Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Operating:
Net income	$ 24,169	$ 23,253
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	15,023	14,646
Amortization	5,782	4,163
Deferred tax provision	(8,413)	(4,655)
Pension, postretirement benefits and other deferred compensation	4,398	2,984
Asset impairment	498	0
Curtailment (gain) loss	333	(209)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	(14,306)	17,398
Inventories	(19,199)	(35,107)
Accounts payable	(6,324)	5,301
Income taxes	(930)	(3,716)
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	804	(10,294)
Other assets and long-term liabilities	(9,887)	(1,050)
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	(8,052)	12,714
Investing:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(12,889)	(19,170)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	8,008	1,072
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(36,360)	(62,762)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(41,241)	(80,860)
Financing:
Cash dividends paid	(11,713)	(9,954)
Increase (decrease) in notes payable	2,081	(2,464)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	70,550	142,980
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	(56,550)	(92,783)
Borrowings on long-term debt	146	130
Repayments on long-term debt	(15)	(174)
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	(580)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	1,394	1,017
Redemptions of common stock	(397)	(374)
Purchases of treasury stock	(479)	(21,474)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	5,017	16,324
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(59)	(8,171)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(44,335)	(59,993)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	124,031	155,753
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 79,696	$ 95,760