Note 8 - Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2012
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]
   
 
Power
   
Plant
Services
   
 
E&I
   
 
F&M
   
 
Total
 
Balance at August 31, 2012
  $ 139,177     $ 42,027     $ 206,888     $ 16,364     $ 404,456  
Acquisitions and related adjustments
                             
Currency translation adjustment
                (80 )     283       203  
Balance at November 30, 2012
  $ 139,177     $ 42,027     $ 206,808     $ 16,647     $ 404,659  
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]
   
Proprietary Technologies,
Patents and Tradenames
   
Client Relationships
 
   
Gross Carrying
 Amount
   
Accumulated
 Amortization
   
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Balance at August 31, 2012
  $ 2,658     $ (2,028 )   $ 4,954     $ (2,645 )
    Currency translation adjustments
    (1 )     (2 )     (5 )     (104 )
    Amortization
          (57 )            
Balance at November 30, 2012
  $ 2,657     $ (2,087 )   $ 4,949     $ (2,749 )
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]
 
 
 
Proprietary Technologies,
Patents and Tradenames
   
Client Relationships
 
Remainder of fiscal year 2013
  $ 272     $ 314  
2014
    163       419  
2015
    90       419  
2016
    45       419  
2017
          419  
Thereafter
          210  
Total
  $ 570     $ 2,200