Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:
Net income	$ 27,328	$ 52,049	$ 41,685
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	29,982	29,176	32,342
Amortization	11,469	9,608	7,932
Deferred Tax Provision	(1,401)	(14,733)	1,261
Pension, postretirement benefits and other deferred compensation	6,489	10,276	(909)
Asset impairment	5,873	3,392	8,150
Curtailment (gains) losses	333	(310)	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	1,790	16,788	(28,564)
Inventories	(6,376)	(6,222)	(27,269)
Accounts payable	8,924	9,584	32,803
Income taxes	(320)	(4,832)	9,052
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	7,728	(11,563)	(1,463)
Other assets and long-term liabilities	(8,106)	6,284	(6,074)
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	83,713	99,497	68,946
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(26,568)	(34,003)	(26,359)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	13,886	1,581	10,041
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(36,805)	(64,918)	(15,944)
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	(49,487)	(97,340)	(32,262)
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:
Cash dividends paid	(22,934)	(20,938)	(19,389)
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	3,324	(6,339)	(2,196)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities	264,350	188,730	250,268
Repayments on revolving credit facilities	(231,350)	(155,669)	(218,768)
Borrowings on long-term debt	558	102	3,499
Repayments on long-term debt and note	(33,263)	(3,654)	(3,614)
Payment of debt issuance costs	0	0	(2,220)
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interests	0	(580)	(700)
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	1,561	1,347	1,168
Redemptions of common stock	(396)	(382)	(1,043)
Purchases of treasury stock	(8,091)	(26,752)	(22,154)
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	(26,241)	(24,135)	(15,149)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	2,038	(9,744)	11,464
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	10,023	(31,722)	32,999
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	124,031	155,753	122,754
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	134,054	124,031	155,753
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	5,487	7,472	5,737
Income taxes	$ 15,598	$ 26,964	$ 10,402