Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment and Product Line (Detail)

v2.4.0.8
Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment and Product Line (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
May 31, 2013
Segment
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2013
May 31, 2012
Aug. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Number of reportable segments 3        
Net sales $ 344,205 $ 343,268 $ 952,482 $ 954,153  
Operating profit (Loss) 57,042 58,850 137,387 154,809  
Assets 1,919,474   1,919,474   2,007,119
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current 264,058   264,058   0
Industrial
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 111,308 110,102 311,429 308,696  
Operating profit (Loss) 32,426 30,682 85,782 85,307  
Assets 284,286   284,286   268,735
Energy
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 99,158 96,399 270,721 255,758  
Operating profit (Loss) 19,736 18,515 44,800 43,364  
Assets 552,188   552,188   540,409
Electrical
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Assets 0   0   437,914
Engineered Solutions
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 133,739 136,767 370,332 389,699  
Operating profit (Loss) 12,754 18,467 28,654 50,747  
Assets 657,951   657,951   667,550
Vehicle Systems
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 68,202 75,417 189,064 220,696  
Other
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Net sales 65,537 61,350 181,268 169,003  
General Corporate
          
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Operating profit (Loss) (7,874) (8,814) (21,849) (24,609)  
Assets $ 160,991   $ 160,991   $ 92,511