Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)

v3.10.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)
$ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Segment
Aug. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Aug. 31, 2016
USD ($)
Aug. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Deficiency from Share-based Compensation $ 1,500      
Revenue Threshold for Percentage of Completion $ 500      
Number of reportable segments | Segment 2      
Portion of inventory determined using last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method 16.80% 18.00%    
Inventory LIFO reserve $ 6,000 $ 3,900    
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual 4,417 6,616 $ 5,592  
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase for Warranties Issued 5,522 5,608    
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments (7,263) (4,714)    
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Business Divestitures (376) 0    
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) (82) 130    
Unearned Revenue 16,500 10,100    
Accounts Receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts 5,400 11,200    
Research and development costs 25,900 21,900 18,300  
Foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses (400) 3,100 1,300  
Interest Income, Other 1,200 1,200 1,700  
AOCI - Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax 158,497 207,804    
AOCI - Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax (15,748) (19,457)    
Total shareholders’ equity 558,712 500,539 520,950 $ 673,001
Debt Issuance Costs, Net (2,364) (3,119)    
Depreciation Expense $ 20,000 23,000 25,000  
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities   600    
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      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss        
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Total shareholders’ equity $ (174,245) $ (227,261) $ (251,823) $ (213,640)