Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (5,367)	$ (1,443)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	21,019	20,899
Deferred income taxes	(317)	2,261
Undistributed equity in earnings of joint ventures	(409)	(40)
Share-based compensation expense	3,868	4,210
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements	(20)	0
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets	(304)	226
Unrealized foreign exchange loss, net	342	46
Bad debt expense (recoveries), net	856	(1,573)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	57,375	(20,010)
Inventories	(39,083)	(50,776)
Income taxes	(1,949)	903
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(181)	1,173
Intangibles and other long-term assets	90	298
Accounts payable	(4,404)	(10,429)
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	(4,284)	(1,950)
Other accrued liabilities	(1,730)	(3,687)
Environmental liabilities	(306)	(74)
Other long-term liabilities	2	(303)
Distributed equity in earnings of joint ventures	645	735
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	25,843	(59,534)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(14,380)	(26,675)
Joint venture receipts (payments), net	(63)	222
Proceeds from sale of assets	673	532
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(2,147)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(15,917)	(25,921)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from line of credit	147,500	135,500
Repayment of line of credit	(156,000)	(127,000)
Borrowings from long-term debt	119,269	72,742
Repayment of long-term debt	(98,472)	(61,449)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of share-based payment arrangements	(628)	(1,104)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements	20	0
Stock options exercised	11	0
Contributions from noncontrolling interest	0	1,970
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(495)	(375)
Dividends paid	(4,990)	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	6,215	20,284
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	312	(288)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	16,453	(65,459)
Cash and cash equivalents as of beginning of period	13,481	89,863
Cash and cash equivalents as of end of period	$ 29,934	$ 24,404