Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2011	Feb. 28, 2011
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 24,004	$ 49,305
Loss on disposal of business	(13,742)	(13,742)
Loss from operations of divested business	(471)	(1,158)
Income tax expense		(84)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	(14,213)	(14,984)
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs		3,463
European Electrical [Member]
Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss on disposal of business	(15,800)
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs	$ 3,500