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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | ---
Nov. 30, 2019 | Aug. 31, 2019 | Aug. 31, 2018 | Aug. 31, 2017 | Aug. 31, 2016
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Portion of inventory determined using last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method |  | 47.90% | 40.70% |  |
Inventory LIFO reserve |  | $ 10,300 | $ 5,400 |  |
Depreciation Expense |  | 11,300 | 11,100 | $ 13,800 |
Accounts Receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts |  | 5,100 | 5,000 |  |
Research and development costs |  | 9,300 | 8,700 | 8,900 |
Foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses |  | (200) | 100 | (3,600) |
Interest Income, Other |  | 700 | 1,200 | 1,200 |
AOCI - Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax |  | 151,115 | 158,497 |  |
AOCI - Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax |  | 20,557 | 15,748 |  |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |  | $ (301,179) | (558,712) | (500,539) | $ (520,950)
Minimum | Buildings and improvements |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment useful life |  | 10 years |  |  |
Minimum | Machinery and equipment |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment useful life |  | 2 years |  |  |
Maximum | Buildings and improvements |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment useful life |  | 40 years |  |  |
Maximum | Machinery and equipment |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment useful life |  | 15 years |  |  |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |  | $ 171,672 | $ 174,245 | $ 227,261 | $ 251,823
Subsequent Event [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets | $ 8,500 |  |  |  |

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