Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)

v3.5.0.2
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Segment
Aug. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Aug. 31, 2014
USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Product Warranty Accrual $ 5,592 $ 3,719 $ 4,056
Number of reportable segments | Segment 3    
Portion of inventory determined using last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method 21.00% 22.10%  
Inventory LIFO reserve $ 3,700 $ 5,600  
Unearned Revenue 7,700 8,300  
Accounts Receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts 7,800 4,000  
Restructuring charges 14,571 0 0
Research and development costs 18,300 17,700 20,000
Foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses 1,300 100 4,200
Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition 3 0  
Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued 5,985 4,929  
Product Warranty Accrual, Payments (4,058) (5,009)  
Product Warranty Accrual, Currency Translation, Increase (Decrease) (57) (257)  
Interest Income, Other $ 1,700 $ 1,900 $ 1,000
Minimum | Buildings and improvements      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment useful life 10 years    
Minimum | Machinery and equipment      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment useful life 2 years    
Maximum | Buildings and improvements      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment useful life 40 years    
Maximum | Machinery and equipment      
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Property, plant and equipment useful life 15 years