Winnebago Industries (WGO) 10-Q 27 Jun 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Jun. 26, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WINNEBAGO INDUSTRIES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000107687	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--08-30	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-May-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	27,054,190

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Net revenues	$247,747	$218,199	$699,228	$588,919
Cost of goods sold	221,266	197,002	623,940	529,784
Gross profit	26,481	21,197	75,288	59,135
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Selling	4,887	4,857	13,709	13,649
General and administrative	6,005	6,092	16,577	16,392
(Gain) loss on sale of real estate	0	0	-629	28
Total operating expenses	10,892	10,949	29,657	30,069
Operating income	15,589	10,248	45,631	29,066
Non-operating income	735	144	752	739
Income before income taxes	16,324	10,392	46,383	29,805
Provision for taxes	4,939	2,731	14,259	8,468
Net income	11,385	7,661	32,124	21,337
Income per common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.42	$0.27	$1.17	$0.76
Diluted	$0.42	$0.27	$1.16	$0.76
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	27,209	27,987	27,552	28,128
Diluted (in shares)	27,319	28,087	27,666	28,218
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service credit (net of tax of $557, $514, $1,567 and $1,430)	-925	-853	-2,601	-2,373
Amortization of net actuarial loss (net of tax of $103, $(90), $304 and $206)	173	503	505	1,006
Plan amendment (net of tax of $0, $0, $1,346 and $1,613)	0	0	2,234	2,676
Unrealized appreciation of investments (net of tax of $0, $96, $91 and $63)	0	160	151	104
Total other comprehensive income	-752	-190	289	1,413
Comprehensive income	$10,633	$7,471	$32,413	$22,750

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Amortization of prior service credit, tax	$557	$514	$1,567	$1,430
Amortization of net actuarial loss, tax	103	-90	304	206
Plan amendment, tax	0	0	1,346	1,613
Unrealized appreciation of investments, tax	$0	$96	$91	$63

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$50,490	$64,277
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts ($150 and $152)	56,333	29,145
Inventories	117,735	112,541
Net investment in operating leases	16,479	0
Prepaid expenses and other assets	7,121	8,277
Income taxes receivable and prepaid	385	1,868
Deferred income taxes	7,348	7,742
Total current assets	255,891	223,850
Property, plant and equipment, net	22,665	20,266
Long-term investments	0	2,108
Investment in life insurance	24,793	25,051
Deferred income taxes	24,540	25,649
Goodwill	1,228	1,228
Other assets	11,217	10,993
Total assets	340,334	309,145
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	31,229	28,142
Accrued expenses:	'	'
Accrued compensation	19,067	22,101
Operating lease repurchase obligations	16,050	0
Product warranties	8,918	8,443
Self-insurance	4,926	4,531
Accrued loss on repurchases	1,420	1,287
Promotional	3,424	1,910
Other	8,363	3,940
Total current liabilities	93,397	70,354
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	3,228	3,988
Postretirement health care and deferred compensations benefits	59,219	64,074
Total long-term liabilities	62,447	68,062
Contingent liabilities and commitments	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Capital stock common, par value $0.50; authorized 60,000 shares, issued 51,776 shares	25,888	25,888
Additional paid-in capital	31,410	29,334
Retained earnings	541,567	509,443
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,138	849
Treasury stock, at cost (24,644 and 23,917 shares)	-415,513	-394,785
Total stockholders' equity	184,490	170,729
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$340,334	$309,145

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	$150	$152
Capital stock common, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.50	$0.50
Capital stock common, shares authorized (in shares)	60,000	60,000
Capital stock common, shares issued (in shares)	51,766	51,766
Treasury stock, at cost, shares (in shares)	24,644	23,917

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$32,124	$21,337
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,962	3,190
LIFO expense	934	438
Stock-based compensation	1,694	1,258
Deferred income taxes including valuation allowance	464	-1,243
Postretirement benefit income and deferred compensation expense	-752	259
Provision for doubtful accounts	1	62
Gain on disposal of property	-712	-34
Gain on life insurance	-726	-536
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance policies	-651	-853
Change in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Inventories	-6,128	-26,295
Receivables, prepaid and other assets	-26,349	-10,819
Investment in operating leases, net of repurchase obligations	-429	0
Income taxes and unrecognized tax benefits	1,986	-234
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	8,851	9,895
Postretirement and deferred compensation benefits	-3,080	-3,359
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	10,189	-6,934
Investing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from the sale of investments, at par	2,350	250
Proceeds from life insurance	1,737	1,004
Purchases of property and equipment	-7,005	-3,322
Proceeds from the sale of property	2,403	637
Repayments of COLI borrowings	0	-1,371
Other	-1,123	692
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,638	-2,110
Financing activities:	'	'
Payments for purchases of common stock	-24,324	-11,123
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,080	0
Other	-94	-94
Net cash used in financing activities	-22,338	-11,217
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-13,787	-20,261
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	64,277	62,683
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	50,490	42,422
Supplemental cash flow disclosure:	'	'
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	$11,814	$9,946

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The "Company," "we," "our" and "us" are used interchangeably to refer to Winnebago Industries, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Winnebago of Indiana, LLC, as appropriate in the context.
	We were incorporated under the laws of the state of Iowa on February 12, 1958 and adopted our present name on February 28, 1961. Our executive offices are located at 605 West Crystal Lake Road in Forest City, Iowa. Our telephone number is (641) 585-3535; our website is www.winnebagoind.com. Our common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol “WGO.”
	In our opinion, the accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position as of May 31, 2014 and the consolidated results of operations and comprehensive income and consolidated cash flows for the first nine months of Fiscal 2014 and 2013. The consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the first nine months of Fiscal 2014 is not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The consolidated balance sheet data as of August 31, 2013 was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	Fiscal Period
	We follow a 52-/53-week fiscal year, ending the last Saturday in August. Fiscal 2014 is a 52-week year; the first quarter ending November 30, 2013 had 13 weeks; the first nine months ending May 31, 2014 had 39 weeks. Fiscal 2013 was a 53-week fiscal year; the first quarter ending December 1, 2012 had 14 weeks; the first nine months ending June 1, 2013 had 40 weeks.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740), which requires entities to present unrecognized tax benefits as a liability and not combine it with deferred tax assets to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date. ASU 2013-11 will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013 (our Fiscal 2015). We are currently evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which specifies how and when to recognize revenue as well as providing informative, relevant disclosures. ASU 2014-09 will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (our Fiscal 2018). We are currently evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Concentration_Risk

Concentration Risk	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]	'
Concentration Risk Disclosure	'
	Concentration Risk
	One of our dealer organizations accounted for 18.4% and 26.9% of our consolidated net revenue for the first nine months of Fiscal 2014 and Fiscal 2013, respectively. A second dealer organization accounted for 11.9% and 13.6% of our consolidated net revenue for the first nine months of Fiscal 2014 and Fiscal 2013, respectively. The loss of either or both of these dealer organizations could have a significant adverse effect on our business. In addition, deterioration in the liquidity or creditworthiness of these dealers could negatively impact our sales and could trigger repurchase obligations under our repurchase agreements.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Investments and Fair Value Measurements
	Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	We account for fair value measurements in accordance with ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measurement and expands disclosure about fair value measurement. The fair value hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. In instances in which the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the fair value measurement has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular item to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, including the consideration of inputs specific to the asset or liability.
	Cash Equivalents
	The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value as original maturities are less than three months. Our cash equivalents are comprised of money market funds traded in an active market with no restrictions.
	The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values:
				Fair Value Measurements
				Using Inputs Considered As
	(In thousands)	Fair Value at		Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets			Level 2 Significant Other			Level 3 Significant
		May 31,					Observable Inputs			Unobservable Inputs
		2014
	Assets that fund deferred compensation:
	Domestic equity funds	$	5,529	$	5,529		$	—		$	—
	International equity funds	741		741			—			—
	Fixed income funds	240		240			—			—
	Total assets at fair value	$	6,510	$	6,510		$	—		$	—
				Fair Value Measurements
				Using Inputs Considered As
	(In thousands)	Fair Value at		Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets			Level 2 Significant Other			Level 3 Significant
		August 31,					Observable Inputs			Unobservable Inputs
		2013
	Long-term investments:
	Student loan ARS	$	2,108	$	—		$	—		$	2,108
	Assets that fund deferred compensation:
	Domestic equity funds	7,127		7,127			—			—
	International equity funds	742		742			—			—
	Fixed income funds	287		287			—			—
	Total assets at fair value	$	10,264	$	8,156		$	—		$	2,108
	The following table provides a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	May 31,		June 1,			May 31,			June 1,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	—	$	8,735		$	2,108		$	9,074
	Transfer to Level 2	—		(4,605		)	—			(4,855		)
	Net change included in other comprehensive income	—		255			242			166
	Sales	—		—			(2,350		)	—
	Balance at end of period	$	—	$	4,385		$	—		$	4,385
	The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:
	Long-Term Investments
	Our long-term investments were comprised of ARS. Our long-term ARS investments were classified as Level 3, as quoted prices were unavailable and there was insufficient observable ARS market information available to determine the fair value of our ARS investments. Due to limited market information, we utilized a DCF model to derive an estimate of fair value for the ARS for prior periods. The assumptions used in preparing the DCF model included estimates with respect to the amount and timing of future interest and principal payments, forward projections of the interest rate benchmarks, the probability of full repayment of the principal considering the credit quality and guarantees in place and the rate of return required by investors to own such securities given the current liquidity risk associated with ARS. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2014 we redeemed our last ARS holding at par value of $2.4 million.
	Assets that Fund Deferred Compensation
	Our assets that fund deferred compensation are marketable equity securities measured at fair value using quoted market prices and primarily consist of equity-based mutual funds. They are classified as Level 1 as they are traded in an active market for which closing stock prices are readily available. These securities fund the Executive Share Option Plan (see Note 9), a deferred compensation program, and are presented as other assets in the accompanying balance sheets.
	Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
	Our non-financial assets, which include goodwill and property, plant and equipment, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur, or if an annual impairment test is required, we must evaluate the non-financial asset for impairment. If an impairment did occur, the asset is required to be recorded at the estimated fair value. During the first nine months of Fiscal 2014, no impairments were recorded for non-financial assets.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	May 31,			August 31,
		2014			2013
	Finished goods	$	34,458		$	43,927
	Work-in-process	44,993			46,257
	Raw materials	69,063			52,201
	Total	148,514			142,385
	LIFO reserve	(30,779		)	(29,844		)
	Total inventories	$	117,735		$	112,541
	The above value of inventories, before reduction for the LIFO reserve, approximates replacement cost. Of the $148.5 million and $142.4 million inventory at May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively, $142.0 million and $136.1 million is valued on a LIFO basis. Towables inventory of $6.5 million and $6.3 million at May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively, is valued on a FIFO basis.

Net_Investment_in_Operating_Le

Net Investment in Operating Leases and Operating Lease Repurchase Obligation (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Net Investment in Operating Leases and Operating Lease Repurchase Obligation [Abstract]	'
Net Investment in Operating Leases and Operating Lease Repurchase Obligation	'
	Net Investment in Operating Leases and Operating Lease Repurchase Obligation
	During the third quarter of Fiscal 2014 we delivered 520 RV rental units to Apollo, a US RV rental company. Under the terms of a sales agreement with Apollo, all units were paid for upon delivery. To secure an order of this magnitude, we contractually agreed to repurchase up to 343 of the units at specified prices after one season of rental use (by no later than December 31, 2014) provided certain conditions are met. As a result, the units subject to repurchase are accounted for as operating leases and are recorded in the balance sheet as net investment in operating leases of $16.5 million at May 31, 2014. The original cost of these units is being depreciated down to the estimated net realizable value of the rental units during the time frame that the units are in rental use. Also, we recorded in the balance sheet operating lease repurchase obligations of $16.1 million at May 31, 2014 which represents our estimated repurchase obligation per the terms of the sales agreement.
	Estimated net lease revenue is being recorded ratably over the rental period that Apollo holds the units based upon the difference between the proceeds received and the estimated repurchase obligation less the estimated depreciation expense of the unit. When we sell the repurchased units we will record a gain or loss for the difference, if any, between the estimated residual value of the unit and the actual resale value as a component of net lease revenue. We recorded $100,000 of net lease revenue during the third quarter of Fiscal 2014.
	We anticipate repurchasing most of the units subject to repurchase during the first quarter of Fiscal 2015 and for any units subject to repurchase which are not returned we will remove the remaining net investment in lease and repurchase obligation balance for such units and record a net gain or loss for the difference between these two balances.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	May 31,			August 31,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	738		$	757
	Buildings and building improvements	47,132			50,297
	Machinery and equipment	91,412			88,280
	Software	3,554			2,944
	Transportation	9,063			9,044
	Total property, plant and equipment, gross	151,899			151,322
	Less accumulated depreciation	(129,234		)	(131,056		)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	22,665		$	20,266
	In the second quarter of Fiscal 2014, 3M exercised an option to purchase warehouse facilities that they had leased from us since 1980. Net proceeds from the sale were $2.3 million, resulting in a gain of $629,000. We received lease payments of $860,000 and recorded depreciation charges of $148,000 in Fiscal 2013 related to these warehouse facilities.

Credit_Facilities

Credit Facilities	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Credit Facilities	'
	Credit Facilities
	On October 31, 2012, we entered into the Credit Agreement with GECC. The Credit Agreement provides for an initial $35.0 million revolving credit facility based on the Company's eligible inventory and was to expire on October 31, 2015, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms. There is no termination fee associated with the Credit Agreement.
	The Credit Agreement contains no financial covenant restrictions for borrowings where we have excess borrowing availability under the facility of greater than $5.0 million. The Credit Agreement requires us to comply with a fixed charge ratio if excess borrowing availability under the facility is less than $5.0 million. In addition the Credit Agreement also includes a framework to expand the size of the facility up to $50.0 million, based on mutually agreeable terms at the time of the expansion. The initial unused line fee associated with the Credit Agreement is 0.5% per annum and has the ability to be lowered based upon facility usage.
	The Credit Agreement contains typical affirmative representations and covenants for a credit agreement of this size and nature. Additionally, the Credit Agreement contains negative covenants limiting our ability, among other things, to incur debt, grant liens, make acquisitions, make certain investments, pay certain dividends and distributions, engage in mergers, consolidations or acquisitions and sell certain assets. Obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by a security interest in all of our accounts and other receivables, chattel paper, documents, deposit accounts, instruments, equipment, inventory, investment property, leasehold interest, cash and cash equivalents, letter-of-credit rights, most real property and fixtures and certain other business assets.
	On May 28, 2014, we amended this Credit Agreement (the "Amended Credit Agreement"). The Amended Credit Agreement extends the term of the credit facility from October 31, 2015 to May 28, 2019.  In addition, interest on loans made under the Amended Credit Facility will be based on LIBOR plus a margin of 2.0%.  The amendment also revised and added definitions of several terms including an expanded Restricted Payment Basket that now permits up to $15.0 million purchases of company stock or cash dividends to be excluded from the Fixed Charge ratio.  In addition, the definition of Eligible Accounts was expanded to permit certain receivables to be included in the Borrowing Base.  The Amended Credit Agreement also permits us to engage in certain sale lease buyback transactions in the ordinary course of business subject to certain restrictions and increases our ability to incur capital lease obligations.
	As of the date of this report, we are in compliance with all terms of the Amended Credit Agreement, and no borrowings have been made thereunder.

Warranty

Warranty	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Warranty	'
	Warranty
	We provide our motorhome customers a comprehensive 12-month/15,000-mile warranty on our Class A, B and C motorhomes, and a 3-year/36,000-mile structural warranty on Class A and C sidewalls and floors. We provide a comprehensive 12-month warranty on all towable products. We have also incurred costs for certain warranty-type expenses which occurred after the normal warranty period. We have voluntarily agreed to pay such costs to help protect the reputation of our products and the goodwill of our customers. Estimated costs related to product warranty are accrued at the time of sale and are based upon past warranty claims and unit sales history and adjusted as required to reflect actual costs incurred, as information becomes available. A significant increase in dealership labor rates, the cost of parts or the frequency of claims could have a material adverse impact on our operating results for the period or periods in which such claims or additional costs materialize.
	Changes in our product warranty liability are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	May 31,			June 1,			May 31,			June 1,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	8,781		$	8,065		$	8,443		$	6,990
	Provision	2,736			2,118			7,874			7,032
	Claims paid	(2,599		)	(1,742		)	(7,399		)	(5,581		)
	Balance at end of period	$	8,918		$	8,441		$	8,918		$	8,441

Employee_and_Retiree_Benefits

Employee and Retiree Benefits	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee and Retiree Benefits	'
	Employee and Retiree Benefits
	Postretirement health care and deferred compensation benefits are as follows:
	(In thousands)		May 31,			August 31,
			2014			2013
	Postretirement health care benefit cost		$	33,342		$	36,244
	Non-qualified deferred compensation		21,338			22,366
	Executive share option plan liability		5,682			6,959
	SERP benefit liability		2,760			2,876
	Executive deferred compensation		199			105
	Officer stock-based compensation		484			543
	Total postretirement health care and deferred compensation benefits		63,805			69,093
	Less current portion		(4,586		)	(5,019		)
	Long-term postretirement health care and deferred compensation benefits		$	59,219		$	64,074
	Postretirement Health Care Benefits
	We provide certain health care and other benefits for retired employees hired before April 1, 2001, who have fulfilled eligibility requirements at age 55 with 15 years of continuous service. We use a September 1 measurement date for this plan and our postretirement health care plan currently is not funded. Changes in the postretirement benefit plan include:
	•	In Fiscal 2005, we established dollar caps on the amount that we will pay for postretirement health care benefits per retiree on an annual basis so that we were not exposed to continued medical inflation. Retirees are required to pay a monthly premium in excess of the employer dollar caps for medical coverage based on years of service and age at retirement.
	•	In January 2012 the employer-established dollar caps were reduced by 10%, which reduced our liability for postretirement health care by $4.6 million and is being amortized as prior service credit over 7.8 years.
	•	In January 2013 the employer-established dollar caps were further reduced by 10%, which reduced our liability for postretirement health care by approximately $4.3 million and is being amortized as prior service credit over 7.5 years.
	•	In January 2014 the employer-established dollar caps were further reduced by 10%, which reduced our liability for postretirement health care by approximately $3.6 million and is being amortized as prior service credit over 7.3 years.
	Net periodic postretirement benefit income consisted of the following components:
			Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)		May 31,			June 1,			May 31,			June 1,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Interest cost		$	380		$	373		$	1,160		$	1,136
	Service cost		96			140			296			433
	Amortization of prior service benefit		(1,482		)	(1,366		)	(4,168		)	(3,803		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		274			407			803			1,195
	Net periodic postretirement benefit income		$	(732	)	$	(446	)	$	(1,909	)	$	(1,039	)
	Payments for postretirement health care		$	247		$	271		$	779		$	836

StockBased_Compensation_Plans

Stock-Based Compensation Plans	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation Plans	'
	Stock-Based Compensation Plans
	In October 2013, we adopted the 2014 Omnibus Equity, Performance Award, and Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended, the "Plan"). It was approved by shareholders in December 2013 and allows us to grant or issue non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, share awards and other equity compensation to key employees and to non-employee directors.
	The Plan replaced the 2004 Incentive Compensation Plan which had a ten-year term. No new grants may be made from the 2004 Incentive Compensation Plan on or after January 1, 2014. Any stock awards previously granted under the 2004 Incentive Compensation Plan shall continue to vest and /or be exercisable in accordance with their original terms and conditions.
	On October 16, 2013 and October 10, 2012 the Board of Directors granted an aggregate of 84,200 and 155,600 shares, respectively, of restricted common stock to our key employees and non-employee directors under the 2004 Plan. The value of the restricted stock award is determined using the intrinsic value method which, in this case, is based on the number of shares granted and the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.
	Stock-based compensation expense was $305,000 and $262,000 during the third quarters of Fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense was $1.7 million and $1.3 million during the nine months of Fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively. Of the $1.7 million in Fiscal 2014, $1.1 million related to the October 16, 2013 grant of 84,200 shares. The remainder is related to the amortization of previously granted restricted stock awards, as well as non-employee director stock units issued in lieu of director fees. Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period of the award or over a period ending with the employee's eligible retirement date, if earlier.

Contingent_Liabilites_and_Comm

Contingent Liabilites and Commitments	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingent Liabilities and Commitments	'
	Contingent Liabilities and Commitments
	Repurchase Commitments
	Generally, manufacturers in the RV industry enter into repurchase agreements with lending institutions which have provided wholesale floorplan financing to dealers. Most dealers' RVs are financed on a "floorplan" basis under which a bank or finance company lends the dealer all, or substantially all, of the purchase price, collateralized by a security interest in the recreation vehicles purchased.
	Our repurchase agreements provide that, in the event of default by the dealer on the agreement to pay the lending institution, we will repurchase the financed merchandise. The terms of these agreements, which generally can last up to 18 months, provide that our liability will be the lesser of remaining principal owed by the dealer or dealer invoice less periodic reductions based on the time since the date of the original invoice. Our contingent liability on these repurchase agreements was approximately $361.4 million and $232.9 million at May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively.
	In certain instances, we also repurchase inventory from our dealers due to state law or regulatory requirements that govern voluntary or involuntary relationship terminations. Although laws vary from state to state, some states have laws in place that require manufacturers of recreation vehicles to repurchase current inventory if a dealership exits the business. Incremental repurchase exposure beyond existing repurchase agreements, related to dealer inventory in states that we have had historical experience of repurchasing inventory, totaled $7.0 million and $8.0 million at May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, respectively.
	Our risk of loss related to our repurchase commitments is significantly reduced by the potential resale value of any products that are subject to repurchase and is spread over numerous dealers and lenders. The aggregate contingent liability related to our repurchase agreements represents all financed dealer inventory at the period reporting date subject to a repurchase agreement, net of the greater of periodic reductions per the agreement or dealer principal payments. Based on the repurchase exposure as previously described, we established an associated loss reserve. Our accrued losses on repurchases were $1.4 million as of May 31, 2014 and $1.3 million as of August 31, 2013.
	A summary of repurchase activity is as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(Dollars in thousands)	May 31,		June 1,		May 31,		June 1,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Inventory repurchased:
	Units	—		13		14		13
	Dollars	$	—	$	260	$	325	$	260
	Inventory resold:
	Units	—		13		14		13
	Cash collected	$	—	$	207	$	257	$	207
	Loss recognized	$	—	$	53	$	68	$	53
	Units in ending inventory	—		—		—		—
	We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our loss reserve for repurchase commitments. A hypothetical change of a 10% increase or decrease in our significant repurchase commitment assumptions at May 31, 2014 would have affected net income by approximately $366,000.
	Litigation
	We are involved in various legal proceedings which are ordinary litigation incidental to our business, some of which are covered in whole or in part by insurance. We believe while the final resolution of any such litigation may have an impact on our results for a particular reporting period, the ultimate disposition of such litigation will not have any material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We account for income taxes under ASC 740, Income Taxes. The objectives of accounting for income taxes are to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.
	Significant judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets. Valuation allowances arise due to uncertainty of realizing deferred tax assets. ASC 740 requires that companies assess whether valuation allowances should be established against their deferred tax assets based on the consideration of all available evidence, using a “more-likely-than-not” standard. In making such assessments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. A company's current or previous losses are given more weight than its future outlook. Based on ASC 740 guidelines, as of May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013, we have applied a valuation allowance of $1.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively, against our deferred tax assets. We will continue to assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be realizable at each reporting period and our valuation allowance will be adjusted accordingly, which could materially impact our financial position and results of operations.
	We file tax returns in the US federal jurisdiction, as well as various international and state jurisdictions. Although certain years are no longer subject to examinations by the IRS and various state taxing authorities, net operating loss carryforwards generated in those years may still be adjusted upon examination by the IRS or state taxing authorities if they either have been or will be used in a future period. Due to such carryback claims, our federal returns from Fiscal 2004 to present continue to be subject to review by the IRS. Periodically, various state and local jurisdictions conduct audits, therefore, a variety of years are subject to state and local jurisdiction review.
	As of May 31, 2014, our unrecognized tax benefits were $1.7 million and accrued interest and penalties of $1.5 million, of which if all were realized $2.3 million could have a positive impact on the overall effective tax rate. It is our policy to recognize interest and penalties accrued relative to unrecognized tax benefits as tax expense. We do not anticipate any significant changes in unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months. Actual results may differ materially from this estimate.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted income per share:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share data)	May 31,		June 1,		May 31,		June 1,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Income per share - basic
	Net income	$	11,385	$	7,661	$	32,124	$	21,337
	Weighted average shares outstanding	27,209		27,987		27,552		28,128
	Net income per share - basic	$	0.42	$	0.27	$	1.17	$	0.76
	Income per share - assuming dilution
	Net income	$	11,385	$	7,661	$	32,124	$	21,337
	Weighted average shares outstanding	27,209		27,987		27,552		28,128
	Dilutive impact of awards and options outstanding	110		100		114		90
	Weighted average shares and potential dilutive shares outstanding	27,319		28,087		27,666		28,218
	Net income per share - assuming dilution	$	0.42	$	0.27	$	1.16	$	0.76
	At the end of the third quarters of Fiscal 2014 and Fiscal 2013, there were options outstanding to purchase 457,421 shares and 669,494 shares, respectively, of common stock at an average price of $30.38 and $29.83, respectively, which were not included in the computation of diluted income per share because they are considered anti-dilutive under the treasury stock method per ASC 260, Earnings Per Share.

Comprehensive_Income_Comprehen

Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Equity [Abstract]	'
Comprehensive Income	'
	Comprehensive Income
	Changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, were:
		Three Months Ended
		May 31, 2014									June 1, 2013
	(In thousands)	Defined			Unrealized			Total			Defined			Unrealized			Total
		Benefit			Gains and Losses on Available-						Benefit			Gains and Losses on Available-
		Pension			for-Sale Securities						Pension			for-Sale Securities
		Items									Items
	Balance at beginning of period	$	1,890		$	—		$	1,890		$	(1,667	)	$	(416	)	$	(2,083	)
	OCI before reclassifications	—			—			—			—			160			160
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(752		)	—			(752		)	(350		)	—			(350		)
	Net current-period OCI	(752		)	—			(752		)	(350		)	160			(190		)
	Balance at end of period	$	1,138		$	—		$	1,138		$	(2,017	)	$	(256	)	$	(2,273	)
		Nine Months Ended
		May 31, 2014									June 1, 2013
	(In thousands)	Defined			Unrealized			Total			Defined			Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-			Total
		Benefit			Gains and Losses on Available-						Benefit			for-Sale Securities
		Pension			for-Sale Securities						Pension
		Items									Items
	Balance at beginning of period	$	1,000		$	(151	)	$	849		$	(3,326	)	$	(360	)	$	(3,686	)
	OCI before reclassifications	2,234			151			2,385			2,676			104			2,780
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(2,096		)	—			(2,096		)	(1,367		)	—			(1,367		)
	Net current-period OCI	138			151			289			1,309			104			1,413
	Balance at end of period	$	1,138		$	—		$	1,138		$	(2,017	)	$	(256	)	$	(2,273	)
	Reclassifications out of AOCI in net periodic benefit costs, net of tax, were:
				Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	Location on Consolidated Statements		May 31,				June 1,			May 31,				June 1,
		of Operations and Comprehensive Income		2014				2013			2014				2013
	Amortization of prior service credit	Cost of goods sold		$	—			$	(741	)	$	—			$	(2,061	)
		Operating expenses		(925		)		(112		)	(2,601		)		(312		)
				(925		)		(853		)	(2,601		)		(2,373		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	Cost of goods sold		—				221			—				648
		Operating expenses		173				282			505				358
				173				503			505				1,006
	Total			$	(752	)		$	(350	)	$	(2,096	)		$	(1,367	)

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Event	'
	Subsequent Event
	We evaluated all events or transactions occurring between the balance sheet date for the quarterly period ended May 31, 2014 and the date of issuance of the financial statements that would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements. There were no material subsequent events.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Fiscal Period [Policy Text Block]	'
	Fiscal Period
	We follow a 52-/53-week fiscal year, ending the last Saturday in August. Fiscal 2014 is a 52-week year; the first quarter ending November 30, 2013 had 13 weeks; the first nine months ending May 31, 2014 had 39 weeks. Fiscal 2013 was a 53-week fiscal year; the first quarter ending December 1, 2012 had 14 weeks; the first nine months ending June 1, 2013 had 40 weeks.
New Accounting Pronouncements [Policy Text Block]	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740), which requires entities to present unrecognized tax benefits as a liability and not combine it with deferred tax assets to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date. ASU 2013-11 will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013 (our Fiscal 2015). We are currently evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which specifies how and when to recognize revenue as well as providing informative, relevant disclosures. ASU 2014-09 will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (our Fiscal 2018). We are currently evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy our financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis at May 31, 2014 and August 31, 2013 according to the valuation techniques we used to determine their fair values:
				Fair Value Measurements
				Using Inputs Considered As
	(In thousands)	Fair Value at		Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets			Level 2 Significant Other			Level 3 Significant
		May 31,					Observable Inputs			Unobservable Inputs
		2014
	Assets that fund deferred compensation:
	Domestic equity funds	$	5,529	$	5,529		$	—		$	—
	International equity funds	741		741			—			—
	Fixed income funds	240		240			—			—
	Total assets at fair value	$	6,510	$	6,510		$	—		$	—
				Fair Value Measurements
				Using Inputs Considered As
	(In thousands)	Fair Value at		Level 1 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets			Level 2 Significant Other			Level 3 Significant
		August 31,					Observable Inputs			Unobservable Inputs
		2013
	Long-term investments:
	Student loan ARS	$	2,108	$	—		$	—		$	2,108
	Assets that fund deferred compensation:
	Domestic equity funds	7,127		7,127			—			—
	International equity funds	742		742			—			—
	Fixed income funds	287		287			—			—
	Total assets at fair value	$	10,264	$	8,156		$	—		$	2,108
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation between the beginning and ending balances of items measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the table above that used significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	May 31,		June 1,			May 31,			June 1,
		2014		2013			2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	—	$	8,735		$	2,108		$	9,074
	Transfer to Level 2	—		(4,605		)	—			(4,855		)
	Net change included in other comprehensive income	—		255			242			166
	Sales	—		—			(2,350		)	—
	Balance at end of period	$	—	$	4,385		$	—		$	4,385

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	Inventories consist of the following:
	(In thousands)	May 31,			August 31,
		2014			2013
	Finished goods	$	34,458		$	43,927
	Work-in-process	44,993			46,257
	Raw materials	69,063			52,201
	Total	148,514			142,385
	LIFO reserve	(30,779		)	(29,844		)
	Total inventories	$	117,735		$	112,541

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
	Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and consists of the following:
	(In thousands)	May 31,			August 31,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	738		$	757
	Buildings and building improvements	47,132			50,297
	Machinery and equipment	91,412			88,280
	Software	3,554			2,944
	Transportation	9,063			9,044
	Total property, plant and equipment, gross	151,899			151,322
	Less accumulated depreciation	(129,234		)	(131,056		)
	Total property, plant and equipment, net	$	22,665		$	20,266

Warranty_Tables

Warranty (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in our product warranty liability are as follows:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	May 31,			June 1,			May 31,			June 1,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	8,781		$	8,065		$	8,443		$	6,990
	Provision	2,736			2,118			7,874			7,032
	Claims paid	(2,599		)	(1,742		)	(7,399		)	(5,581		)
	Balance at end of period	$	8,918		$	8,441		$	8,918		$	8,441

Employee_and_Retiree_Benefits_

Employee and Retiree Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	'
	Postretirement health care and deferred compensation benefits are as follows:
	(In thousands)	May 31,			August 31,
		2014			2013
	Postretirement health care benefit cost	$	33,342		$	36,244
	Non-qualified deferred compensation	21,338			22,366
	Executive share option plan liability	5,682			6,959
	SERP benefit liability	2,760			2,876
	Executive deferred compensation	199			105
	Officer stock-based compensation	484			543
	Total postretirement health care and deferred compensation benefits	63,805			69,093
	Less current portion	(4,586		)	(5,019		)
	Long-term postretirement health care and deferred compensation benefits	$	59,219		$	64,074
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	Net periodic postretirement benefit income consisted of the following components:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	May 31,			June 1,			May 31,			June 1,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Interest cost	$	380		$	373		$	1,160		$	1,136
	Service cost	96			140			296			433
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(1,482		)	(1,366		)	(4,168		)	(3,803		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	274			407			803			1,195
	Net periodic postretirement benefit income	$	(732	)	$	(446	)	$	(1,909	)	$	(1,039	)
	Payments for postretirement health care	$	247		$	271		$	779		$	836

Contingent_Liabilites_and_Comm1

Contingent Liabilites and Commitments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Repurchase Agreements [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of repurchase activity is as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(Dollars in thousands)	May 31,		June 1,		May 31,		June 1,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Inventory repurchased:
	Units	—		13		14		13
	Dollars	$	—	$	260	$	325	$	260
	Inventory resold:
	Units	—		13		14		13
	Cash collected	$	—	$	207	$	257	$	207
	Loss recognized	$	—	$	53	$	68	$	53
	Units in ending inventory	—		—		—		—

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted income per share:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands, except per share data)	May 31,		June 1,		May 31,		June 1,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Income per share - basic
	Net income	$	11,385	$	7,661	$	32,124	$	21,337
	Weighted average shares outstanding	27,209		27,987		27,552		28,128
	Net income per share - basic	$	0.42	$	0.27	$	1.17	$	0.76
	Income per share - assuming dilution
	Net income	$	11,385	$	7,661	$	32,124	$	21,337
	Weighted average shares outstanding	27,209		27,987		27,552		28,128
	Dilutive impact of awards and options outstanding	110		100		114		90
	Weighted average shares and potential dilutive shares outstanding	27,319		28,087		27,666		28,218
	Net income per share - assuming dilution	$	0.42	$	0.27	$	1.16	$	0.76

Comprehensive_Income_Tables

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	'
	Changes in AOCI by component, net of tax, were:
		Three Months Ended
		May 31, 2014									June 1, 2013
	(In thousands)	Defined			Unrealized			Total			Defined			Unrealized			Total
		Benefit			Gains and Losses on Available-						Benefit			Gains and Losses on Available-
		Pension			for-Sale Securities						Pension			for-Sale Securities
		Items									Items
	Balance at beginning of period	$	1,890		$	—		$	1,890		$	(1,667	)	$	(416	)	$	(2,083	)
	OCI before reclassifications	—			—			—			—			160			160
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(752		)	—			(752		)	(350		)	—			(350		)
	Net current-period OCI	(752		)	—			(752		)	(350		)	160			(190		)
	Balance at end of period	$	1,138		$	—		$	1,138		$	(2,017	)	$	(256	)	$	(2,273	)
		Nine Months Ended
		May 31, 2014									June 1, 2013
	(In thousands)	Defined			Unrealized			Total			Defined			Unrealized Gains and Losses on Available-			Total
		Benefit			Gains and Losses on Available-						Benefit			for-Sale Securities
		Pension			for-Sale Securities						Pension
		Items									Items
	Balance at beginning of period	$	1,000		$	(151	)	$	849		$	(3,326	)	$	(360	)	$	(3,686	)
	OCI before reclassifications	2,234			151			2,385			2,676			104			2,780
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(2,096		)	—			(2,096		)	(1,367		)	—			(1,367		)
	Net current-period OCI	138			151			289			1,309			104			1,413
	Balance at end of period	$	1,138		$	—		$	1,138		$	(2,017	)	$	(256	)	$	(2,273	)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
	Reclassifications out of AOCI in net periodic benefit costs, net of tax, were:
				Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
	(In thousands)	Location on Consolidated Statements		May 31,				June 1,			May 31,				June 1,
		of Operations and Comprehensive Income		2014				2013			2014				2013
	Amortization of prior service credit	Cost of goods sold		$	—			$	(741	)	$	—			$	(2,061	)
		Operating expenses		(925		)		(112		)	(2,601		)		(312		)
				(925		)		(853		)	(2,601		)		(2,373		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	Cost of goods sold		—				221			—				648
		Operating expenses		173				282			505				358
				173				503			505				1,006
	Total			$	(752	)		$	(350	)	$	(2,096	)		$	(1,367	)

Concentration_Risk_Narrative_D

Concentration Risk (Narrative) (Details) (Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member], Customer Concentration Risk [Member])	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Major Customer One [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Percent of revenue	18.40%	26.90%
Major Customer Two [Member]	'	'
Concentration Risk [Line Items]	'	'
Percent of revenue	11.90%	13.60%

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea1

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value Inputs) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Student loan ARS	'	$2,108
Domestic equity funds	5,529	7,127
International equity funds	741	742
Fixed income funds	240	287
Total assets at fair value	6,510	10,264
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Student loan ARS	'	0
Domestic equity funds	5,529	7,127
International equity funds	741	742
Fixed income funds	240	287
Total assets at fair value	6,510	8,156
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Student loan ARS	'	0
Domestic equity funds	0	0
International equity funds	0	0
Fixed income funds	0	0
Total assets at fair value	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Student loan ARS	'	2,108
Domestic equity funds	0	0
International equity funds	0	0
Fixed income funds	0	0
Total assets at fair value	$0	$2,108

Investments_and_Fair_Value_Mea2

Investments and Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value Level 3 Rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$0	$8,735	$2,108	$9,074
Transfer to Level 2	0	-4,605	0	-4,855
Net change included in other comprehensive income	0	255	242	166
Sales	0	0	-2,350	0
Balance at end of period	0	4,385	0	4,385
Proceeds from the sale of investments, at par	'	'	$2,350	$250

Inventories_Inventory_Schedule

Inventories (Inventory Schedule) (Details) (USD $)	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods	$34,458	$43,927
Work-in-process	44,993	46,257
Raw materials	69,063	52,201
Total	148,514	142,385
LIFO reserve	-30,779	-29,844
Total inventories	$117,735	$112,541

Inventories_Narrative_Details

Inventories (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Inventory, gross	$148,514,000	$142,385,000
Inventory, LIFO	142,000,000	136,100,000
Inventory, FIFO (Towables)	$6,500,000	$6,300,000

Net_Investment_in_Operating_Le1

Net Investment in Operating Leases and Operating Lease Repurchase Obligation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2013
	Recreational_vehicles
Net Investment in Operating Leases and Operating Lease Repurchase Obligation [Abstract]	'	'
Rental units sold to Apollo	520	'
Rental units subject to operating lease	343	'
Net investment in operating leases	$16,479,000	$0
Operating lease repurchase obligations	16,050,000	0
Operating lease revenue	$100,000	'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_P

Property, Plant and Equipment (Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	$151,899	$151,322
Less accumulated depreciation	-129,234	-131,056
Total property, plant and equipment, net	22,665	20,266
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	738	757
Buildings and building improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	47,132	50,297
Machinery and equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	91,412	88,280
Software [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	3,554	2,944
Transportation [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Total property, plant and equipment, gross	$9,063	$9,044

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_P1

Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross proceeds from sale	$2,300,000	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale	629,000	0	0	629,000	-28,000	'
3M lease payments received	'	'	'	'	'	860,000
3M depreciation expense	'	'	'	'	'	$148,000

Credit_Facilities_Narrative_De

Credit Facilities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	28-May-14	Oct. 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Initial borrowing capacity	'	'	$35
Minimum excess borrowing availability with no financial covenant restrictions	'	'	5
Maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	50
Unused line fee	0.50%	'	'
Basis spread on interest rate	2.00%	'	'
Maximum repurchased stock and dividends with no financial covenant restrictions	'	$15	'

Warranty_Schedule_of_Product_W

Warranty (Schedule of Product Warranty Liability) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$8,781	$8,065	$8,443	$6,990
Provision	2,736	2,118	7,874	7,032
Claims paid	-2,599	-1,742	-7,399	-5,581
Balance at end of period	$8,918	$8,441	$8,918	$8,441

Warranty_Narrative_Details

Warranty (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14
	mi
Class A, B, and C Motorhomes [Member]	'
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]	'
Warranty term	'12 months
Warranty distance (in miles)	15,000
Class A and C Sidewalls and Floors [Member]	'
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]	'
Warranty term	'3 years
Warranty distance (in miles)	36,000
Towable Products [Member]	'
Product Liability Contingency [Line Items]	'
Warranty term	'12 months

Employee_and_Retiree_Benefits_1

Employee and Retiree Benefits (Postretirement Health Care and Deferred Compensation Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Postretirement health care benefit cost	$33,342	$36,244
Non-qualified deferred compensation	21,338	22,366
Executive share option plan liability	5,682	6,959
SERP benefit liability	2,760	2,876
Executive deferred compensation	199	105
Officer stock-based compensation	484	543
Total postretirement health care and deferred compensation benefits	63,805	69,093
Less current portion	-4,586	-5,019
Postretirement health care and deferred compensations benefits	$59,219	$64,074

Employee_and_Retiree_Benefits_2

Employee and Retiree Benefits (Postretirement Benefit Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	$380	$373	$1,160	$1,136
Service cost	96	140	296	433
Amortization of prior service benfit	-1,482	-1,366	-4,168	-3,803
Amortization of net actuarial loss	274	407	803	1,195
Net periodic postretirement benefit income	-732	-446	-1,909	-1,039
Payments for postretirement health care	$247	$271	$779	$836

Employee_and_Retiree_Benefits_3

Employee and Retiree Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	31-May-14
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Postretirement health care benefits age requirement before distribution occurs	'	'	'	'55 years
Postretirement health care benefits continuous service requirement	'	'	'	'15 years
Dollar cap liability reduction	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	'
Plan amendment liability reduction	($3.60)	($4.30)	($4.60)	'
Plan amendment amortization period	'7 years 4 months 0 days	'7 years 6 months 0 days	'7 years 9 months 20 days	'

StockBased_Compensation_Plans_

Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 01, 2012
					October 16, 2013 Grant [Member]	October 16, 2013 Grant [Member]	October 10, 2012 Grant [Member]
						Management [Member]	Management [Member]
						Restricted Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of stock (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	84,200	155,600
Stock-based compensation expense	$305,000	$262,000	$1,700,000	$1,300,000	$1,100,000	'	'

Contingent_Liabilites_and_Comm2

Contingent Liabilites and Commitments (Schedule of Repurchased Activity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
	Recreational_vehicles	Recreational_vehicles	Recreational_vehicles	Recreational_vehicles
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Inventory repurchased, units (in recreation vehicles)	0	13	14	13
Inventory repurchased, dollars	$0	$260	$325	$260
Inventory resold, units (in recreation vehicles)	0	13	14	13
Inventory resold, cash collected	0	207	257	207
Inventory resold, loss recognized	$0	$53	$68	$53
Units in ending inventory (in recreation vehicles)	0	0	0	0

Contingent_Liabilites_and_Comm3

Contingent Liabilites and Commitments (Repurchase Commitments Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2013
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]	'	'
Repurchase agreement term	'18 months	'
Accrued loss on repurchases	$1,420,000	$1,287,000
Hypothetical percent change of repurchase assumptions	10.00%	'
Hypothetical change on repurchase assumptions	366,000	'
Obligation to Repurchase from Dealers [Member]	'	'
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent liability on repurchase agreements	361,400,000	232,900,000
State Obligation to Repurchase [Member]	'	'
Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Line Items]	'	'
Contingent liability on repurchase agreements	$7,000,000	$8,000,000

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	31-May-14	Aug. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance	$1.40	$1.60
Unrecognized tax benefits	1.7	'
Unrecognized tax benefits that would have an impact on effective tax rate	2.3	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties and interest accrued	$1.50	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Calculation

Earnings Per Share (Calculation of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$11,385	$7,661	$32,124	$21,337
Weighted average shares outstanding	27,209	27,987	27,552	28,128
Net income per share - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.42	$0.27	$1.17	$0.76
Dilutive impact of awards and options outstanding	110	100	114	90
Weighted average shares and potential dilutive shares outstanding	27,319	28,087	27,666	28,218
Net income per share - assuming dilution (in dollars per share)	$0.42	$0.27	$1.16	$0.76

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive shares	457,421	669,494
Antidilutive shares average price (in dollars per share)	$30.38	$29.83

Comprehensive_Income_Changes_i

Comprehensive Income Changes in AOCI by component (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$1,890	($2,083)	$849	($3,686)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
OCI before reclassifications	0	160	2,385	2,780
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	-752	-350	-2,096	-1,367
Net current-period OCI	-752	-190	289	1,413
Balance at end of period	1,138	-2,273	1,138	-2,273
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	1,890	-1,667	1,000	-3,326
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
OCI before reclassifications	0	0	2,234	2,676
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	-752	-350	2,096	1,367
Net current-period OCI	-752	-350	138	1,309
Balance at end of period	1,138	-2,017	1,138	-2,017
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	0	-416	-151	-360
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
OCI before reclassifications	0	160	151	104
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	0	0	0	0
Net current-period OCI	0	160	151	104
Balance at end of period	$0	($256)	$0	($256)

Comprehensive_Income_Reclassif

Comprehensive Income Reclassification from AOCI (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013	31-May-14	Jun. 01, 2013
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost of goods sold	($221,266)	($197,002)	($623,940)	($529,784)
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net income	-752	-350	-2,096	-1,367
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Net of Tax [Member] [Domain] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost of goods sold	0	-741	0	-2,061
Operating expenses	-925	-112	-2,601	-312
Net income	-925	-853	-2,601	-2,373
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Net of Tax [Member] [Domain] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cost of goods sold	0	221	0	648
Operating expenses	173	282	505	358
Net income	$173	$503	$505	$1,006