Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	May 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and supplies	$ 39,320	$ 31,158	$ 32,960
Work in process	7,898	7,113	7,849
Finished goods and purchased parts	41,454	52,382	53,469
Total inventory value before LIFO adjustment	88,672	90,653	94,278
Less adjustment to LIFO value	(6,037)	(4,498)	(5,677)
Inventories, net	$ 82,635	$ 86,155	$ 88,601