 310,438 311,617  
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired 0 0  
Purchase accounting adjustments 0 (100)  
Impairment charge   0  
Reclassification of discontinued operations   0  
Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit (17,843) (2,556)  
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (718) 1,477  
Ending Balance $ 291,877 $ 310,438