Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)

v3.19.3
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2019
Aug. 31, 2019
Aug. 31, 2018
Aug. 31, 2017
Aug. 31, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Portion of inventory determined using last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method   47.90% 40.70%    
Inventory LIFO reserve   $ 10,300 $ 5,400    
Depreciation Expense   11,300 11,100 $ 13,800  
Accounts Receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts   5,100 5,000    
Research and development costs   9,300 8,700 8,900  
Foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses   (200) 100 (3,600)  
Interest Income, Other   700 1,200 1,200  
AOCI - Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax   151,115 158,497    
AOCI - Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax   20,557 15,748    
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   $ (301,179) (558,712) (500,539) $ (520,950)
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]          
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   $ 171,672 $ 174,245 $ 227,261 $ 251,823
Subsequent Event [Member]          
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]          
Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets $ 8,500