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 6 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2013
Segment
Feb. 29, 2012
Feb. 28, 2013
Feb. 29, 2012
Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Number of reportable segments 4        
Net sales $ 370,370 $ 378,024 $ 747,618 $ 770,823  
Operating profit (Loss) 41,944 49,456 93,246 106,737  
Assets 2,023,831   2,023,831   2,007,119
Industrial
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 98,999 98,342 200,121 198,595  
Operating profit (Loss) 26,350 26,691 53,356 54,624  
Assets 272,791   272,791   268,735
Energy
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 80,794 78,937 171,563 159,358  
Operating profit (Loss) 9,677 11,632 25,064 24,849  
Assets 534,279   534,279   540,409
Electrical
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 69,902 77,105 139,341 159,938  
Operating profit (Loss) 5,072 5,801 12,900 10,778  
Assets 443,474   443,474   437,914
Engineered Solutions
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 120,675 123,640 236,593 252,932  
Operating profit (Loss) 8,275 13,281 15,900 32,280  
Assets 672,836   672,836   667,550
Vehicle Systems
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 59,675 68,916 120,862 145,280  
Other
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 61,000 54,724 115,731 107,652  
General Corporate
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Operating profit (Loss) (7,430) (7,949) (13,974) (15,794)  
Assets $ 100,451   $ 100,451   $ 92,511