The total cost of the acquired entity including the cash paid to shareholders of acquired entities, fair value of debt and equity securities issued to shareholders of acquired entities, the fair value of the liabilities assumed, and direct costs of the acquisition.

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The useful life of all finite-lived intangible assets.

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The difference between the sale price or salvage price and the book value of a property, plant, and equipment asset that was sold or retired during the reporting period. This element refers to the gain (loss).

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The cash inflow from sale of machinery and equipment.

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Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details Textual) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions and Dispositions (Details Textual) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2009
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net (gain) loss on Sale of Property Plant Equipment	$ (1,315,000)	$ (4,740,000)	$ 2,795,000
Dispositions [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of heavy forming and shoring equipment	35,000,000
Net (gain) loss on Sale of Property Plant Equipment	500,000
Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price of G.A.M. Steel Pty. Ltd.	$ 48,400,000
Useful life of intangible assets	7