Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Assets:
Total assets	$ 1,115	$ 6,163
Liabilities:
Total liabilities	(415)	(1,672)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Non-recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Assets held for sale	0	2,902
Prepaid expenses and other current assets [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	370	0
Property, plant and equipment [Member] | Non-recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Impaired long-lived assets	745	0
Investments in joint venture partnerships [Member] | Non-recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Investment in joint venture partnership	0	3,261
Other accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities [Member] | Non-recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities:
Contract termination costs	(392)	(1,672)
Other accrued liabilities [Member] | Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities:
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	$ (23)	$ 0