Acuity Brands (AYI) 10-K 27 Oct 16 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Oct. 26, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ACUITY BRANDS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,144,215
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		44,082,639
Entity Public Float			$ 9,113,731,801

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 413.2	$ 756.8
Accounts receivable, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $1.7 and $1.3 as of August 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively	572.8	411.7
Inventories	295.2	224.8
Prepayments and other current assets	41.7	20.1
Total Current Assets	1,322.9	1,413.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment, at cost:
Land	23.1	6.7
Buildings and leasehold improvements	174.4	128.4
Machinery and equipment	448.2	391.9
Total Property, Plant, and Equipment	645.7	527
Less — Accumulated depreciation and amortization	377.9	352.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	267.8	174.6
Other Assets:
Goodwill	947.8	565
Intangible assets	381.4	223.4
Deferred income taxes	5.1	3.5
Other long-term assets	23	27.1
Total Other Assets	1,357.3	819
Total Assets	2,948	2,407
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	401	311.1
Current maturities of long-term debt	0.2	0
Accrued compensation	93.9	78.2
Accrued pension liabilities, current	1.3	1.6
Other accrued liabilities	176.1	130
Total Current Liabilities	672.5	520.9
Long-Term Debt	355	352.4
Accrued Pension Liabilities, less current portion	119.9	83.9
Deferred Income Taxes	74.6	31.7
Self-Insurance Reserves, less current portion	7.2	6.9
Other Long-Term Liabilities	59	51.2
Total Liabilities	1,288.2	1,047
Commitments and Contingencies
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 53,415,687 issued and 43,736,230 outstanding at August 31, 2016; 53,024,284 issued and 43,305,029 outstanding at August 31, 2015	0.5	0.5
Paid-in capital	856.4	797.1
Retained earnings	1,360.9	1,093
Accumulated other comprehensive loss items	(139.4)	(110.4)
Treasury stock, at cost, 9,679,457 shares at August 31, 2016 and 9,719,255 shares at August 31, 2015	(418.6)	(420.2)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	1,659.8	1,360
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$ 2,948	$ 2,407

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Current Assets:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 1.7	$ 1.3
Stockholders’ Equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	53,415,687	53,024,284
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	43,786,230	43,305,029
Treasury stock (in shares)	9,679,457	9,719,255

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	[1]	$ 3,291.3	$ 2,706.7	$ 2,393.5
Cost of Products Sold		1,855.1	1,561.1	1,414.3
Gross Profit		1,436.2	1,145.6	979.2
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses		946	756.9	680.3
Special Charge		15	12.4	(0.2)
Operating Profit		475.2	376.3	299.1
Other Expense (Income):
Interest expense, net		32.2	31.5	32.1
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net		(1.6)	1.2	1.3
Total Other Expense		30.6	32.7	33.4
Income before Provision for Income Taxes		444.6	343.6	265.7
Provision for Income Taxes		153.8	121.5	89.9
Net Income		$ 290.8	$ 222.1	$ 175.8
Earnings Per Share:
Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)		$ 6.67	$ 5.13	$ 4.07
Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding (in shares)		43.5	43.1	42.8
Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)		$ 6.63	$ 5.09	$ 4.05
Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding (in shares)		43.8	43.4	43
Dividends Declared per Share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 0.52
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		$ (5.6)	$ (24)	$ 0.7
Defined benefit plans, net		(23.4)	(14.5)	(10)
Other Comprehensive Loss Items, net of tax		(29)	(38.5)	(9.3)
Comprehensive Income		$ 261.8	$ 183.6	$ 166.5
[1]	Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location.

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 290.8	$ 222.1	$ 175.8
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	62.6	45.8	43.4
Share-based compensation expense	27.7	18.2	17.7
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	(25.6)	(17.6)	(10.4)
(Gain) loss on the sale or disposal of property, plant, and equipment	(0.9)	0.7	0.3
Asset impairments	5.1	0	0.1
Deferred income taxes	(8.2)	2.8	(0.2)
Loss on financial instruments, net	0	2.6	0
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions, divestitures and effect of exchange rate changes:
Accounts receivable	(94.6)	(46.1)	(55.4)
Inventories	(24)	(15.1)	(9)
Prepayments and other current assets	(10.5)	0.7	(6.6)
Accounts payable	65.3	23.1	37.6
Other current liabilities	60.6	59.3	59.8
Other	(2.6)	(7.6)	(20)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	345.7	288.9	233.1
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(83.7)	(56.5)	(35.3)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	2.2	1.3	1
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets, net of cash acquired	(623.2)	(14.6)	0
Other investing activities	0	(2.6)	0
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(704.7)	(72.4)	(34.3)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	2.5	0	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	14.2	11.6	8.4
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	25.6	17.6	10.4
Dividends paid	(22.9)	(22.7)	(22.5)
Other financing activities	0	(10.4)	(2.6)
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	19.4	(3.9)	(6.3)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(4)	(8.3)	0.9
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(343.6)	204.3	193.4
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	756.8	552.5	359.1
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	413.2	756.8	552.5
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Income taxes paid during the period	120.7	106.3	77.4
Interest paid during the period	$ 32.8	$ 32.2	$ 32.5

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items	Treasury Stock
Balance, Beginning of Period at Aug. 31, 2013	$ 993.5	$ 0.5	$ 735.5	$ 740.3	$ (62.6)	$ (420.2)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	175.8			175.8
Other comprehensive loss	(9.3)				(9.3)
Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants	7.2		7.2
Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances	0.4		0.4
Cash dividends of $0.52 per share paid on common stock	(22.5)			(22.5)
Stock options exercised	8		8
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	10.4		10.4
Balance, End of Period at Aug. 31, 2014	1,163.5	0.5	761.5	893.6	(71.9)	(420.2)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	222.1			222.1
Other comprehensive loss	(38.5)				(38.5)
Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants	6.4		6.4
Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances	0.5		0.5
Cash dividends of $0.52 per share paid on common stock	(22.7)			(22.7)
Stock options exercised	11.1		11.1
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	17.6		17.6
Balance, End of Period at Aug. 31, 2015	1,360	0.5	797.1	1,093	(110.4)	(420.2)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	290.8			290.8
Other comprehensive loss	(29)				(29)
Common Stock issued from Treasury Stock for acquisition of business	10		8.4			1.6
Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants	11.1		11.1
Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances	0.7		0.7
Cash dividends of $0.52 per share paid on common stock	(22.9)			(22.9)
Stock options exercised	13.5		13.5
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	25.6		25.6
Balance, End of Period at Aug. 31, 2016	$ 1,659.8	$ 0.5	$ 856.4	$ 1,360.9	$ (139.4)	$ (418.6)

Consolidated Statements of Sto7

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share paid (in dollars per share)	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 0.52

Description of Business and Bas

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Acuity Brands, Inc. (“Acuity Brands”) is the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. (“ABL”) and other subsidiaries (Acuity Brands, ABL, and such other subsidiaries are collectively referred to herein as the "Company”). The Company designs, produces, and distributes a broad array of lighting and building management solutions and services for commercial, institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications for various markets throughout North America and select international markets. The Company's lighting and building management solutions include devices such as luminaires, lighting controls,controllers for various building systems, power supplies, prismatic skylights, and drivers, as well as integrated systems designed to optimize energy efficiency and comfort for various indoor and outdoor applications. The Company has one reportable segment serving the North American lighting market and select international markets. The Company does not consider acquisitions a critical element of its strategy, but seeks opportunities to expand and enhance its portfolio of solutions, including the following transactions: On June 30, 2016, using cash on hand and treasury stock, the Company acquired DGLogik, Inc. ("DGLogik"), a provider of innovative software solutions that enable and visualize the Internet of Things. DGLogik's solutions provide users with the intelligence to better manage energy usage and improve facility performance. DGLogik is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. On December 10, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired Juno Lighting LLC ("Juno Lighting"), a leading provider of downlighting and track lighting fixtures for both residential and commercial applications. Juno Lighting is headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois. On December 9, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Geometri, LLC ("Geometri"), a provider of a software and services platform for mapping, navigation, and analytics. On September 1, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired Distech Controls Inc. ("Distech Controls"), a provider of building automation solutions that allow for the integration of lighting, HVAC, access control, closed circuit television, and related systems. Distech Controls is headquartered in Quebec, Canada. During the quarter ended May 31, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of ByteLight, Inc. (“ByteLight”), a provider of indoor location software for light-emitting diode (“LED”) lighting. ByteLight is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The operating results of these acquisitions have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the respective dates of acquisition. In addition, during fiscal 2015, the Company made a strategic, non-controlling investment in a company specializing in light sensory networks. This investment was accounted for using the cost method and is reflected in Other long term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. References made to years are for fiscal year periods, unless noted otherwise.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Acuity Brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany transactions and accounts. Revenue Recognition The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the Company’s price to the customer is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. Customers take delivery at the time of shipment for terms designated free on board shipping point. For sales designated free on board destination, customers take delivery when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site. Provisions for certain rebates, sales incentives, product returns, and discounts to customers are recorded in the same period the related revenue is recorded. The Company also maintains one-time or on-going marketing and trade-promotion programs with certain customers that require the Company to estimate and accrue the expected costs of such programs. These arrangements include cooperative marketing programs, merchandising of the Company’s products, introductory marketing funds for new products, and other trade-promotion activities conducted by the customer. Costs associated with these programs are reflected within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”), which in most instances requires such costs be recorded as a reduction of revenue. The liabilities associated with the programs totaled $41.0 and $35.6 of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, are reflected within Other accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . The Company's standard terms and conditions of sale allow returns of certain products within four months of the date of shipment. The Company also provides for limited product return rights to certain distributors and other customers, primarily for slow moving or damaged items subject to certain defined criteria. The limited product return rights generally allow customers to return resalable products purchased within a specified time period and subject to certain limitations, including, at times, when accompanied by a replacement order of equal or greater value. At the time revenue is recognized, the Company records a provision for the estimated amount of future returns primarily based on historical experience, specific notification of pending returns, or based on contractual terms with the respective customers. Although historical product returns generally have been within expectations, there can be no assurance that future product returns will not exceed historical amounts. A significant increase in product returns could have a material adverse impact on the Company's operating results in future periods. Revenue is earned on services and the sale of products. Revenue is recognized for the sale of products when the above criteria are met and for services rendered in the period of performance. Revenue Recognition for Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables A small portion ( less than 4% ) of the Company's revenues are derived from the combination of any or all of: (i) the sale and license of its products, (ii) fees associated with training, installation, and technical support services, (iii) monitoring and lighting control services, and (iv) providing services related to data analytics. Certain agreements, particularly related to lighting controls systems, represent multiple-element arrangements that include tangible products that contain software that is essential to the functionality of the systems and undelivered elements that primarily relate to installation, monitoring, and lighting control services. The undelivered elements associated with installation, monitoring, and lighting control services are reviewed and analyzed to determine separability in relation to the delivered elements and appropriate pricing treatment based on (a) vendor-specific objective evidence, (b) third-party evidence, or (c) management estimates. If deemed separate units of accounting, the revenue and associated cost of sales related to the delivered elements are recognized at the time of delivery, while those related to the undelivered elements are recognized appropriately based on the period of performance. If the separation criterion for the undelivered elements is not met because the undelivered elements are essential to the functionality of the lighting controls systems, all revenue and cost of sales attributable to the contract are deferred at the time of sale and are both generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective contract periods. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash in excess of daily requirements is invested in time deposits and marketable securities and is included in the accompanying balance sheets at fair value. The Company considers time deposits and marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable The Company records accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes a reserve for doubtful accounts to reflect losses anticipated on accounts receivable balances. The allowance is based on historical write-offs, an analysis of past due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, and economic status of customers, if known. Management believes that the allowance is sufficient to cover uncollectible amounts; however, there can be no assurance that unanticipated future business conditions of customers will not have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations. Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables, which are typically unsecured, are generally limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets using the Company’s lighting and building management solutions as well as their dispersion across many different geographic areas. Receivables from The Home Depot were approximately $62.7 and $59.9 at August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated receivables at August 31, 2016 or 2015 . Additionally, net sales to The Home Depot accounted for approximately 11% and 12% in fiscal 2015 and 2014 , respectively. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales in fiscal 2016 . Reclassifications Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation, including a reclassification of $23.1 from current deferred income taxes to noncurrent deferred income taxes as of August 31, 2015 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets , related to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-17. See the New Accounting Pronouncements footnote for more information. Subsequent Events The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure for occurrences and transactions after the date of the consolidated financial statements as of August 31, 2016 . Inventories Inventories include materials, direct labor, in-bound freight, and related manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis) or market, and consist of the following: August 31, 2016 2015 Raw materials, supplies, and work in process (1) $ 170.3 $ 125.7 Finished goods 145.3 113.9 315.6 239.6 Less: Reserves (20.4 ) (14.8 ) Total Inventory $ 295.2 $ 224.8 _______________________________________ (1) Due to the immaterial amount of estimated work in process and the short lead times for the conversion of raw materials to finished goods, the Company does not believe the segregation of raw materials and work in process to be meaningful information. Management reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for excess or obsolete inventory primarily based on estimated future demand and current market conditions. A significant change in customer demand or market conditions could render certain inventory obsolete and thus could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operating results in the period the change occurs. Assets Held for Sale The Company classifies assets as held for sale upon the development of a plan for disposal and in accordance with applicable U.S. GAAP and ceases the depreciation and amortization of the assets at that date. The Company is actively marketing the property classified as held for sale. As of August 31, 2016 , the carrying value of the property held for sale was $5.4 , which is included in Prepayments and other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Goodwill and Other Intangibles Goodwill amounted to $947.8 and $565.0 as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during fiscal 2016 is summarized as follows: Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ 565.0 Additions from acquired businesses 381.5 Foreign currency translation adjustments 1.3 Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 947.8 Summarized information for the Company’s acquired intangible assets is as follows: August 31, 2016 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Definite-lived intangible assets: Patents and patented technology $ 112.3 $ (39.9 ) $ 72.7 $ (30.3 ) Trademarks and trade names 27.2 (10.7 ) 25.4 (9.7 ) Distribution network 61.8 (33.0 ) 61.8 (30.8 ) Customer relationships 157.9 (29.3 ) 55.2 (20.8 ) Other 4.9 (4.8 ) 5.1 (4.7 ) Total $ 364.1 $ (117.7 ) $ 220.2 $ (96.3 ) Indefinite-lived trade names $ 135.0 $ 99.5 Through multiple acquisitions, the Company acquired intangible assets consisting primarily of trademarks and trade names associated with specific products with finite lives, definite-lived distribution networks, patented technology, non-compete agreements, and customer relationships, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names that are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely. Significant estimates and assumptions were used to determine the initial fair value of these acquired intangible assets, including estimated future net sales, customer attrition rates, royalty rates, and discount rates. The current year increase in the gross carrying amounts for the acquired intangible assets was due primarily to the acquisitions of Distech Controls, Juno Lighting, Geometri and DGLogik (refer to the Acquisitions and Investments footnote), while decreases were due to the impairment of an indefinite-lived trade name and foreign currency translation adjustments. The Company recorded amortization expense of $21.4 , $11.0 , and $11.2 related to intangible assets with finite lives during fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Amortization expense is generally recorded on a straight-line basis and is expected to be approximately $23.0 in fiscal 2017 , $23.0 in fiscal 2018 , $23.0 in fiscal 2019 , $22.6 in fiscal 2020 , and $21.2 in fiscal 2021 . The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently as facts and circumstances change, as required by ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). The goodwill impairment test has three steps: a qualitative review and a two-step quantitative method. The preliminary step allows for a qualitative analysis to determine the likelihood of impairment. If the qualitative review results in a more likely than not probability of impairment, the first quantitative step is required. The first step identifies potential impairments by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The fair values can be determined based on a combination of valuation techniques including the expected present value of future cash flows, a market multiple approach, and a comparable transaction approach. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the second step calculates the possible impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying value. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded. In fiscal 2016 , a qualitative fair value analysis was used to determine the likelihood of goodwill impairment for the Company’s one reporting unit. The analysis for goodwill did not result in an impairment charge during fiscal 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . The impairment test for indefinite-lived trade names consists of comparing the fair value of the asset with its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair value of indefinite-lived trade names using a fair value model based on discounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment loss would be recorded in the amount of the excess. Significant assumptions, including estimated future net sales, royalty rates, and discount rates, are used in the determination of estimated fair value for indefinite-lived trade names. During fiscal 2016 , management began to rationalize the Company's portfolio of brands, resulting in the initiation of the phase out of one of the trade names. The Company recognized an impairment charge of $5.1 related to this trade name and concluded the trade name is definite-lived. The impairment charge is included in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income . The indefinite-lived intangible asset analysis did not result in any other impairment charges, as the fair values exceeded the carrying values for each of the other trade names. None of the analyses for the indefinite-lived trade names resulted in an impairment charge during fiscal 2015 or 2014 . Other Long-Term Assets Other long-term assets consist of the following: August 31, 2016 2015 Deferred contract costs $ 8.3 $ 10.7 Capitalized software costs (1) 0.8 1.6 Investment in noncontrolling affiliate (2) 8.0 8.0 Other (3) 5.9 6.8 Total $ 23.0 $ 27.1 _______________________________________ (1) The Company recorded amortization expense related to capitalized software costs of $0.3 , $0.4 , and $0.4 in fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. (2) The Company holds an equity investment in an unconsolidated affiliate. This strategic investment represents less than a 20% ownership interest in the privately-held affiliate, and the Company does not maintain power over or control of the entity. The Company accounts for this investment using the cost method. Subsequent to fiscal 2016, this investment was sold resulting in the recognition of a gain. (3) Other - Amounts primarily include deferred debt issuance costs related to its revolving credit facility and company-owned life insurance investments. The Company maintains life insurance policies on 74 former employees primarily to satisfy obligations under certain deferred compensation plans. These company-owned life insurance policies are presented net of loans that are secured by these policies. This program is frozen and no new policies were issued in the three-year period ended August 31, 2016 . Other Long-Term Liabilities Other long-term liabilities consist of the following: August 31, 2016 2015 Deferred compensation and postretirement benefits other than pensions (1) $ 37.3 $ 34.1 Long-term warranty obligations 4.9 2.5 Unrecognized tax position liabilities, including interest (2) 6.1 5.2 Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal liabilities 3.9 0.2 Other (3) 6.8 9.2 Total $ 59.0 $ 51.2 _______________________________________ (1) Deferred compensation and postretirement benefits other than pensions — The Company maintains several non-qualified retirement plans for the benefit of eligible employees, primarily deferred compensation plans. The deferred compensation plans provide for elective deferrals of an eligible employee’s compensation and, in some cases, matching contributions by the Company. In addition, one plan provides for an automatic contribution by the Company of 3% of an eligible employee’s compensation. The Company maintains life insurance policies on certain current and former officers and other key employees as a means of satisfying a portion of these obligations. (2) See the Income Taxes footnote for more information. (3) Other - Amount primarily includes deferred revenue and deferred rent. Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in Net Sales . Shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight and freight between manufacturing facilities and distribution centers are generally recorded in Cost of Products Sold . Other shipping and handling costs are included in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses and totaled $124.0 , $105.6 , and $100.9 in fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Share-Based Compensation The Company recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions in the financial statements based on the estimated fair value of the equity or liability instrument issued. The Company accounts for stock options, restricted shares, and share units representing certain deferrals into the Director Deferred Compensation Plan or the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan (both of which are discussed further in the Share-Based Payments footnote) based on the grant-date fair value estimated under the current provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). Share-based expense includes expense related to restricted stock and options issued, as well as share units deferred into the Director Deferred Compensation Plan. The Company recorded $27.7 , $18.2 , and $17.7 of share-based expense for the years ending August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized for share-based compensation arrangements was $9.6 , $6.4 , and $6.0 for the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. The Company accounts for any awards with graded vesting on a straight-line basis. Additionally, forfeitures of share-based awards are estimated based on historical experience at the time of grant and are revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates. The Company did not capitalize any expense related to share-based payments and has recorded share-based expense, net of estimated forfeitures, in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses . Benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized share-based compensation cost are reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow, in the Company’s Statements of Cash Flows and amounted to $25.6 , $17.6 , and $10.4 for fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. See the Share-Based Payments footnote for more information. Depreciation For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is determined principally on a straight-line basis using estimated useful lives of plant and equipment ( 10 to 40 years for buildings and related improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment), while accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement. Depreciation expense amounted to $40.9 , $34.4 , and $31.8 during fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Research and Development Research and development (“R&D”) expense, which is expensed as incurred, consists of compensation, payroll taxes, employee benefits, materials, supplies, and other administrative costs, but does not include all new product development costs, and is included in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income . R&D expense amounted to $47.1 , $41.1 , and $35.3 during fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Advertising Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included within Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income . These costs totaled $18.4 , $12.0 , and $13.3 during fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. The increase during fiscal 2016 is primarily due to the impact of acquisitions. Service Arrangements with Customers The Company maintains a service program with one of its retail customers that affords the Company certain in-store benefits, including lighting display maintenance. Costs associated with this program totaled $7.0 , $6.6 , and $6.1 in fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. These costs have been included within Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income . Interest Expense, Net Interest expense, net , is comprised primarily of interest expense on long-term debt, revolving credit facility borrowings, and loans collateralized by assets related to a company-owned life insurance program, partially offset by interest income on cash and cash equivalents. The following table summarizes the components of interest expense, net: Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 Interest expense $ 33.3 $ 32.6 $ 32.6 Interest income (1.1 ) (1.1 ) (0.5 ) Interest expense, net $ 32.2 $ 31.5 $ 32.1 Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency for the foreign operations of the Company is the local currency. The translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate each month during the year. The gains or losses resulting from the balance sheet translation are included in Foreign currency translation adjustments in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and are excluded from net income. Miscellaneous Expense (Income), Net Miscellaneous expense (income), net , is composed primarily of gains or losses on foreign currency items and other non-operating items. Gains or losses relating to foreign currency items consisted of income of $0.8 in fiscal 2016 , expense of $0.7 in fiscal 2015 , and expense of $1.5 in fiscal 2014 . Income Taxes The Company is taxed at statutory corporate rates after adjusting income reported for financial statement purposes for certain items that are treated differently for income tax purposes. Deferred income tax expenses or benefits result from changes during the year in cumulative temporary differences between the tax basis and book basis of assets and liabilities. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income represents a measure of all changes in equity that result from recognized transactions and other economic events other than transactions with owners in their capacity as owners. Other comprehensive income for the Company includes foreign currency translation and pension adjustments. The following table presents the changes in each component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items , net of tax. Foreign Currency Items Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items Balance at August 31, 2015 $ (42.1 ) $ (68.3 ) $ (110.4 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (5.6 ) (28.7 ) (34.3 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 5.3 5.3 Net current-period other comprehensive loss (5.6 ) (23.4 ) (29.0 ) Balance at August 31, 2016 $ (47.7 ) $ (91.7 ) $ (139.4 ) The following table presents the tax (expense)/benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (expense). Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) or Benefit Net of Tax Amount Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) or Benefit Net of Tax Amount Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) or Benefit Net of Tax Amount Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments $ (5.6 ) $ — $ (5.6 ) $ (24.0 ) $ — $ (24.0 ) $ 0.7 $ — $ 0.7 Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Actuarial losses (42.2 ) 13.5 (28.7 ) (27.9 ) 10.7 (17.2 ) (18.2 ) 5.6 (12.6 ) Amortization of defined benefit pension items: Prior service cost (1) 3.1 (1.1 ) 2.0 1.4 (0.6 ) 0.8 0.8 (0.3 ) 0.5 Actuarial losses (1) 4.9 (1.6 ) 3.3 4.1 (2.2 ) 1.9 3.1 (1.0 ) 2.1 Total Defined Benefit Plans, net (34.2 ) 10.8 (23.4 ) (22.4 ) 7.9 (14.5 ) (14.3 ) 4.3 (10.0 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ (39.8 ) $ 10.8 $ (29.0 ) $ (46.4 ) $ 7.9 $ (38.5 ) $ (13.6 ) $ 4.3 $ (9.3 ) _______________________________________ (1) The before tax amount of these other comprehensive income components is included in net periodic pension cost. See the Pension and Defined Contribution Plans footnote for additional details.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2016 In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17"), requiring that all tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-17, which resulted in a reclassification of $23.1 from current deferred income taxes to noncurrent deferred income taxes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2015. Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , ("ASU 2016-09"), which will change certain aspects of accounting for share-based payments to employees. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard requires that all excess tax benefits and deficiencies currently recorded as additional paid in capital be prospectively recorded in income tax expense. As such, implementation of this standard could create volatility in the Company's effective income tax rate on a quarter by quarter basis. The volatility in the effective income tax rate is due primarily to fluctuations in the Company's stock price and the timing of stock option exercises and vesting of restricted share grants. The standard also requires excess tax benefits to be presented as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity. This element of the guidance may be applied retrospectively or prospectively. The Company intends to implement the standard as required in fiscal 2018. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , ("ASU 2016-02"), which requires lessees to include most leases on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2016-02. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments ("ASU 2015-16"), which simplifies the accounting for measurement-period adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2016. The provisions of ASU 2015-16 are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Customer's Accounting For Fees Paid In A Cloud Computing Arrangement (“ASU 2015-05”), which provides guidance for a customer's accounting for cloud computing costs. ASU 2015-05 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015. The provisions of ASU 2015-05 are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2014-09. All other newly issued accounting pronouncements not yet effective have been deemed either immaterial or not applicable.

Acquisitions and Investments

Acquisitions and Investments	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Investments	Acquisitions and Investments The Company does not consider acquisitions a critical element of its strategy but seeks opportunities for growth through acquisitions and investments. In recent years, the Company has acquired or made investments in a number of businesses that participate in the lighting, building management and related markets, including the businesses discussed below. The acquisitions and investments were made with the intent to further expand and complement the Company’s lighting and building management solutions portfolio. The purchased companies were fully incorporated into the Company’s operations. Fiscal 2016 Acquisitions DGLogik, Inc. On June 30, 2016, using cash on hand and treasury stock, the Company acquired DGLogik, Inc. ("DGLogik"), a provider of innovative software solutions that enable and visualize the Internet of Things. DGLogik's solutions provide users with the intelligence to better manage energy usage and improve facility performance. DGLogik is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Juno Lighting LLC On December 10, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired for approximately $380 all of the equity interests of Juno Lighting LLC ("Juno Lighting"), a leading provider of downlighting and track lighting fixtures for both residential and commercial applications. Juno Lighting is headquartered in Des Plaines, Illinois. At the time of acquisition, Juno Lighting generated annual revenues of approximately $250 (unaudited). Geometri LLC On December 9, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Geometri, LLC ("Geometri"), a provider of a software and services platform for mapping, navigation, and analytics. Distech Controls Inc. On September 1, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired for approximately $240 all of the outstanding capital stock of Distech Controls Inc. ("Distech Controls"), a provider of building automation solutions that allow for the integration of lighting, HVAC, access control, closed circuit television, and related systems. Distech Controls is headquartered in Quebec, Canada. At the time of acquisition, Distech Controls generated annual revenues of approximately $80 Canadian Dollars (unaudited). Accounting for Fiscal 2016 Acquisitions The operating results of these acquisitions have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the respective dates of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs were expensed as incurred. Preliminary amounts related to the acquisition accounting for these investments are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2016 . The aggregate consideration of these acquisitions was preliminarily allocated as follows: Consideration Cash paid, net of cash acquired $ 623.2 Shares issued from Treasury Stock 10.0 Total Purchase Price $ 633.2 Allocation Goodwill $ 381.5 Intangible assets: Customer-based 1 102.3 Marketing-related 2 42.3 Technology-based 3 39.3 Property and equipment 63.1 Other assets acquired 120.5 Deferred tax liabilities (58.3 ) Other liabilities assumed (57.5 ) $ 633.2 ______________________________ (1) Customer-based intangibles have useful lives between 12 and 20 years, with a weighted average amortization period of approximately 17 years. (2) Marketing-related intangibles are considered indefinite-lived. (3) Technology-based intangibles have useful lives between five and 10 years, with a weighted average amortization period of approximately 8 years. These amounts are deemed to be provisional until disclosed otherwise, as the Company continues to gather information related to the identification and valuation of intangible and other acquired assets and liabilities. These amounts are expected to change as the Company finalizes the allocation. Proforma results of operations have not been presented because the effects of these acquisitions, individually and in the aggregate, were not material to the Company's consolidated results of operations. The acquisitions represented less than 10% of net sales and pre-tax income on a proforma basis (assuming acquisition transactions were completed as of September 1, 2014) for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 (unaudited). Goodwill recognized in these acquisitions is comprised primarily of expected benefits related to expanding the Company’s solutions portfolio, including software and services, to provide a host of economic benefits resulting from data analytics that enables the Internet of Things (IoT) and supports the advancement of smart buildings, smart cities, and the smart grid as well as the trained workforce acquired with these businesses and expected synergies from combining the operations of the Company and the acquired businesses. Goodwill from these acquisitions totaling $6.0 is tax deductible. Fiscal 2015 Acquisition and Investment On April 15, 2015, using cash on hand, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of ByteLight, Inc. (“ByteLight”), a provider of indoor location software for light-emitting diode (“LED”) lighting. The operating results of ByteLight have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Management finalized the acquisition accounting for ByteLight during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 and the amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets . In addition, during fiscal 2015, the Company made a strategic, non-controlling investment in a company specializing in light sensory networks. This investment was accounted for using the cost method and is reflected in Other long term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets .

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The Company determines a fair value measurement based on the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("ASC 820"), establishes a three level hierarchy making a distinction between market participant assumptions based on (i) unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market (Level 1), (ii) quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (Level 2), and (iii) prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement (Level 3). The following table presents information about assets and liabilities required to be carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 : Fair Value Measurements as of: August 31, 2016 August 31, 2015 Level 1 Total Fair Value Level 1 Total Fair Value Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 413.2 $ 413.2 $ 756.8 $ 756.8 Other 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Liabilities: Other $ 0.5 $ 0.5 $ 0.5 $ 0.5 The Company utilizes valuation methodologies to determine the fair values of its financial assets and liabilities in conformity with the concepts of “exit price” and the fair value hierarchy as prescribed in ASC 820. All valuation methods and assumptions are validated at least quarterly to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the fair values. There were no material changes to the valuation methods or assumptions used to determine fair values during the current period. The Company used quoted market prices to determine the fair value of Level 1 assets and liabilities. No transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy occurred during the current fiscal period. In the event of a transfer in or out of a level within the fair value hierarchy, the transfers would be recognized on the date of occurrence. Disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments (whether or not recognized in the balance sheet), for which it is practicable to estimate that value, are required each reporting period in addition to any financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis as prescribed by ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows at August 31, 2016 and 2015 : August 31, 2016 August 31, 2015 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets: Investment in noncontrolling affiliate $ 8.0 $ 14.4 $ 8.0 $ 8.0 Liabilities: Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount and deferred costs $ 348.7 $ 388.8 $ 348.4 $ 386.4 Industrial revenue bond 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Bank Loans 2.5 2.6 — — Investment in noncontrolling affiliate represents a strategic investment accounted for using the cost method. The Company based the fair value of the investment on an offer by a third party to purchase the business. The sale transaction subsequently closed in October 2016. (Level 3). The senior unsecured public notes are carried at the outstanding balance, including bond discounts and deferred costs, as of the end of the reporting period. Fair value is estimated based on discounted future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity (Level 2). The industrial revenue bond is carried at the outstanding balance as of the end of the reporting period. The industrial revenue bond is a tax-exempt, variable-rate instrument that resets on a weekly basis; therefore, the Company estimates that the face amount of the bond approximates fair value as of August 31, 2016 based on bonds of similar terms and maturity (Level 2). The bank loans are carried at the outstanding balance as of the end of the reporting period. Fair value is estimate based on discounted future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity (Level 2). ASC 825 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value to the Company. In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. In evaluating the Company’s management of liquidity and other risks, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be taken into consideration, not only those presented above.

Pension and Defined Contributio

Pension and Defined Contribution Plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension and Defined Contribution Plans	Pension and Defined Contribution Plans Company-sponsored Pension Plans The Company has several pension plans, both qualified and non-qualified, covering certain hourly and salaried employees. Benefits paid under these plans are based generally on employees’ years of service and/or compensation during the final years of employment. The Company makes annual contributions to the plans to the extent indicated by actuarial valuations and statutory requirements. Plan assets are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities. The following tables reflect the status of the Company’s domestic (U.S.-based) and international pension plans at August 31, 2016 and 2015 : Domestic Plans International Plans August 31, August 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 192.2 $ 171.5 $ 49.8 $ 52.5 Service cost 3.6 3.1 0.1 0.1 Interest cost 8.0 6.8 1.7 1.8 Amendments — 10.5 — — Actuarial loss 27.5 7.6 17.9 0.5 Benefits paid (8.3 ) (7.3 ) (3.6 ) (1.0 ) Other — — (8.6 ) (4.1 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 223.0 192.2 57.3 49.8 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 123.9 $ 122.5 $ 32.6 $ 35.2 Actual return on plan assets 7.9 0.7 5.2 (0.1 ) Employer contributions 5.3 8.0 1.1 1.1 Benefits paid (8.3 ) (7.3 ) (3.6 ) (1.0 ) Other — — (5.0 ) (2.6 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 128.8 123.9 30.3 32.6 Funded status at the end of year $ (94.2 ) $ (68.3 ) $ (27.0 ) $ (17.2 ) Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of: Current liabilities $ (1.3 ) $ (1.5 ) $ — $ (0.1 ) Non-current liabilities (92.9 ) (66.8 ) (27.0 ) (17.1 ) Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets $ (94.2 ) $ (68.3 ) $ (27.0 ) $ (17.2 ) Accumulated Benefit Obligation $ 220.4 $ 189.2 $ 57.3 $ 49.8 Pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income: Prior service cost $ (10.8 ) $ (13.9 ) $ — $ — Net actuarial loss (96.9 ) (71.1 ) (28.2 ) (19.4 ) Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income $ (107.7 ) $ (85.0 ) $ (28.2 ) $ (19.4 ) Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated comprehensive income over the next fiscal year: Prior service cost $ 3.1 $ 3.1 $ — $ — Net actuarial loss 5.3 3.1 3.7 2.9 During fiscal 2015, the domestic plans recognized $10.5 related to the following amendments to the Acuity Brands, Inc. 2002 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan: • An incremental benefit was added for participants who were actively employed by the Company on June 26, 2015 (or who first become a participant on or after June 26, 2015). The incremental benefit provides a monthly benefit for 180 months commencing at age 60 equal to 1.4% of the participant's "average annual compensation" multiplied by his years of credited service not to exceed 10 years, divided by 12. Participants may elect to receive the actuarial equivalent of the incremental benefit in the form of a lump sum cash payment. • The definition of actuarial equivalent (with respect to accrued benefits other than the participant’s vested accrued benefit as of December 31, 2004) was changed. Prior to the amendment, the definition of actuarial equivalent used an interest rate equal to the lesser of 7% per annum or the yield on 10-Year U.S. Treasury Bonds plus 1.50% ; after the amendment, an interest rate equal to the lesser of 2.5% per annum or the yield on 10-Year U.S. Treasury Bonds will be used. • Upon the occurrence of a Section 409A change in control event (as defined in the SERP), the SERP shall be terminated consistent with the requirements of Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix)(B), and the Company shall, within five (5) days of such an event, pay to each participant a lump sum cash payment equal to the lump sum actuarial equivalent of the participant’s accrued benefit as of such date. Components of net periodic pension cost for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 included the following: Domestic Plans International Plans 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Service cost $ 3.6 $ 3.1 $ 2.4 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 Interest cost 8.0 6.8 7.0 1.7 1.8 1.9 Expected return on plan assets (9.2 ) (9.2 ) (8.0 ) (1.9 ) (1.8 ) (2.0 ) Amortization of prior service cost 3.1 1.4 0.8 — — — Settlement — — — — — (0.1 ) Recognized actuarial loss 3.0 2.2 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.1 Net periodic pension cost $ 8.5 $ 4.3 $ 4.2 $ 1.8 $ 2.0 $ 1.0 Weighted average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligation are as follows: Domestic Plans International Plans 2016 2015 2016 2015 Discount rate 3.2 % 4.3 % 2.1 % 3.7 % Rate of compensation increase 5.5 % 5.5 % 2.8 % 3.1 % Weighted average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Domestic Plans International Plans 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.3 % 4.0 % 4.8 % 2.1 % 3.6 % 4.5 % Expected return on plan assets 7.5 % 7.5 % 7.5 % 6.5 % 5.6 % 6.2 % Rate of compensation increase 5.5 % 5.5 % 5.5 % 2.8 % 3.1 % 3.3 % It is the Company’s policy to adjust, on an annual basis, the discount rate used to determine the projected benefit obligation to approximate rates on high-quality, long-term obligations based on the Company’s estimated benefit payments available as of the measurement date. The Company uses a publicly published yield curve to assist in the development of its discount rates. The Company estimates that each 100 basis point increase in the discount rate would result in reduced net periodic pension cost of approximately $1.2 and $1.6 for domestic plans and international plans, respectively. The expected return on plan assets is derived from a periodic study of long-term historical rates of return on the various asset classes included in the Company’s targeted pension plan asset allocation. The Company estimates that each 100 basis point reduction in the expected return on plan assets would result in additional net periodic pension cost of $1.3 and $0.3 for domestic plans and international plans, respectively. The rate of compensation increase is also evaluated and is adjusted by the Company, if necessary, annually. The Company’s investment objective for domestic plan assets is to earn a rate of return sufficient to match or exceed the long-term growth of the plans’ liabilities without subjecting plan assets to undue risk. The plan assets are invested primarily in high quality equity and debt securities. The Company conducts a periodic strategic asset allocation study to form a basis for the allocation of pension assets between various asset categories. Specific allocation percentages are assigned to each asset category with minimum and maximum ranges established for each. The assets are then managed within these ranges. During fiscal 2016 , the U.S. targeted asset allocation was 55% equity securities, 40% fixed income securities, and 5% real estate securities. The Company’s investment objective for the international plan assets is also to add value by matching or exceeding the long-term growth of the plans’ liabilities. During fiscal 2016 , the international asset target allocation approximated 60% equity securities, 25% fixed income securities, 10% multi-strategy funds, and 5% real estate securities. The Company’s pension plan asset allocation at August 31, 2016 and 2015 by asset category is as follows: % of Plan Assets Domestic Plans International Plans 2016 2015 2016 2015 Equity securities 55.4 % 55.8 % 61.1 % 64.1 % Fixed income securities 39.1 % 39.1 % 25.0 % 21.5 % Multi-strategy investments — % — % 8.9 % 9.5 % Real estate 5.5 % 5.1 % 5.0 % 4.9 % Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % The Company’s pension plan assets are stated at fair value from quoted market prices in an active market, quoted redemption values, or estimates based on reasonable assumptions as of the most recent measurement period. See the Fair Value Measurements footnote for a description of the fair value guidance. No transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy occurred during the current fiscal period. In the event of a transfer in or out of a level within the fair value hierarchy, the transfers would be recognized on the date of occurrence. The following tables present the fair value of the domestic pension plan assets by major category as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 : Fair Value Measurements Fair Value as of Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets August 31, 2016 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Mutual Funds: Domestic large cap equity fund $ 46.5 $ 46.5 $ — $ — Foreign equity fund 12.3 12.3 — — Real Estate Fund 7.1 — — 7.1 Short-Term Fixed Income Investments 6.2 6.2 — — Fixed-Income Investments 44.2 — 44.2 — Collective Trust: Domestic small cap equities 12.5 — 12.5 — $ 128.8 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value as of Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets August 31, 2015 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Mutual Funds: Domestic large cap equity fund $ 44.9 $ 44.9 $ — $ — Foreign equity fund 11.9 11.9 — — Real Estate Fund 6.3 — — 6.3 Short-Term Fixed Income Investments 6.6 6.6 — — Fixed-Income Investments 41.8 — 41.8 — Collective Trust: Domestic small cap equities 12.4 — 12.4 — $ 123.9 The following tables present the fair value of the international pension plan assets by major category as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 : Fair Value Measurements Fair Value as of Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets August 31, 2016 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Equity Securities $ 18.5 $ — $ 18.5 $ — Short-Term Investments 0.5 0.5 — — Real Estate Fund 1.5 — — 1.5 Multi-Strategy Investments 2.7 — 2.7 — Fixed-Income Investments 7.1 — 7.1 — $ 30.3 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value as of Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets August 31, 2015 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Equity Securities $ 20.9 $ — $ 20.9 $ — Real Estate Fund 1.6 — — 1.6 Multi-Strategy Investments 3.1 — 3.1 — Fixed-Income Investments 7.0 — 7.0 — $ 32.6 Publicly-traded securities are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the period. Investments traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on the last day of the period are valued at the last reported bid price. Investments in real estate are stated at estimated fair values based on the fund management’s valuations and upon appraisal reports prepared periodically by independent real estate appraisers. These investments are classified as Level 3 assets within the fair value hierarchy. The purpose of the appraisal is to estimate the fair value of the real estate as of a specific date based on the most probable price for which the appraised real estate will sell in a competitive market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale. Estimated fair value is based on (i) discounted cash flows using certain market assumptions, including holding period, discount rates, capitalization rates, rent and expense growth rates, future capital expenditures and the ultimate sale of the property at the end of the holding period; (ii) direct capitalization method; or (iii) comparable sales method. The tables below present a rollforward of the domestic and international pension plans’ Level 3 assets for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 : Domestic Real Estate Fund Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 Balance, beginning of year $ 6.3 $ 5.6 Net unrealized gain relating to instruments still held at the reporting date 0.5 0.5 Shares purchased, including from dividend reinvestment 0.3 0.2 Balance, end of year $ 7.1 $ 6.3 International Real Estate Fund Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 Balance, beginning of year $ 1.6 $ 1.7 Net unrealized loss relating to instruments still held at the reporting date (0.1 ) (0.1 ) Balance, end of year $ 1.5 $ 1.6 The Company expects to contribute approximately $2.3 and $1.0 during fiscal 2017 to its domestic and international defined benefit plans, respectively. These amounts are based on the total contributions required during fiscal 2017 to satisfy current legal minimum funding requirements for qualified plans and estimated benefit payments for non-qualified plans. Benefit payments are made primarily from funded benefit plan trusts. Benefit payments are expected to be paid as follows for the years ending August 31: Domestic Plans International Plans 2017 $ 7.9 $ 3.3 2018 8.1 3.4 2019 8.3 3.5 2020 8.5 3.6 2021 11.9 3.7 2022-2026 69.0 20.0 Multi-employer Pension Plans The Company contributes to three multi-employer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective-bargaining agreements that cover certain of its union-represented employees. The risks of participating in these multi-employer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following aspects: • Assets contributed to the multi-employer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers. • If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be shared by the remaining participating employers. • If a participating employer chooses to stop participating in some of its multi-employer plans, the employer may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability. The Company’s contributions to these plans were $0.7 , $0.5 , and $0.4 for the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. During fiscal 2016 as a result of closing a facility, the Company withdrew from one of these multi-employer pension plans and incurred a withdrawal liability of $3.9 . Defined Contribution Plans The Company also has defined contribution plans to which both employees and the Company make contributions. The cost to the Company for these plans was $6.9 , $5.6 , and $5.3 for the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Employer matching amounts are allocated in accordance with the participants’ investment elections for elective deferrals. At August 31, 2016 , assets of the domestic defined contribution plans included shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of approximately $22.3 , which represented approximately 7.3% of the total fair market value of the assets in the Company’s domestic defined contribution plans.

Debt and Lines of Credit

Debt and Lines of Credit	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt and Lines of Credit	Debt and Lines of Credit Debt The Company’s debt at August 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: August 31, 2016 2015 Senior unsecured public notes due December 2019, principal $ 350.0 $ 350.0 Senior unsecured public notes due December 2019, unamortized discount and deferred costs (1.3 ) (1.6 ) Industrial revenue bond due 2021 4.0 4.0 Bank loans 2.5 — Total debt outstanding $ 355.2 $ 352.4 Future principal payments of long-term debt are $0.2 , $0.3 , $0.3 , $350.3 , $4.3 , and $1.1 in fiscal 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , and after 2021 , respectively. On December 1, 2009, the Company announced a private offering by ABL, Acuity Brands’ wholly-owned principal operating subsidiary, of $350.0 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due in fiscal 2020 (the “Notes”). The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Acuity Brands and ABL IP Holding LLC (“ABL IP Holding”, and, together with Acuity Brands, the “Guarantors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acuity Brands. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of ABL and rank equally in right of payment with all of ABL’s existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The guarantees of Acuity Brands and ABL IP Holding are senior unsecured obligations of Acuity Brands and ABL IP Holding and rank equally in right of payment with their other senior unsecured indebtedness. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum and were issued at a price equal to 99.797% of their face value and for a term of 10 years . Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. Additionally, the Company capitalized $3.1 of deferred issuance costs related to the Notes that are being amortized over the 10 -year term of the Notes. In accordance with the registration rights agreement by and between ABL and the Guarantors and the initial purchasers of the Notes, ABL and the Guarantors filed a registration statement with the SEC for an offer to exchange the Notes for SEC-registered notes with substantially identical terms. The registration became effective on August 17, 2010, and all of the Notes were exchanged. The $4.0 industrial revenue bond matures in 2021. The interest rate on the $4.0 bond was approximately 0.7% at August 31, 2016 and 0.1% at August 31, 2015 . The Company also had $2.5 outstanding under fixed-rate bank loans executed during fiscal 2016. These loans have interest rates between 0.8% and 2.0% and mature over seven to 12 years, subject to monthly or quarterly repayment schedules. Lines of Credit On August 27, 2014, the Company executed a $250.0 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility replaced the Company’s prior $250.0 revolving credit facility (the “prior facility”), which was scheduled to mature on January 31, 2017. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable on August 27, 2019. The Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants, including a minimum interest coverage ratio (“Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio”) and a leverage ratio (“Maximum Leverage Ratio”) of total indebtedness to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense), as such terms are defined in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement. These ratios are computed at the end of each fiscal quarter for the most recent 12-month period. The Revolving Credit Facility allows for a Maximum Leverage Ratio of 3.50 and a Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.50 , subject to certain conditions defined in the financing agreement. Generally, amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a “Eurocurrency Rate”. Eurocurrency rate advances can be denominated in a variety of currencies, including U.S. dollars, and amounts outstanding bear interest at a periodic fixed rate equal to the London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for the applicable currency plus a margin as determined by the Company's leverage ratio (“Applicable Margin”). The Applicable Margin is based on the Company’s leverage ratio, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, with such margin ranging from 1.000% to 1.575% . Additionally, the Company is required to pay certain fees in connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, including administrative service fees and an annual facility fee. The annual facility fee is payable quarterly in arrears and is determined by the Company’s leverage ratio as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility. This facility fee ranges from 0.125% to 0.300% of the aggregate $250.0 commitment of the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company was compliant with all financial covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility as of August 31, 2016 . As of August 31, 2016 , the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $11.0 , primarily for securing collateral requirements under the Company's casualty insurance programs and providing credit support for the Company’s industrial revenue bond (not an outstanding amount under the Revolving Credit Facility). At August 31, 2016 , the Company had additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility of $243.9 under the most restrictive covenant in effect at the time, which represents the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility less outstanding letters of credit of $6.1 issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. None of the Company’s existing debt instruments include provisions that would require an acceleration of repayments based solely on changes in the Company’s credit ratings.

Common Stock and Related Matter

Common Stock and Related Matters	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Common Stock and Related Matters [Abstract]
Common Stock and Related Matters	Common Stock and Related Matters (share data presented in whole units except where otherwise indicated) Common Stock Changes in common stock for the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 were as follows: Common Stock Shares Amount (Amounts and shares in millions) (At par) Balance at August 31, 2013 52.2 $ 0.5 Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures 0.2 — Stock options exercised 0.2 — Balance at August 31, 2014 52.6 $ 0.5 Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures 0.2 — Stock options exercised 0.2 — Balance at August 31, 2015 53.0 $ 0.5 Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures 0.1 — Stock options exercised 0.3 — Balance at August 31, 2016 53.4 $ 0.5 As of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had 9.7 million repurchased shares recorded as treasury stock at an original repurchase cost of $418.6 and $420.2 . In September 2011, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of two million shares of the Company's outstanding common stock. No shares have been repurchased under this plan. Preferred Stock The Company has 50 million shares of preferred stock authorized. No shares of preferred stock were issued in fiscal 2016 or 2015 and no shares of preferred stock are outstanding. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which has been modified to include the effects of all participating securities (unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends) as prescribed by the two-class method under ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”), during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly but reflects the potential dilution that would occur if dilutive options were exercised and restricted stock awards were vested. Stock options of approximately 40,000 and 44,000 were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, as the effect of inclusion would have been antidilutive. Approximately 4,000 and 26,000 shares of restricted stock were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 : Years Ended August 31, (Amounts and shares in millions, except earnings per share) 2016 2015 2014 Basic Earnings per Share: Net income $ 290.8 $ 222.1 $ 175.8 Less: Income attributable to participating securities (0.4 ) (1.0 ) (1.6 ) Net income available to common shareholders $ 290.4 $ 221.1 $ 174.2 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 43.5 43.1 42.8 Basic earnings per share $ 6.67 $ 5.13 $ 4.07 Diluted Earnings per Share: Net income $ 290.8 $ 222.1 $ 175.8 Less: Income attributable to participating securities (0.4 ) (1.0 ) (1.6 ) Net income available to common shareholders $ 290.4 $ 221.1 $ 174.2 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 43.5 43.1 42.8 Common stock equivalents 0.3 0.3 0.2 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 43.8 43.4 43.0 Diluted earnings per share $ 6.63 $ 5.09 $ 4.05

Share-Based Payments

Share-Based Payments	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-Based Payments	Share-Based Payments (share data presented in whole units except where otherwise indicated) Omnibus Stock Compensation Incentive and Directors’ Equity Plans In January 2013, the Company’s stockholders approved the Acuity Brands, Inc. 2012 Omnibus Stock Compensation Incentive Plan (“2012 Plan”) to replace the Amended and Restated 2007 Acuity Brands, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan (“2007 Plan”). An aggregate of 2.3 million shares are authorized for issuance under the new plan including 1.9 million previously issuable shares under the 2007 Plan and 400,000 newly authorized shares. In addition, 1.7 million shares that were previously approved by the Company’s stockholders and that are subject to outstanding awards granted under the 2007 Plan are issuable under the 2012 Plan. Shares available for grant under all plans were approximately 1.6 million , 1.8 million , and 2.1 million at August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Forfeited shares are returned to the pool of shares available for grant. Restricted Stock Awards As of August 31, 2016 , the Company had approximately 444,000 shares outstanding of restricted stock to officers, directors, and other key employees under the 2012 Plan, including restricted stock units granted to foreign employees. The shares vest primarily over a four -year period and are valued at the closing stock price on the date of the grant. Compensation expense recognized related to the awards under the equity incentive plans was $23.7 , $14.8 , and $14.2 in fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Activity related to restricted stock awards during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 was as follows: Number of Shares (in millions) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Outstanding at August 31, 2015 0.5 $ 116.02 Granted 0.2 $ 209.49 Vested (0.2) $ 94.19 Forfeited (0.1) $ 182.42 Outstanding at August 31, 2016 0.4 $ 159.50 As of August 31, 2016 , there was $52.6 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , was approximately $18.8 , $14.3 , and $13.0 , respectively. Stock Options As of August 31, 2016 , the Company had approximately 258,000 options outstanding to officers and other key employees under the 2012 Plan. Options issued under the 2012 Plan are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant (but never less than the fair market value on the grant date) and expire 10 years from the date of grant. These options generally vest and become exercisable over a three -year period. The stock options granted under the Directors’ Plan vested and became exercisable one year from the date of grant. Options under the Directors' Plan have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant and expire 10 years from that date. As of August 31, 2016 , there were no options outstanding under the Director’s Plan. Compensation expense recognized related to the awards under the current and prior equity incentive plans was $2.9 , $2.4 , and $2.4 in fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. There was no expense related to the director plan in fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 . The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The dividend yield was calculated based on annual dividends paid and the trailing 12-month average closing stock price at the time of grant. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock, calculated using the most recent time period equal to the expected life of the options. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield for a term equal to the expected life of the options at the time of grant. The Company used historical exercise behavior data of similar employee groups to determine the expected life of options. All inputs into the Black-Scholes model are estimates made at the time of grant. Actual realized value of each option grant could materially differ from these estimates, without impact to future reported net income. The following weighted average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted in the fiscal years ended August 31: 2016 2015 2014 Dividend yield 0.3% 0.4% 0.7% Expected volatility 30.7% 33.9% 38.4% Risk-free interest rate 1.4% 1.5% 1.3% Expected life of options 4 years 4 years 5 years Weighted-average fair value of options $52.83 $37.43 $34.37 Stock option activity during the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was as follows: Outstanding Exercisable Number of Shares (in millions) Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Shares (in millions) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at August 31, 2013 0.8 $43.16 0.5 $38.00 Granted 0.1 $103.74 Exercised (0.2) $40.31 Outstanding at August 31, 2014 0.7 $50.58 0.5 $41.05 Granted 0.1 $135.63 Exercised (0.3) $39.35 Outstanding at August 31, 2015 0.5 $71.95 0.3 $51.05 Granted 0.1 $207.80 Exercised (0.3) $51.34 Outstanding at August 31, 2016 0.3 $129.85 0.1 $83.89 Range of option exercise prices: $40.00 - $100.00 (average life - 5.9 years) 0.1 $61.59 0.1 $61.59 $100.01 - $160.00 (average life - 7.7 years) 0.1 $121.45 — * $114.81 $160.01 - $210.00 (average life - 9.2 years) 0.1 $207.80 — $— _______________________________________ * Represents shares of less than 0.1. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was $50.0 , $33.3 , and $16.3 , respectively. As of August 31, 2016 , the total intrinsic value of options outstanding was $37.5 , the total intrinsic value of options expected to vest was $37.3 , and the total intrinsic value of options exercisable was $21.9 . As of August 31, 2016 , there was $3.8 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.4 years. Employee Deferred Share Units The Company previously allowed employees to defer a portion of restricted stock awards granted in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004 into the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan (“SDSP”) as share units. The share units are payable in shares of stock at the time of distribution from the SDSP. As of August 31, 2016 , approximately 10,000 fully vested share units remain deferred, but undistributed, under the 2012 Plan. There was no compensation expense related to these share units during fiscal years 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 . Director Deferred Share Units The Company previously required its Directors to defer at least 50% of their annual retainer into the 2006 Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan ("2006 Plan"). Shares deferred under the 2006 Plan are to be paid in shares at retirement from the Board. In January 2012, the Company's stockholders approved the 2011 Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan ("2011 Plan"), following the expiration of the 2006 Plan on November 30, 2011. Pursuant to the 2011 Plan, fees deferred by nonemployee directors can be invested in deferred stock units to be paid in shares or credited to an interest-bearing account to be paid in cash at retirement from the Board. 300,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan, which incorporated approximately 86,000 shares previously available for grant under the 2006 Plan. Beginning in fiscal year 2013, the deferral requirement was adjusted to 55% of the annual director fees. On September 28, 2012, the 2011 Plan was amended to allow for stock grants in lieu of mandatory deferrals for the non-cash component of a nonemployee director's annual fee if a director exceeds the stock ownership requirement of five-times the annual cash retainer fee. Shares available for issuance under both plans were approximately 400,000 at August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 . As of August 31, 2016 , approximately 130,000 share units were deferred, but undistributed, under the 2006 Plan and the 2011 Plan. Compensation expense recognized related to the share units under these plans was $1.1 million , $1.0 million , and $0.8 million in fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employees are able to purchase, through payroll deduction, common stock at a 5% discount on a monthly basis. There were 1.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for purchase under the plan, of which approximately 1.0 million shares remain available as of August 31, 2016 . Employees may participate at their discretion.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Self-Insurance It is the policy of the Company to self-insure — up to certain limits — traditional risks, including workers’ compensation, comprehensive general liability, and auto liability. The Company’s self-insured retention for each claim involving workers’ compensation, comprehensive general liability (including product liability claims), and auto liability is limited per occurrence of such claims. A provision for claims under this self-insured program, based on the Company’s estimate of the aggregate liability for claims incurred, is revised and recorded annually. The estimate is derived from both internal and external sources including, but not limited to, the Company’s independent actuary. The Company is also self-insured up to certain limits for certain other insurable risks, primarily physical loss to property and business interruptions resulting from such loss lasting two days or more in duration. Insurance coverage is maintained for catastrophic property and casualty exposures, as well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract. The Company is fully self-insured for certain other types of liabilities, including environmental, product recall, warranty, and patent infringement. The actuarial estimates are subject to uncertainty from various sources including, among others, changes in claim reporting patterns, claim settlement patterns, judicial decisions, legislation, and economic conditions. Although the Company believes that the actuarial estimates are reasonable, significant differences related to the items noted above could materially affect the Company’s self-insurance obligations, future expense, and cash flow. The Company is also self-insured for the majority of its medical benefit plans up to certain limits. The Company estimates its aggregate liability for claims incurred by applying a lag factor to the Company’s historical claims and administrative cost experience. The appropriateness of the Company’s lag factor is evaluated and revised annually, as necessary. Leases The Company leases certain of its buildings and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. Future minimum annual lease payments under noncancelable leases are $15.1 , $12.1 , $9.6 , $7.5 , $5.7 , and $10.2 for fiscal 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , and after 2021 , respectively. Total rent expense was $17.6 , $16.0 , and $16.5 in fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Purchase Obligations The Company has incurred purchase obligations in the ordinary course of business that are enforceable and legally binding. Obligations for years subsequent to August 31, 2016 include $193.8 in fiscal 2017 and $4.8 in fiscal 2018 . As of August 31, 2016 , the Company had no purchase obligations extending beyond August 31, 2018 . Collective Bargaining Agreements Approximately 73% of the Company’s total work force is covered by collective bargaining agreements. Collective bargaining agreements representing approximately 69% of the Company’s work force will expire within one year. Litigation The Company is subject to various legal claims arising in the normal course of business, including patent infringement and product recall claims. Based on information currently available, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of pending and threatened legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of any such matters, if unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company in future periods. The Company establishes reserves for legal claims when associated costs become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be substantially higher than the amounts reserved for such claims. However, the Company cannot make a meaningful estimate of actual costs to be incurred that could possibly be higher or lower than the amounts reserved. Environmental Matters The operations of the Company are subject to numerous comprehensive laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous substances, as well as solid and hazardous wastes, and to the remediation of contaminated sites. In addition, permits and environmental controls are required for certain of the Company’s operations to limit air and water pollution, and these permits are subject to modification, renewal, and revocation by issuing authorities. On an ongoing basis, the Company invests capital and incurs operating costs relating to environmental compliance. Environmental laws and regulations have generally become stricter in recent years. The Company is not aware of any pending legislation or proposed regulation related to environmental issues that would have a material adverse effect on the Company. The cost of responding to future changes may be substantial. The Company establishes reserves for known environmental claims when the associated costs become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual cost of environmental issues may be substantially higher than that reserved due to difficulty in estimating such costs. Guarantees and Indemnities The Company is a party to contracts entered into in the normal course of business in which it is common for the Company to agree to indemnify third parties for certain liabilities that may arise out of or relate to the subject matter of the contract. In most cases, the Company cannot estimate the potential amount of future payments under these indemnities until events arise that would result in a liability under the indemnities. Acquisition-Related Liabilities During the negotiations related to business combinations, the previous owners of the acquired entity (“acquiree”) typically indemnify the Company for specific unrecognized liabilities of the acquiree in existence as of the date of acquisition. For some acquisitions of businesses, the Company acts in the place of escrow agents in the holding of funds, including accrued interest (collectively, the “holdback funds”), used to fulfill pre-acquisition obligations agreed to be paid by the acquiree. These funds represent consideration given to the previous owners of the businesses acquired and are payable to them, net of any pre-acquisition obligations satisfied within a stated amount of time, at a future date. Any potential pre-acquisition obligations for which the Company may be reimbursed through the holdback funds are usually uncertain as of the date of the change of control. In certain circumstances, the Company is capable of the identification and quantification of particular liabilities including, but not limited to, uncertain tax positions, legal issues, and other outstanding obligations not recognized in the financial statements of the acquired entity. Under ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations , these unrecognized liabilities are recorded as obligations of the Company with a corresponding receivable due from the previous owners as of the date of acquisition and are included as part of the acquisition accounting. The actual costs of resolving pre-acquisition obligations may be substantially higher than the holdback funds or amounts reserved. The Company does not believe that any amounts it is likely to be required to pay under these acquisition-related liabilities, including net holdback funds, will be material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flow. Product Warranty and Recall Costs The Company records an allowance for the estimated amount of future warranty costs when the related revenue is recognized. Estimated costs related to product recalls based on a formal campaign soliciting repair or return of that product are accrued when they are deemed to be probable and can be reasonably estimated. Estimated future warranty and recall costs are primarily based on historical experience of identified warranty and recall claims. However, there can be no assurance that future warranty or recall costs will not exceed historical amounts or new technology products, which may include extended warranties, may not generate unexpected costs. If actual future warranty or recall costs exceed historical amounts, additional allowances may be required, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and cash flow. The changes in product warranty and recall reserves (included in Other accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 are summarized as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Balance at September 1 $ 9.6 $ 8.5 $ 5.9 Warranty and recall costs 25.7 16.1 19.5 Payments and other deductions (20.8 ) (15.0 ) (16.9 ) Acquired warranty and recall liabilities 1.0 — — Balance at August 31 $ 15.5 $ 9.6 $ 8.5 Trade Compliance Matters Prior to the close of the acquisition, Distech Controls discovered shipments by it and its subsidiaries during the past five years of standard commercial building control products directly or indirectly to customers in a country that may constitute violations of U.S. and Canadian sanctions or export regulations, including those administered by the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”) and the Export Controls Division of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development ("DFATD"). Distech Controls estimates that it received total revenue of approximately $0.3 from these shipments. Distech Controls has voluntarily self-reported the potential violations to OFAC and DFATD and retained outside counsel that conducted an investigation of the matter and filed a full voluntary disclosure with these agencies. Now that the Company has acquired Distech Controls, the Company has greater access to information regarding Distech Controls’ prior operations and will continue to assess the matter and implement related ongoing compliance and remediation efforts. The Company intends to fully cooperate with respect to any investigations by governmental agencies of the potential violations. The former shareholders of Distech Controls have jointly agreed to indemnify the Company for damages, if any, as a result of, in respect of, connected with or arising out of the potential violations or any inaccuracy or breach of the representations made by Distech Controls to the Company related thereto, up to a specified aggregate amount, which is not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. These indemnity obligations are supported by an escrow account containing proceeds from the transaction equal to the specified aggregate amount. The Company currently believes that this indemnity will be sufficient to cover any damages related to the potential violations and the costs and expenses related to the investigation thereof and any related remedial actions. The Company therefore does not expect this matter to have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, cash flow, or results of operations of the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that actual damages, costs and expenses will not be in excess of the indemnity or that the Company and its affiliates will not be subject to other damages, including but not limited to damage to the Company's reputation or monetary or non-monetary penalties as permitted under applicable trade laws, that may not be fully covered by the indemnity. Estimated liabilities for legal fees as well as potential fines or penalties related to this matter are included in Other accrued liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company discovered through a review of shipment activity that it misclassified certain shipments of component parts to its manufacturing facilities under applicable import/export regulations. Although no claim has been asserted against the Company, the Company is reviewing these shipments to determine the extent of any liabilities and the extent of available remedial measures. The Company is unable at this time to determine the likelihood or amount of any loss associated with the misclassification of these shipments.

Special Charge

Special Charge	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Special Charge	Special Charge During fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded a pre-tax special charge consisting primarily of severance and employee-related costs, for actions initiated to streamline the organization, including the integration of recent acquisitions. These streamlining activities include the consolidation of selected production activities and realignment of certain responsibilities, primarily within various selling, distribution, and administrative departments. The Company expects that these actions to streamline its business activities, in addition to those taken in previous fiscal years, will allow it to reduce spending in certain areas while permitting continued investment in future growth initiatives, such as new products, expanded market presence, and technology and innovation. The details of the special charges during the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized as follows: Year ended August 31, 2016 2015 Severance and employee-related costs $ 9.9 $ 11.4 Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal costs 3.9 — Production transfer costs 1.2 0.5 Lease termination costs — 0.5 Special charge $ 15.0 $ 12.4 As of August 31, 2016 , remaining reserves were $6.6 and are included in Accrued Compensation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . The changes in the reserves related to these programs during the year ended August 31, 2016 are summarized as follows: Fiscal 2016 Actions Fiscal 2015 Actions Total Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ — $ 4.9 $ 4.9 Severance and employee-related costs 10.4 (0.5 ) 9.9 Payments made during the period (4.0 ) (4.2 ) (8.2 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 6.4 $ 0.2 $ 6.6

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach as prescribed by ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and the tax basis of an asset or liability. The provision for income taxes consists of the following components: Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 Provision for current federal taxes $ 139.6 $ 101.5 $ 77.1 Provision for current state taxes 17.6 13.1 9.0 Provision for current foreign taxes 5.1 4.3 4.3 (Benefit) provision for deferred taxes (8.5 ) 2.6 (0.5 ) Total provision for income taxes $ 153.8 $ 121.5 $ 89.9 A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the total provision for income taxes is as follows: Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 Federal income tax computed at statutory rate $ 155.6 $ 120.3 $ 93.0 State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit 11.0 8.6 6.7 Foreign permanent differences and rate differential (2.0 ) (1.4 ) (1.0 ) Other, net (10.8 ) (6.0 ) (8.8 ) Total provision for income taxes $ 153.8 $ 121.5 $ 89.9 Components of the net deferred income tax liabilities at August 31, 2016 and 2015 include: August 31, 2016 2015 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities: Depreciation $ (22.5 ) $ (9.6 ) Goodwill and intangibles (161.6 ) (105.1 ) Other liabilities (3.7 ) (4.2 ) Total deferred income tax liabilities (187.8 ) (118.9 ) Deferred Income Tax Assets: Self-insurance 4.0 3.9 Pension 41.7 29.2 Deferred compensation 28.9 27.5 Net operating losses 14.3 15.7 Other accruals not yet deductible 33.5 18.8 Other assets 12.3 10.6 Total deferred income tax assets 134.7 105.7 Valuation Allowance (16.4 ) (15.0 ) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (69.5 ) $ (28.2 ) The Company currently intends to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of and original investments in foreign subsidiaries, which amounted to approximately $83.2 at August 31, 2016 ; however, this amount could fluctuate due to changes in business, economic, or other conditions. Earnings is the most significant component of the basis difference which is indefinitely reinvested. If these earnings were distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends or otherwise or if the shares of the relevant foreign subsidiaries were sold or otherwise transferred, the Company would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and foreign withholding taxes. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to these earnings or investments is not practicable. At August 31, 2016 , the Company had state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $1.1 , which will expire between 2018 and 2025 . At August 31, 2016 , the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $24.3 that expire beginning in 2030 , state net operating loss carryforwards of $12.5 that begin expiring in 2028 , and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $21.2 that begin expiring in 2017 . The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled $5.2 and $4.5 , respectively, which includes $3.9 and $2.2 , respectively, of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense; such accrued interest and penalties are not material. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to United States federal, state, and local income tax examinations for years ended before 2012 or for foreign income tax examinations before 2010 . The Company does not anticipate unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefit (reported in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets ) for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: 2016 2015 Unrecognized tax benefits balance at September 1 $ 4.5 $ 3.0 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 1.0 0.8 Additions for tax positions of prior years 0.5 1.5 Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations (0.8 ) (0.8 ) Unrecognized tax benefits balance at August 31 $ 5.2 $ 4.5 Total accrued interest was $0.9 and $0.7 as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. There were no accruals related to income tax penalties during fiscal 2016 . Interest, net of tax benefits, and penalties are included in income tax expense. The classification of interest and penalties did not change during the current fiscal year.

Supplemental Disaggregated Info

Supplemental Disaggregated Information	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Supplemental Disaggregated Information	Supplemental Disaggregated Information The Company has one reportable segment. Sales of lighting and building management solutions, excluding services, accounted for approximately 99% of total consolidated net sales in fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 . The geographic distribution of the Company’s net sales, operating profit, income before provision for income taxes, and long-lived assets is summarized in the following table for the years ended August 31: 2016 2015 2014 Net sales (1) Domestic (2) $ 2,928.3 $ 2,450.1 $ 2,155.0 International 363.0 256.6 238.5 Total $ 3,291.3 $ 2,706.7 $ 2,393.5 Operating profit Domestic (2) $ 457.6 $ 364.0 $ 287.8 International 17.6 12.3 11.3 Total $ 475.2 $ 376.3 $ 299.1 Income before Provision for Income Taxes Domestic (2) $ 430.8 $ 329.4 $ 257.1 International 13.8 14.2 8.6 Total $ 444.6 $ 343.6 $ 265.7 Long-lived assets (3) Domestic (2) $ 254.5 $ 179.6 $ 148.3 International 41.4 25.6 31.2 Total $ 295.9 $ 205.2 $ 179.5 _______________________________________ (1) Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location. (2) Domestic amounts include net sales (including export sales), operating profit, income before provision for income taxes, and long-lived assets for U.S. based operations. (3) Long-lived assets include net property, plant, and equipment, long-term deferred income tax assets, and other long-term assets.

Supplemental Guarantor Condense

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements In December 2009, ABL, the 100% owned and principal operating subsidiary of the Company, refinanced the then current outstanding debt through the issuance of the Notes. See Debt and Lines of Credit footnote for further information. In accordance with the registration rights agreement by and between ABL and the guarantors to the Notes and the initial purchasers of the Notes, ABL and the guarantors to the Notes filed a registration statement with the SEC for an offer to exchange the Notes for an issue of SEC-registered notes with identical terms. Due to the filing of the registration statement and offer to exchange, the Company determined the need for compliance with Rule 3-10 of SEC Regulation S-X (“Rule 3-10”). In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for ABL and ABL IP Holding, the Company has included the accompanying Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements in accordance with Rule 3-10(d) of SEC Regulation S-X since the Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Acuity Brands and ABL IP Holding. The column marked “Parent” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands. The column marked “Subsidiary Issuer” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of ABL. The column entitled “Subsidiary Guarantor” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of ABL IP Holding. Lastly, the column listed as “Non-Guarantors” includes the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the non-guarantor direct and indirect subsidiaries of Acuity Brands, which consist primarily of foreign subsidiaries. Eliminations were necessary in order to arrive at consolidated amounts. In addition, the equity method of accounting was used to calculate investments in subsidiaries. Accordingly, this basis of presentation is not intended to present our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows for any purpose other than to comply with the specific requirements for parent-subsidiary guarantor reporting. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS At August 31, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 368.2 $ — $ — $ 45.0 $ — $ 413.2 Accounts receivable, net — 503.0 — 69.8 — 572.8 Inventories — 274.7 — 20.5 — 295.2 Other current assets 2.5 14.3 — 24.9 — 41.7 Total Current Assets 370.7 792.0 — 160.2 — 1,322.9 Property, Plant, and Equipment, net 0.3 217.8 — 49.7 — 267.8 Goodwill — 735.8 2.7 209.3 — 947.8 Intangible assets, net — 168.1 113.4 99.9 — 381.4 Deferred income taxes 47.5 — — 6.5 (48.9 ) 5.1 Other long-term assets 1.4 20.4 — 1.2 — 23.0 Investments in and amounts due from affiliates 1,347.6 299.6 200.5 — (1,847.7 ) — Total Assets $ 1,767.5 $ 2,233.7 $ 316.6 $ 526.8 $ (1,896.6 ) $ 2,948.0 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1.2 $ 371.3 $ — $ 28.5 $ — $ 401.0 Current maturities of long-term debt — — — 0.2 — 0.2 Accrued liabilities 14.5 215.4 — 41.4 — 271.3 Total Current Liabilities 15.7 586.7 — 70.1 — 672.5 Long-Term Debt — 352.8 — 2.2 — 355.0 Deferred Income Taxes — 95.5 — 28.0 (48.9 ) 74.6 Other Long-Term Liabilities 92.0 64.8 — 29.3 — 186.1 Amounts due to affiliates — — — 96.9 (96.9 ) — Total Stockholders’ Equity 1,659.8 1,133.9 316.6 300.3 (1,750.8 ) 1,659.8 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 1,767.5 $ 2,233.7 $ 316.6 $ 526.8 $ (1,896.6 ) $ 2,948.0 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS At August 31, 2015 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 479.9 $ — $ — $ 276.9 $ — $ 756.8 Accounts receivable, net — 365.5 — 46.2 — 411.7 Inventories — 208.6 — 16.2 — 224.8 Other current assets 1.6 11.6 — 6.9 — 20.1 Total Current Assets 481.5 585.7 — 346.2 — 1,413.4 Property, Plant, and Equipment, net 0.3 139.8 — 34.5 — 174.6 Goodwill — 524.2 2.7 38.1 — 565.0 Intangible assets, net — 87.4 117.3 18.7 — 223.4 Deferred income taxes 41.9 — — 5.2 (43.6 ) 3.5 Other long-term assets 1.3 23.8 — 2.0 — 27.1 Investments in and amounts due from affiliates 934.7 333.5 168.5 — (1,436.7 ) — Total Assets $ 1,459.7 $ 1,694.4 $ 288.5 $ 444.7 $ (1,480.3 ) $ 2,407.0 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 0.9 $ 291.6 $ — $ 18.6 $ — $ 311.1 Other accrued liabilities 20.4 162.7 — 26.7 — 209.8 Total Current Liabilities 21.3 454.3 — 45.3 — 520.9 Long-Term Debt — 352.4 — — — 352.4 Deferred Income Taxes — 75.3 — — (43.6 ) 31.7 Other Long-Term Liabilities 78.4 42.7 — 20.9 — 142.0 Amounts due to affiliates — — — 77.5 (77.5 ) — Total Stockholders’ Equity 1,360.0 769.7 288.5 301.0 (1,359.2 ) 1,360.0 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 1,459.7 $ 1,694.4 $ 288.5 $ 444.7 $ (1,480.3 ) $ 2,407.0 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Sales: External sales $ — $ 2,919.7 $ — $ 371.6 $ — $ 3,291.3 Intercompany sales — — 47.4 131.2 (178.6 ) — Total Sales — 2,919.7 47.4 502.8 (178.6 ) 3,291.3 Cost of Products Sold — 1,602.2 — 379.3 (126.4 ) 1,855.1 Gross Profit — 1,317.5 47.4 123.5 (52.2 ) 1,436.2 Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses 47.2 834.6 3.8 112.6 (52.2 ) 946.0 Intercompany charges (59.5 ) 50.4 — 9.1 — — Special Charge — 15.0 — — — 15.0 Operating Profit 12.3 417.5 43.6 1.8 — 475.2 Interest expense, net 10.5 16.1 — 5.6 — 32.2 Equity earnings in subsidiaries (289.2 ) (3.2 ) — 0.2 292.2 — Miscellaneous income, net — — — (1.6 ) — (1.6 ) Income (Loss) before Provision for Income Taxes 291.0 404.6 43.6 (2.4 ) (292.2 ) 444.6 Provision for Income Taxes 0.2 137.7 15.6 0.3 — 153.8 Net Income (Loss) 290.8 266.9 28.0 (2.7 ) (292.2 ) 290.8 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (5.6 ) (5.6 ) — — 5.6 (5.6 ) Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net (23.4 ) (11.4 ) — (9.5 ) 20.9 (23.4 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items after Provision for Income Taxes (29.0 ) (17.0 ) — (9.5 ) 26.5 (29.0 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ 261.8 $ 249.9 $ 28.0 $ (12.2 ) $ (265.7 ) $ 261.8 CONDENSED CONSOL IDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Sales: External sales $ — $ 2,446.9 $ — $ 259.8 $ — $ 2,706.7 Intercompany sales — — 41.2 105.5 (146.7 ) — Total Sales — 2,446.9 41.2 365.3 (146.7 ) 2,706.7 Cost of Products Sold — 1,388.0 — 276.5 (103.4 ) 1,561.1 Gross Profit — 1,058.9 41.2 88.8 (43.3 ) 1,145.6 Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses 34.0 684.4 4.0 77.8 (43.3 ) 756.9 Intercompany charges (45.4 ) 39.7 — 5.7 — — Special Charge — 12.4 — — — 12.4 Operating Profit 11.4 322.4 37.2 5.3 — 376.3 Interest expense (income), net 9.9 21.8 — (0.2 ) — 31.5 Equity earnings in subsidiaries (221.2 ) (5.2 ) — — 226.4 — Miscellaneous expense (income), net — 2.8 — (1.6 ) — 1.2 Income (Loss) before Provision for Income Taxes 222.7 303.0 37.2 7.1 (226.4 ) 343.6 Provision for Income Taxes 0.6 103.5 14.9 2.5 — 121.5 Net Income (Loss) 222.1 199.5 22.3 4.6 (226.4 ) 222.1 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (24.0 ) (24.0 ) — — 24.0 (24.0 ) Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net (14.5 ) 6.3 — 0.5 (6.8 ) (14.5 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items after Provision for Income Taxes (38.5 ) (17.7 ) — 0.5 17.2 (38.5 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ 183.6 $ 181.8 $ 22.3 $ 5.1 $ (209.2 ) $ 183.6 CONDENSED CONSOL IDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Sales: External sales $ — $ 2,150.6 $ — $ 242.9 $ — $ 2,393.5 Intercompany sales — — 37.2 94.8 (132.0 ) — Total Sales — 2,150.6 37.2 337.7 (132.0 ) 2,393.5 Cost of Products Sold — 1,255.5 — 250.5 (91.7 ) 1,414.3 Gross Profit — 895.1 37.2 87.2 (40.3 ) 979.2 Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses 27.8 612.5 4.1 76.2 (40.3 ) 680.3 Intercompany charges (39.6 ) 34.7 — 4.9 — — Special Charge — (0.2 ) — — — (0.2 ) Operating Profit 11.8 248.1 33.1 6.1 — 299.1 Interest expense (income), net 10.0 22.2 — (0.1 ) — 32.1 Equity earnings in subsidiaries (174.2 ) (4.0 ) — — 178.2 — Miscellaneous (income) expense, net — (1.6 ) — 1.8 1.1 1.3 Income (Loss) before Provision for Income Taxes 176.0 231.5 33.1 4.4 (179.3 ) 265.7 Provision for Income Taxes 0.2 75.5 13.1 1.1 — 89.9 Net Income (Loss) 175.8 156.0 20.0 3.3 (179.3 ) 175.8 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments 0.7 0.7 — — (0.7 ) 0.7 Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net (10.0 ) (3.7 ) — (5.2 ) 8.9 (10.0 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items after Provision for Income Taxes (9.3 ) (3.0 ) — (5.2 ) 8.2 (9.3 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ 166.5 $ 153.0 $ 20.0 $ (1.9 ) $ (171.1 ) $ 166.5 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 277.0 $ 54.8 $ — $ 13.9 $ — $ 345.7 Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment — (67.1 ) — (16.6 ) — (83.7 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment — 0.2 — 2.0 — 2.2 Investments in subsidiaries (405.6 ) — — — 405.6 — Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets — (393.9 ) — (229.3 ) — (623.2 ) Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Investing Activities (405.6 ) (460.8 ) — (243.9 ) 405.6 (704.7 ) Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities: Issuance of long-term debt — — — 2.5 — 2.5 Proceeds from stock option exercises and other 14.2 — — — — 14.2 Repurchases of common stock — — — — — — Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 25.6 — — — — 25.6 Intercompany capital — 405.6 — — (405.6 ) — Dividends paid (22.9 ) — — — — (22.9 ) Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities 16.9 405.6 — 2.5 (405.6 ) 19.4 Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash — 0.4 — (4.4 ) — (4.0 ) Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents (111.7 ) — — (231.9 ) — (343.6 ) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 479.9 — — 276.9 — 756.8 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 368.2 $ — $ — $ 45.0 $ — $ 413.2 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 212.1 $ 55.2 $ — $ 21.6 $ — $ 288.9 Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment — (41.9 ) — (14.6 ) — (56.5 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment — 1.3 — — — 1.3 Investments in subsidiaries (254.7 ) (245.2 ) — — 499.9 — Acquisitions of businesses — (14.6 ) — — — (14.6 ) Other investing activities — (2.6 ) — — — (2.6 ) Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Investing Activities (254.7 ) (303.0 ) — (14.6 ) 499.9 (72.4 ) Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities: Proceeds from stock option exercises and other 11.6 — — — — 11.6 Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 17.6 — — — — 17.6 Intercompany capital — 245.2 — 254.7 (499.9 ) — Dividends paid (22.7 ) — — — — (22.7 ) Other financing activities — — — (10.4 ) — (10.4 ) Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities 6.5 245.2 — 244.3 (499.9 ) (3.9 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash — (0.5 ) — (7.8 ) — (8.3 ) Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents (36.1 ) (3.1 ) — 243.5 — 204.3 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 516.0 3.1 — 33.4 — 552.5 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 479.9 $ — $ — $ 276.9 $ — $ 756.8 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 188.7 $ 35.1 $ — $ 9.3 $ — $ 233.1 Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment — (29.2 ) — (6.1 ) — (35.3 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment — 1.0 — — — 1.0 Investments in subsidiaries — (4.5 ) — 4.5 — — Net Cash Used for Investing Activities — (32.7 ) — (1.6 ) — (34.3 ) Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities: Proceeds from stock option exercises and other 8.4 — — — — 8.4 Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 10.4 — — — — 10.4 Dividends paid (22.5 ) — — — — (22.5 ) Other financing activities — — — (2.6 ) — (2.6 ) Net Cash Used for Financing Activities (3.7 ) — — (2.6 ) — (6.3 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash — (0.1 ) — 1.0 — 0.9 Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents 185.0 2.3 — 6.1 — 193.4 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 331.0 0.8 — 27.3 — 359.1 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 516.0 $ 3.1 $ — $ 33.4 $ — $ 552.5

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Fiscal Year 2016 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Net Sales $ 736.6 $ 777.8 $ 851.5 $ 925.5 Gross Profit $ 319.4 $ 336.9 $ 377.9 $ 402.1 Net Income $ 68.4 $ 65.5 $ 74.0 $ 82.9 Basic Earnings per Share $ 1.58 $ 1.50 $ 1.70 $ 1.90 Diluted Earnings per Share $ 1.57 $ 1.49 $ 1.69 $ 1.89 Fiscal Year 2015 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Net Sales $ 647.4 $ 616.1 $ 683.7 $ 759.5 Gross Profit $ 273.0 $ 255.7 $ 295.6 $ 321.3 Net Income $ 51.1 $ 46.4 $ 64.5 $ 60.1 Basic Earnings per Share $ 1.18 $ 1.07 $ 1.49 $ 1.39 Diluted Earnings per Share $ 1.17 $ 1.07 $ 1.48 $ 1.37 Certain amounts in the tables above have been rounded. Accordingly, the sum of the quarters may not be an exact match to the full year amounts.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II Acuity Brands, Inc. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts For the Years Ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 (In millions) Balance at Additions and Reductions Charged to Beginning of Year Costs and Expenses Other Accounts Deductions Balance at End of Year Year Ended August 31, 2016 Reserve for doubtful accounts $ 1.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 $ 1.7 Reserve for estimated product returns, net $ 6.2 62.6 0.9 58.8 $ 10.9 Reserve for estimated cash discounts $ 3.0 32.0 0.9 31.2 $ 4.7 Reserve for estimated other deductions $ 1.3 11.9 — 11.5 $ 1.7 Deferred tax asset valuation allowance $ 15.0 (0.2 ) 1.6 — $ 16.4 Year Ended August 31, 2015 Reserve for doubtful accounts $ 1.9 0.1 — 0.7 $ 1.3 Reserve for estimated product returns, net $ 4.3 44.7 — 42.8 $ 6.2 Reserve for estimated cash discounts $ 2.7 21.7 — 21.4 $ 3.0 Reserve for estimated other deductions $ 1.3 9.1 — 9.1 $ 1.3 Deferred tax asset valuation allowance $ 13.6 (0.4 ) 1.8 — $ 15.0 Year Ended August 31, 2014 Reserve for doubtful accounts $ 1.5 0.8 — 0.4 $ 1.9 Reserve for estimated product returns, net $ 1.5 35.9 — 33.1 $ 4.3 Reserve for estimated cash discounts $ 2.2 19.5 — 19.0 $ 2.7 Reserve for estimated other deductions $ 1.0 7.4 — 7.1 $ 1.3 Deferred tax asset valuation allowance $ 12.4 0.4 0.8 — $ 13.6

Significant Accounting Polici24

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Acuity Brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of intercompany transactions and accounts.
Revenue Recognition	The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the Company’s price to the customer is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. Customers take delivery at the time of shipment for terms designated free on board shipping point. For sales designated free on board destination, customers take delivery when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site. Provisions for certain rebates, sales incentives, product returns, and discounts to customers are recorded in the same period the related revenue is recorded. The Company also maintains one-time or on-going marketing and trade-promotion programs with certain customers that require the Company to estimate and accrue the expected costs of such programs. These arrangements include cooperative marketing programs, merchandising of the Company’s products, introductory marketing funds for new products, and other trade-promotion activities conducted by the customer. Costs associated with these programs are reflected within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”), which in most instances requires such costs be recorded as a reduction of revenue. The liabilities associated with the programs totaled $41.0 and $35.6 of August 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, are reflected within Other accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets . The Company's standard terms and conditions of sale allow returns of certain products within four months of the date of shipment. The Company also provides for limited product return rights to certain distributors and other customers, primarily for slow moving or damaged items subject to certain defined criteria. The limited product return rights generally allow customers to return resalable products purchased within a specified time period and subject to certain limitations, including, at times, when accompanied by a replacement order of equal or greater value. At the time revenue is recognized, the Company records a provision for the estimated amount of future returns primarily based on historical experience, specific notification of pending returns, or based on contractual terms with the respective customers. Although historical product returns generally have been within expectations, there can be no assurance that future product returns will not exceed historical amounts. A significant increase in product returns could have a material adverse impact on the Company's operating results in future periods. Revenue is earned on services and the sale of products. Revenue is recognized for the sale of products when the above criteria are met and for services rendered in the period of performance.
Revenue Recognition for Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables	A small portion ( less than 4% ) of the Company's revenues are derived from the combination of any or all of: (i) the sale and license of its products, (ii) fees associated with training, installation, and technical support services, (iii) monitoring and lighting control services, and (iv) providing services related to data analytics. Certain agreements, particularly related to lighting controls systems, represent multiple-element arrangements that include tangible products that contain software that is essential to the functionality of the systems and undelivered elements that primarily relate to installation, monitoring, and lighting control services. The undelivered elements associated with installation, monitoring, and lighting control services are reviewed and analyzed to determine separability in relation to the delivered elements and appropriate pricing treatment based on (a) vendor-specific objective evidence, (b) third-party evidence, or (c) management estimates. If deemed separate units of accounting, the revenue and associated cost of sales related to the delivered elements are recognized at the time of delivery, while those related to the undelivered elements are recognized appropriately based on the period of performance. If the separation criterion for the undelivered elements is not met because the undelivered elements are essential to the functionality of the lighting controls systems, all revenue and cost of sales attributable to the contract are deferred at the time of sale and are both generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective contract periods.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash in excess of daily requirements is invested in time deposits and marketable securities and is included in the accompanying balance sheets at fair value. The Company considers time deposits and marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	The Company records accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes a reserve for doubtful accounts to reflect losses anticipated on accounts receivable balances. The allowance is based on historical write-offs, an analysis of past due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, and economic status of customers, if known. Management believes that the allowance is sufficient to cover uncollectible amounts; however, there can be no assurance that unanticipated future business conditions of customers will not have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables, which are typically unsecured, are generally limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets using the Company’s lighting and building management solutions as well as their dispersion across many different geographic areas.
Reclassifications	Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation, including a reclassification of $23.1 from current deferred income taxes to noncurrent deferred income taxes as of August 31, 2015 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets , related to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-17.
Subsequent Events	The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure for occurrences and transactions after the date of the consolidated financial statements as of August 31, 2016 .
Inventories	Management reviews inventory quantities on hand and records a provision for excess or obsolete inventory primarily based on estimated future demand and current market conditions. A significant change in customer demand or market conditions could render certain inventory obsolete and thus could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operating results in the period the change occurs. Inventories include materials, direct labor, in-bound freight, and related manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis) or market
Assets Held for Sale	The Company classifies assets as held for sale upon the development of a plan for disposal and in accordance with applicable U.S. GAAP and ceases the depreciation and amortization of the assets at that date. The Company is actively marketing the property classified as held for sale.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently as facts and circumstances change, as required by ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). The goodwill impairment test has three steps: a qualitative review and a two-step quantitative method. The preliminary step allows for a qualitative analysis to determine the likelihood of impairment. If the qualitative review results in a more likely than not probability of impairment, the first quantitative step is required. The first step identifies potential impairments by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The fair values can be determined based on a combination of valuation techniques including the expected present value of future cash flows, a market multiple approach, and a comparable transaction approach. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the second step calculates the possible impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying value. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded. In fiscal 2016 , a qualitative fair value analysis was used to determine the likelihood of goodwill impairment for the Company’s one reporting unit. The analysis for goodwill did not result in an impairment charge during fiscal 2016 , 2015 , or 2014 . The impairment test for indefinite-lived trade names consists of comparing the fair value of the asset with its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair value of indefinite-lived trade names using a fair value model based on discounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment loss would be recorded in the amount of the excess. Significant assumptions, including estimated future net sales, royalty rates, and discount rates, are used in the determination of estimated fair value for indefinite-lived trade names.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs	The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in Net Sales . Shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight and freight between manufacturing facilities and distribution centers are generally recorded in Cost of Products Sold . Other shipping and handling costs are included in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses
Share-Based Compensation	The Company recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions in the financial statements based on the estimated fair value of the equity or liability instrument issued. The Company accounts for stock options, restricted shares, and share units representing certain deferrals into the Director Deferred Compensation Plan or the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan (both of which are discussed further in the Share-Based Payments footnote) based on the grant-date fair value estimated under the current provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”).
Depreciation	For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is determined principally on a straight-line basis using estimated useful lives of plant and equipment ( 10 to 40 years for buildings and related improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment), while accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement.
Research and Development	Research and development (“R&D”) expense, which is expensed as incurred, consists of compensation, payroll taxes, employee benefits, materials, supplies, and other administrative costs, but does not include all new product development costs, and is included in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income .
Advertising	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included within Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income .
Service Arrangements with Customers	The Company maintains a service program with one of its retail customers that affords the Company certain in-store benefits, including lighting display maintenance.
Interest Expense, Net	Interest expense, net , is comprised primarily of interest expense on long-term debt, revolving credit facility borrowings, and loans collateralized by assets related to a company-owned life insurance program, partially offset by interest income on cash and cash equivalents.
Foreign Currency Transaction	The functional currency for the foreign operations of the Company is the local currency. The translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate each month during the year. The gains or losses resulting from the balance sheet translation are included in Foreign currency translation adjustments in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and are excluded from net income.
Miscellaneous Expense (Income), Net	Miscellaneous expense (income), net , is composed primarily of gains or losses on foreign currency items and other non-operating items.
Income Taxes	The Company is taxed at statutory corporate rates after adjusting income reported for financial statement purposes for certain items that are treated differently for income tax purposes. Deferred income tax expenses or benefits result from changes during the year in cumulative temporary differences between the tax basis and book basis of assets and liabilities.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive income represents a measure of all changes in equity that result from recognized transactions and other economic events other than transactions with owners in their capacity as owners. Other comprehensive income for the Company includes foreign currency translation and pension adjustments.
New Accounting Pronouncements	Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2016 In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17"), requiring that all tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company early adopted ASU 2015-17, which resulted in a reclassification of $23.1 from current deferred income taxes to noncurrent deferred income taxes on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 31, 2015. Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , ("ASU 2016-09"), which will change certain aspects of accounting for share-based payments to employees. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2016. The standard requires that all excess tax benefits and deficiencies currently recorded as additional paid in capital be prospectively recorded in income tax expense. As such, implementation of this standard could create volatility in the Company's effective income tax rate on a quarter by quarter basis. The volatility in the effective income tax rate is due primarily to fluctuations in the Company's stock price and the timing of stock option exercises and vesting of restricted share grants. The standard also requires excess tax benefits to be presented as an operating activity on the statement of cash flows rather than as a financing activity. This element of the guidance may be applied retrospectively or prospectively. The Company intends to implement the standard as required in fiscal 2018. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , ("ASU 2016-02"), which requires lessees to include most leases on the balance sheet. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2016-02. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments ("ASU 2015-16"), which simplifies the accounting for measurement-period adjustments to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. ASU 2015-16 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2016. The provisions of ASU 2015-16 are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Customer's Accounting For Fees Paid In A Cloud Computing Arrangement (“ASU 2015-05”), which provides guidance for a customer's accounting for cloud computing costs. ASU 2015-05 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2015. The provisions of ASU 2015-05 are not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2017. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of ASU 2014-09. All other newly issued accounting pronouncements not yet effective have been deemed either immaterial or not applicable.

Significant Accounting Polici25

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	Inventories include materials, direct labor, in-bound freight, and related manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis) or market, and consist of the following: August 31, 2016 2015 Raw materials, supplies, and work in process (1) $ 170.3 $ 125.7 Finished goods 145.3 113.9 315.6 239.6 Less: Reserves (20.4 ) (14.8 ) Total Inventory $ 295.2 $ 224.8 _______________________________________ (1) Due to the immaterial amount of estimated work in process and the short lead times for the conversion of raw materials to finished goods, the Company does not believe the segregation of raw materials and work in process to be meaningful information.
Schedule of Goodwill	The change in the carrying amount of goodwill during fiscal 2016 is summarized as follows: Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ 565.0 Additions from acquired businesses 381.5 Foreign currency translation adjustments 1.3 Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 947.8
Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets	Summarized information for the Company’s acquired intangible assets is as follows: August 31, 2016 2015 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Definite-lived intangible assets: Patents and patented technology $ 112.3 $ (39.9 ) $ 72.7 $ (30.3 ) Trademarks and trade names 27.2 (10.7 ) 25.4 (9.7 ) Distribution network 61.8 (33.0 ) 61.8 (30.8 ) Customer relationships 157.9 (29.3 ) 55.2 (20.8 ) Other 4.9 (4.8 ) 5.1 (4.7 ) Total $ 364.1 $ (117.7 ) $ 220.2 $ (96.3 ) Indefinite-lived trade names $ 135.0 $ 99.5
Schedule of Other Long-Term Assets	Other long-term assets consist of the following: August 31, 2016 2015 Deferred contract costs $ 8.3 $ 10.7 Capitalized software costs (1) 0.8 1.6 Investment in noncontrolling affiliate (2) 8.0 8.0 Other (3) 5.9 6.8 Total $ 23.0 $ 27.1 _______________________________________ (1) The Company recorded amortization expense related to capitalized software costs of $0.3 , $0.4 , and $0.4 in fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. (2) The Company holds an equity investment in an unconsolidated affiliate. This strategic investment represents less than a 20% ownership interest in the privately-held affiliate, and the Company does not maintain power over or control of the entity. The Company accounts for this investment using the cost method. Subsequent to fiscal 2016, this investment was sold resulting in the recognition of a gain. (3) Other - Amounts primarily include deferred debt issuance costs related to its revolving credit facility and company-owned life insurance investments. The Company maintains life insurance policies on 74 former employees primarily to satisfy obligations under certain deferred compensation plans. These company-owned life insurance policies are presented net of loans that are secured by these policies. This program is frozen and no new policies were issued in the three-year period ended August 31, 2016 .
Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities	Other long-term liabilities consist of the following: August 31, 2016 2015 Deferred compensation and postretirement benefits other than pensions (1) $ 37.3 $ 34.1 Long-term warranty obligations 4.9 2.5 Unrecognized tax position liabilities, including interest (2) 6.1 5.2 Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal liabilities 3.9 0.2 Other (3) 6.8 9.2 Total $ 59.0 $ 51.2 _______________________________________ (1) Deferred compensation and postretirement benefits other than pensions — The Company maintains several non-qualified retirement plans for the benefit of eligible employees, primarily deferred compensation plans. The deferred compensation plans provide for elective deferrals of an eligible employee’s compensation and, in some cases, matching contributions by the Company. In addition, one plan provides for an automatic contribution by the Company of 3% of an eligible employee’s compensation. The Company maintains life insurance policies on certain current and former officers and other key employees as a means of satisfying a portion of these obligations. (2) See the Income Taxes footnote for more information. (3) Other - Amount primarily includes deferred revenue and deferred rent.
Schedule of Interest Expense, Net	The following table summarizes the components of interest expense, net: Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 Interest expense $ 33.3 $ 32.6 $ 32.6 Interest income (1.1 ) (1.1 ) (0.5 ) Interest expense, net $ 32.2 $ 31.5 $ 32.1
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents the changes in each component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items , net of tax. Foreign Currency Items Defined Benefit Pension Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Items Balance at August 31, 2015 $ (42.1 ) $ (68.3 ) $ (110.4 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (5.6 ) (28.7 ) (34.3 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income — 5.3 5.3 Net current-period other comprehensive loss (5.6 ) (23.4 ) (29.0 ) Balance at August 31, 2016 $ (47.7 ) $ (91.7 ) $ (139.4 )
Schedule of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents the tax (expense)/benefit allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (expense). Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) or Benefit Net of Tax Amount Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) or Benefit Net of Tax Amount Before Tax Amount Tax (Expense) or Benefit Net of Tax Amount Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments $ (5.6 ) $ — $ (5.6 ) $ (24.0 ) $ — $ (24.0 ) $ 0.7 $ — $ 0.7 Defined Benefit Pension Plans: Actuarial losses (42.2 ) 13.5 (28.7 ) (27.9 ) 10.7 (17.2 ) (18.2 ) 5.6 (12.6 ) Amortization of defined benefit pension items: Prior service cost (1) 3.1 (1.1 ) 2.0 1.4 (0.6 ) 0.8 0.8 (0.3 ) 0.5 Actuarial losses (1) 4.9 (1.6 ) 3.3 4.1 (2.2 ) 1.9 3.1 (1.0 ) 2.1 Total Defined Benefit Plans, net (34.2 ) 10.8 (23.4 ) (22.4 ) 7.9 (14.5 ) (14.3 ) 4.3 (10.0 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ (39.8 ) $ 10.8 $ (29.0 ) $ (46.4 ) $ 7.9 $ (38.5 ) $ (13.6 ) $ 4.3 $ (9.3 ) _______________________________________ (1) The before tax amount of these other comprehensive income components is included in net periodic pension cost. See the Pension and Defined Contribution Plans footnote for additional details.

Acquisitions and Investments (T

Acquisitions and Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Aggregate Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation	The aggregate consideration of these acquisitions was preliminarily allocated as follows: Consideration Cash paid, net of cash acquired $ 623.2 Shares issued from Treasury Stock 10.0 Total Purchase Price $ 633.2 Allocation Goodwill $ 381.5 Intangible assets: Customer-based 1 102.3 Marketing-related 2 42.3 Technology-based 3 39.3 Property and equipment 63.1 Other assets acquired 120.5 Deferred tax liabilities (58.3 ) Other liabilities assumed (57.5 ) $ 633.2 ______________________________ (1) Customer-based intangibles have useful lives between 12 and 20 years, with a weighted average amortization period of approximately 17 years. (2) Marketing-related intangibles are considered indefinite-lived. (3) Technology-based intangibles have useful lives between five and 10 years, with a weighted average amortization period of approximately 8 years.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table presents information about assets and liabilities required to be carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 : Fair Value Measurements as of: August 31, 2016 August 31, 2015 Level 1 Total Fair Value Level 1 Total Fair Value Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 413.2 $ 413.2 $ 756.8 $ 756.8 Other 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Liabilities: Other $ 0.5 $ 0.5 $ 0.5 $ 0.5
Schedule of Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows at August 31, 2016 and 2015 : August 31, 2016 August 31, 2015 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Assets: Investment in noncontrolling affiliate $ 8.0 $ 14.4 $ 8.0 $ 8.0 Liabilities: Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount and deferred costs $ 348.7 $ 388.8 $ 348.4 $ 386.4 Industrial revenue bond 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Bank Loans 2.5 2.6 — —

Pension and Defined Contribut28

Pension and Defined Contribution Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Domestic and International Pension Plans	The following tables reflect the status of the Company’s domestic (U.S.-based) and international pension plans at August 31, 2016 and 2015 : Domestic Plans International Plans August 31, August 31, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 192.2 $ 171.5 $ 49.8 $ 52.5 Service cost 3.6 3.1 0.1 0.1 Interest cost 8.0 6.8 1.7 1.8 Amendments — 10.5 — — Actuarial loss 27.5 7.6 17.9 0.5 Benefits paid (8.3 ) (7.3 ) (3.6 ) (1.0 ) Other — — (8.6 ) (4.1 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 223.0 192.2 57.3 49.8 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 123.9 $ 122.5 $ 32.6 $ 35.2 Actual return on plan assets 7.9 0.7 5.2 (0.1 ) Employer contributions 5.3 8.0 1.1 1.1 Benefits paid (8.3 ) (7.3 ) (3.6 ) (1.0 ) Other — — (5.0 ) (2.6 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 128.8 123.9 30.3 32.6 Funded status at the end of year $ (94.2 ) $ (68.3 ) $ (27.0 ) $ (17.2 ) Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of: Current liabilities $ (1.3 ) $ (1.5 ) $ — $ (0.1 ) Non-current liabilities (92.9 ) (66.8 ) (27.0 ) (17.1 ) Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets $ (94.2 ) $ (68.3 ) $ (27.0 ) $ (17.2 ) Accumulated Benefit Obligation $ 220.4 $ 189.2 $ 57.3 $ 49.8 Pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income: Prior service cost $ (10.8 ) $ (13.9 ) $ — $ — Net actuarial loss (96.9 ) (71.1 ) (28.2 ) (19.4 ) Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income $ (107.7 ) $ (85.0 ) $ (28.2 ) $ (19.4 ) Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated comprehensive income over the next fiscal year: Prior service cost $ 3.1 $ 3.1 $ — $ — Net actuarial loss 5.3 3.1 3.7 2.9
Schedule of Net Periodic Pension Cost	Components of net periodic pension cost for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 included the following: Domestic Plans International Plans 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Service cost $ 3.6 $ 3.1 $ 2.4 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 $ 0.1 Interest cost 8.0 6.8 7.0 1.7 1.8 1.9 Expected return on plan assets (9.2 ) (9.2 ) (8.0 ) (1.9 ) (1.8 ) (2.0 ) Amortization of prior service cost 3.1 1.4 0.8 — — — Settlement — — — — — (0.1 ) Recognized actuarial loss 3.0 2.2 2.0 1.9 1.9 1.1 Net periodic pension cost $ 8.5 $ 4.3 $ 4.2 $ 1.8 $ 2.0 $ 1.0
Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions Used	Weighted average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligation are as follows: Domestic Plans International Plans 2016 2015 2016 2015 Discount rate 3.2 % 4.3 % 2.1 % 3.7 % Rate of compensation increase 5.5 % 5.5 % 2.8 % 3.1 % Weighted average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Domestic Plans International Plans 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 Discount rate 4.3 % 4.0 % 4.8 % 2.1 % 3.6 % 4.5 % Expected return on plan assets 7.5 % 7.5 % 7.5 % 6.5 % 5.6 % 6.2 % Rate of compensation increase 5.5 % 5.5 % 5.5 % 2.8 % 3.1 % 3.3 %
Schedule of Pension Plan Asset Allocation	The Company’s pension plan asset allocation at August 31, 2016 and 2015 by asset category is as follows: % of Plan Assets Domestic Plans International Plans 2016 2015 2016 2015 Equity securities 55.4 % 55.8 % 61.1 % 64.1 % Fixed income securities 39.1 % 39.1 % 25.0 % 21.5 % Multi-strategy investments — % — % 8.9 % 9.5 % Real estate 5.5 % 5.1 % 5.0 % 4.9 % Total 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % The following tables present the fair value of the domestic pension plan assets by major category as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 : Fair Value Measurements Fair Value as of Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets August 31, 2016 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Mutual Funds: Domestic large cap equity fund $ 46.5 $ 46.5 $ — $ — Foreign equity fund 12.3 12.3 — — Real Estate Fund 7.1 — — 7.1 Short-Term Fixed Income Investments 6.2 6.2 — — Fixed-Income Investments 44.2 — 44.2 — Collective Trust: Domestic small cap equities 12.5 — 12.5 — $ 128.8 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value as of Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets August 31, 2015 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Mutual Funds: Domestic large cap equity fund $ 44.9 $ 44.9 $ — $ — Foreign equity fund 11.9 11.9 — — Real Estate Fund 6.3 — — 6.3 Short-Term Fixed Income Investments 6.6 6.6 — — Fixed-Income Investments 41.8 — 41.8 — Collective Trust: Domestic small cap equities 12.4 — 12.4 — $ 123.9 The following tables present the fair value of the international pension plan assets by major category as of August 31, 2016 and 2015 : Fair Value Measurements Fair Value as of Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets August 31, 2016 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Equity Securities $ 18.5 $ — $ 18.5 $ — Short-Term Investments 0.5 0.5 — — Real Estate Fund 1.5 — — 1.5 Multi-Strategy Investments 2.7 — 2.7 — Fixed-Income Investments 7.1 — 7.1 — $ 30.3 Fair Value Measurements Fair Value as of Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Significant Other Observable Inputs Significant Unobservable Inputs Assets August 31, 2015 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Equity Securities $ 20.9 $ — $ 20.9 $ — Real Estate Fund 1.6 — — 1.6 Multi-Strategy Investments 3.1 — 3.1 — Fixed-Income Investments 7.0 — 7.0 — $ 32.6
Schedule of Domestic Pension Plans' Level 3 Assets	The tables below present a rollforward of the domestic and international pension plans’ Level 3 assets for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 : Domestic Real Estate Fund Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 Balance, beginning of year $ 6.3 $ 5.6 Net unrealized gain relating to instruments still held at the reporting date 0.5 0.5 Shares purchased, including from dividend reinvestment 0.3 0.2 Balance, end of year $ 7.1 $ 6.3 International Real Estate Fund Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 Balance, beginning of year $ 1.6 $ 1.7 Net unrealized loss relating to instruments still held at the reporting date (0.1 ) (0.1 ) Balance, end of year $ 1.5 $ 1.6
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	Benefit payments are expected to be paid as follows for the years ending August 31: Domestic Plans International Plans 2017 $ 7.9 $ 3.3 2018 8.1 3.4 2019 8.3 3.5 2020 8.5 3.6 2021 11.9 3.7 2022-2026 69.0 20.0

Debt and Lines of Credit (Table

Debt and Lines of Credit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	The Company’s debt at August 31, 2016 and 2015 consisted of the following: August 31, 2016 2015 Senior unsecured public notes due December 2019, principal $ 350.0 $ 350.0 Senior unsecured public notes due December 2019, unamortized discount and deferred costs (1.3 ) (1.6 ) Industrial revenue bond due 2021 4.0 4.0 Bank loans 2.5 — Total debt outstanding $ 355.2 $ 352.4

Common Stock and Related Matt30

Common Stock and Related Matters (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Common Stock and Related Matters [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Common Stock	Changes in common stock for the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 were as follows: Common Stock Shares Amount (Amounts and shares in millions) (At par) Balance at August 31, 2013 52.2 $ 0.5 Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures 0.2 — Stock options exercised 0.2 — Balance at August 31, 2014 52.6 $ 0.5 Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures 0.2 — Stock options exercised 0.2 — Balance at August 31, 2015 53.0 $ 0.5 Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures 0.1 — Stock options exercised 0.3 — Balance at August 31, 2016 53.4 $ 0.5
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 : Years Ended August 31, (Amounts and shares in millions, except earnings per share) 2016 2015 2014 Basic Earnings per Share: Net income $ 290.8 $ 222.1 $ 175.8 Less: Income attributable to participating securities (0.4 ) (1.0 ) (1.6 ) Net income available to common shareholders $ 290.4 $ 221.1 $ 174.2 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 43.5 43.1 42.8 Basic earnings per share $ 6.67 $ 5.13 $ 4.07 Diluted Earnings per Share: Net income $ 290.8 $ 222.1 $ 175.8 Less: Income attributable to participating securities (0.4 ) (1.0 ) (1.6 ) Net income available to common shareholders $ 290.4 $ 221.1 $ 174.2 Basic weighted average shares outstanding 43.5 43.1 42.8 Common stock equivalents 0.3 0.3 0.2 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 43.8 43.4 43.0 Diluted earnings per share $ 6.63 $ 5.09 $ 4.05

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Restricted Stock Award Activity	Activity related to restricted stock awards during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2016 was as follows: Number of Shares (in millions) Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share Outstanding at August 31, 2015 0.5 $ 116.02 Granted 0.2 $ 209.49 Vested (0.2) $ 94.19 Forfeited (0.1) $ 182.42 Outstanding at August 31, 2016 0.4 $ 159.50
Schedule of Stock Options, Weighted Average Assumptions	The following weighted average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted in the fiscal years ended August 31: 2016 2015 2014 Dividend yield 0.3% 0.4% 0.7% Expected volatility 30.7% 33.9% 38.4% Risk-free interest rate 1.4% 1.5% 1.3% Expected life of options 4 years 4 years 5 years Weighted-average fair value of options $52.83 $37.43 $34.37
Schedule of Stock Option Transactions	Stock option activity during the years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was as follows: Outstanding Exercisable Number of Shares (in millions) Weighted Average Exercise Price Number of Shares (in millions) Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at August 31, 2013 0.8 $43.16 0.5 $38.00 Granted 0.1 $103.74 Exercised (0.2) $40.31 Outstanding at August 31, 2014 0.7 $50.58 0.5 $41.05 Granted 0.1 $135.63 Exercised (0.3) $39.35 Outstanding at August 31, 2015 0.5 $71.95 0.3 $51.05 Granted 0.1 $207.80 Exercised (0.3) $51.34 Outstanding at August 31, 2016 0.3 $129.85 0.1 $83.89 Range of option exercise prices: $40.00 - $100.00 (average life - 5.9 years) 0.1 $61.59 0.1 $61.59 $100.01 - $160.00 (average life - 7.7 years) 0.1 $121.45 — * $114.81 $160.01 - $210.00 (average life - 9.2 years) 0.1 $207.80 — $— _______________________________________ * Represents shares of less than 0.1.

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Product Warranty and Recall Reserves	The changes in product warranty and recall reserves (included in Other accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 are summarized as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Balance at September 1 $ 9.6 $ 8.5 $ 5.9 Warranty and recall costs 25.7 16.1 19.5 Payments and other deductions (20.8 ) (15.0 ) (16.9 ) Acquired warranty and recall liabilities 1.0 — — Balance at August 31 $ 15.5 $ 9.6 $ 8.5

Special Charge Special Charge (

Special Charge Special Charge (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Details of Special Charges Incurred	The details of the special charges during the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 are summarized as follows: Year ended August 31, 2016 2015 Severance and employee-related costs $ 9.9 $ 11.4 Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal costs 3.9 — Production transfer costs 1.2 0.5 Lease termination costs — 0.5 Special charge $ 15.0 $ 12.4
Schedule of Changes in Remaining Reserves	The changes in the reserves related to these programs during the year ended August 31, 2016 are summarized as follows: Fiscal 2016 Actions Fiscal 2015 Actions Total Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ — $ 4.9 $ 4.9 Severance and employee-related costs 10.4 (0.5 ) 9.9 Payments made during the period (4.0 ) (4.2 ) (8.2 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 6.4 $ 0.2 $ 6.6

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes	The provision for income taxes consists of the following components: Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 Provision for current federal taxes $ 139.6 $ 101.5 $ 77.1 Provision for current state taxes 17.6 13.1 9.0 Provision for current foreign taxes 5.1 4.3 4.3 (Benefit) provision for deferred taxes (8.5 ) 2.6 (0.5 ) Total provision for income taxes $ 153.8 $ 121.5 $ 89.9
Schedule of Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Rate to Total Provision for Income Taxes	A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the total provision for income taxes is as follows: Years Ended August 31, 2016 2015 2014 Federal income tax computed at statutory rate $ 155.6 $ 120.3 $ 93.0 State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit 11.0 8.6 6.7 Foreign permanent differences and rate differential (2.0 ) (1.4 ) (1.0 ) Other, net (10.8 ) (6.0 ) (8.8 ) Total provision for income taxes $ 153.8 $ 121.5 $ 89.9
Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Income Taxes	Components of the net deferred income tax liabilities at August 31, 2016 and 2015 include: August 31, 2016 2015 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities: Depreciation $ (22.5 ) $ (9.6 ) Goodwill and intangibles (161.6 ) (105.1 ) Other liabilities (3.7 ) (4.2 ) Total deferred income tax liabilities (187.8 ) (118.9 ) Deferred Income Tax Assets: Self-insurance 4.0 3.9 Pension 41.7 29.2 Deferred compensation 28.9 27.5 Net operating losses 14.3 15.7 Other accruals not yet deductible 33.5 18.8 Other assets 12.3 10.6 Total deferred income tax assets 134.7 105.7 Valuation Allowance (16.4 ) (15.0 ) Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (69.5 ) $ (28.2 )
Schedule of Change in Unrecognized Income Tax Benefit	A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefit (reported in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets ) for the years ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows: 2016 2015 Unrecognized tax benefits balance at September 1 $ 4.5 $ 3.0 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 1.0 0.8 Additions for tax positions of prior years 0.5 1.5 Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations (0.8 ) (0.8 ) Unrecognized tax benefits balance at August 31 $ 5.2 $ 4.5

Supplemental Disaggregated In35

Supplemental Disaggregated Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas	The geographic distribution of the Company’s net sales, operating profit, income before provision for income taxes, and long-lived assets is summarized in the following table for the years ended August 31: 2016 2015 2014 Net sales (1) Domestic (2) $ 2,928.3 $ 2,450.1 $ 2,155.0 International 363.0 256.6 238.5 Total $ 3,291.3 $ 2,706.7 $ 2,393.5 Operating profit Domestic (2) $ 457.6 $ 364.0 $ 287.8 International 17.6 12.3 11.3 Total $ 475.2 $ 376.3 $ 299.1 Income before Provision for Income Taxes Domestic (2) $ 430.8 $ 329.4 $ 257.1 International 13.8 14.2 8.6 Total $ 444.6 $ 343.6 $ 265.7 Long-lived assets (3) Domestic (2) $ 254.5 $ 179.6 $ 148.3 International 41.4 25.6 31.2 Total $ 295.9 $ 205.2 $ 179.5 _______________________________________ (1) Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location. (2) Domestic amounts include net sales (including export sales), operating profit, income before provision for income taxes, and long-lived assets for U.S. based operations. (3) Long-lived assets include net property, plant, and equipment, long-term deferred income tax assets, and other long-term assets.

Supplemental Guarantor Conden36

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements [Abstract]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS At August 31, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 368.2 $ — $ — $ 45.0 $ — $ 413.2 Accounts receivable, net — 503.0 — 69.8 — 572.8 Inventories — 274.7 — 20.5 — 295.2 Other current assets 2.5 14.3 — 24.9 — 41.7 Total Current Assets 370.7 792.0 — 160.2 — 1,322.9 Property, Plant, and Equipment, net 0.3 217.8 — 49.7 — 267.8 Goodwill — 735.8 2.7 209.3 — 947.8 Intangible assets, net — 168.1 113.4 99.9 — 381.4 Deferred income taxes 47.5 — — 6.5 (48.9 ) 5.1 Other long-term assets 1.4 20.4 — 1.2 — 23.0 Investments in and amounts due from affiliates 1,347.6 299.6 200.5 — (1,847.7 ) — Total Assets $ 1,767.5 $ 2,233.7 $ 316.6 $ 526.8 $ (1,896.6 ) $ 2,948.0 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1.2 $ 371.3 $ — $ 28.5 $ — $ 401.0 Current maturities of long-term debt — — — 0.2 — 0.2 Accrued liabilities 14.5 215.4 — 41.4 — 271.3 Total Current Liabilities 15.7 586.7 — 70.1 — 672.5 Long-Term Debt — 352.8 — 2.2 — 355.0 Deferred Income Taxes — 95.5 — 28.0 (48.9 ) 74.6 Other Long-Term Liabilities 92.0 64.8 — 29.3 — 186.1 Amounts due to affiliates — — — 96.9 (96.9 ) — Total Stockholders’ Equity 1,659.8 1,133.9 316.6 300.3 (1,750.8 ) 1,659.8 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 1,767.5 $ 2,233.7 $ 316.6 $ 526.8 $ (1,896.6 ) $ 2,948.0 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS At August 31, 2015 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 479.9 $ — $ — $ 276.9 $ — $ 756.8 Accounts receivable, net — 365.5 — 46.2 — 411.7 Inventories — 208.6 — 16.2 — 224.8 Other current assets 1.6 11.6 — 6.9 — 20.1 Total Current Assets 481.5 585.7 — 346.2 — 1,413.4 Property, Plant, and Equipment, net 0.3 139.8 — 34.5 — 174.6 Goodwill — 524.2 2.7 38.1 — 565.0 Intangible assets, net — 87.4 117.3 18.7 — 223.4 Deferred income taxes 41.9 — — 5.2 (43.6 ) 3.5 Other long-term assets 1.3 23.8 — 2.0 — 27.1 Investments in and amounts due from affiliates 934.7 333.5 168.5 — (1,436.7 ) — Total Assets $ 1,459.7 $ 1,694.4 $ 288.5 $ 444.7 $ (1,480.3 ) $ 2,407.0 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 0.9 $ 291.6 $ — $ 18.6 $ — $ 311.1 Other accrued liabilities 20.4 162.7 — 26.7 — 209.8 Total Current Liabilities 21.3 454.3 — 45.3 — 520.9 Long-Term Debt — 352.4 — — — 352.4 Deferred Income Taxes — 75.3 — — (43.6 ) 31.7 Other Long-Term Liabilities 78.4 42.7 — 20.9 — 142.0 Amounts due to affiliates — — — 77.5 (77.5 ) — Total Stockholders’ Equity 1,360.0 769.7 288.5 301.0 (1,359.2 ) 1,360.0 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 1,459.7 $ 1,694.4 $ 288.5 $ 444.7 $ (1,480.3 ) $ 2,407.0
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Sales: External sales $ — $ 2,919.7 $ — $ 371.6 $ — $ 3,291.3 Intercompany sales — — 47.4 131.2 (178.6 ) — Total Sales — 2,919.7 47.4 502.8 (178.6 ) 3,291.3 Cost of Products Sold — 1,602.2 — 379.3 (126.4 ) 1,855.1 Gross Profit — 1,317.5 47.4 123.5 (52.2 ) 1,436.2 Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses 47.2 834.6 3.8 112.6 (52.2 ) 946.0 Intercompany charges (59.5 ) 50.4 — 9.1 — — Special Charge — 15.0 — — — 15.0 Operating Profit 12.3 417.5 43.6 1.8 — 475.2 Interest expense, net 10.5 16.1 — 5.6 — 32.2 Equity earnings in subsidiaries (289.2 ) (3.2 ) — 0.2 292.2 — Miscellaneous income, net — — — (1.6 ) — (1.6 ) Income (Loss) before Provision for Income Taxes 291.0 404.6 43.6 (2.4 ) (292.2 ) 444.6 Provision for Income Taxes 0.2 137.7 15.6 0.3 — 153.8 Net Income (Loss) 290.8 266.9 28.0 (2.7 ) (292.2 ) 290.8 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (5.6 ) (5.6 ) — — 5.6 (5.6 ) Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net (23.4 ) (11.4 ) — (9.5 ) 20.9 (23.4 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items after Provision for Income Taxes (29.0 ) (17.0 ) — (9.5 ) 26.5 (29.0 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ 261.8 $ 249.9 $ 28.0 $ (12.2 ) $ (265.7 ) $ 261.8 CONDENSED CONSOL IDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Sales: External sales $ — $ 2,446.9 $ — $ 259.8 $ — $ 2,706.7 Intercompany sales — — 41.2 105.5 (146.7 ) — Total Sales — 2,446.9 41.2 365.3 (146.7 ) 2,706.7 Cost of Products Sold — 1,388.0 — 276.5 (103.4 ) 1,561.1 Gross Profit — 1,058.9 41.2 88.8 (43.3 ) 1,145.6 Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses 34.0 684.4 4.0 77.8 (43.3 ) 756.9 Intercompany charges (45.4 ) 39.7 — 5.7 — — Special Charge — 12.4 — — — 12.4 Operating Profit 11.4 322.4 37.2 5.3 — 376.3 Interest expense (income), net 9.9 21.8 — (0.2 ) — 31.5 Equity earnings in subsidiaries (221.2 ) (5.2 ) — — 226.4 — Miscellaneous expense (income), net — 2.8 — (1.6 ) — 1.2 Income (Loss) before Provision for Income Taxes 222.7 303.0 37.2 7.1 (226.4 ) 343.6 Provision for Income Taxes 0.6 103.5 14.9 2.5 — 121.5 Net Income (Loss) 222.1 199.5 22.3 4.6 (226.4 ) 222.1 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (24.0 ) (24.0 ) — — 24.0 (24.0 ) Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net (14.5 ) 6.3 — 0.5 (6.8 ) (14.5 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items after Provision for Income Taxes (38.5 ) (17.7 ) — 0.5 17.2 (38.5 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ 183.6 $ 181.8 $ 22.3 $ 5.1 $ (209.2 ) $ 183.6 CONDENSED CONSOL IDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Sales: External sales $ — $ 2,150.6 $ — $ 242.9 $ — $ 2,393.5 Intercompany sales — — 37.2 94.8 (132.0 ) — Total Sales — 2,150.6 37.2 337.7 (132.0 ) 2,393.5 Cost of Products Sold — 1,255.5 — 250.5 (91.7 ) 1,414.3 Gross Profit — 895.1 37.2 87.2 (40.3 ) 979.2 Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses 27.8 612.5 4.1 76.2 (40.3 ) 680.3 Intercompany charges (39.6 ) 34.7 — 4.9 — — Special Charge — (0.2 ) — — — (0.2 ) Operating Profit 11.8 248.1 33.1 6.1 — 299.1 Interest expense (income), net 10.0 22.2 — (0.1 ) — 32.1 Equity earnings in subsidiaries (174.2 ) (4.0 ) — — 178.2 — Miscellaneous (income) expense, net — (1.6 ) — 1.8 1.1 1.3 Income (Loss) before Provision for Income Taxes 176.0 231.5 33.1 4.4 (179.3 ) 265.7 Provision for Income Taxes 0.2 75.5 13.1 1.1 — 89.9 Net Income (Loss) 175.8 156.0 20.0 3.3 (179.3 ) 175.8 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments 0.7 0.7 — — (0.7 ) 0.7 Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net (10.0 ) (3.7 ) — (5.2 ) 8.9 (10.0 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items after Provision for Income Taxes (9.3 ) (3.0 ) — (5.2 ) 8.2 (9.3 ) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ 166.5 $ 153.0 $ 20.0 $ (1.9 ) $ (171.1 ) $ 166.5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 277.0 $ 54.8 $ — $ 13.9 $ — $ 345.7 Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment — (67.1 ) — (16.6 ) — (83.7 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment — 0.2 — 2.0 — 2.2 Investments in subsidiaries (405.6 ) — — — 405.6 — Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets — (393.9 ) — (229.3 ) — (623.2 ) Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Investing Activities (405.6 ) (460.8 ) — (243.9 ) 405.6 (704.7 ) Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities: Issuance of long-term debt — — — 2.5 — 2.5 Proceeds from stock option exercises and other 14.2 — — — — 14.2 Repurchases of common stock — — — — — — Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 25.6 — — — — 25.6 Intercompany capital — 405.6 — — (405.6 ) — Dividends paid (22.9 ) — — — — (22.9 ) Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities 16.9 405.6 — 2.5 (405.6 ) 19.4 Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash — 0.4 — (4.4 ) — (4.0 ) Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents (111.7 ) — — (231.9 ) — (343.6 ) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 479.9 — — 276.9 — 756.8 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 368.2 $ — $ — $ 45.0 $ — $ 413.2 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 212.1 $ 55.2 $ — $ 21.6 $ — $ 288.9 Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment — (41.9 ) — (14.6 ) — (56.5 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment — 1.3 — — — 1.3 Investments in subsidiaries (254.7 ) (245.2 ) — — 499.9 — Acquisitions of businesses — (14.6 ) — — — (14.6 ) Other investing activities — (2.6 ) — — — (2.6 ) Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Investing Activities (254.7 ) (303.0 ) — (14.6 ) 499.9 (72.4 ) Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities: Proceeds from stock option exercises and other 11.6 — — — — 11.6 Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 17.6 — — — — 17.6 Intercompany capital — 245.2 — 254.7 (499.9 ) — Dividends paid (22.7 ) — — — — (22.7 ) Other financing activities — — — (10.4 ) — (10.4 ) Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities 6.5 245.2 — 244.3 (499.9 ) (3.9 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash — (0.5 ) — (7.8 ) — (8.3 ) Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents (36.1 ) (3.1 ) — 243.5 — 204.3 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 516.0 3.1 — 33.4 — 552.5 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 479.9 $ — $ — $ 276.9 $ — $ 756.8 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Guarantor Non- Guarantors Consolidating Adjustments Consolidated Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $ 188.7 $ 35.1 $ — $ 9.3 $ — $ 233.1 Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment — (29.2 ) — (6.1 ) — (35.3 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment — 1.0 — — — 1.0 Investments in subsidiaries — (4.5 ) — 4.5 — — Net Cash Used for Investing Activities — (32.7 ) — (1.6 ) — (34.3 ) Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities: Proceeds from stock option exercises and other 8.4 — — — — 8.4 Excess tax benefits from share-based payments 10.4 — — — — 10.4 Dividends paid (22.5 ) — — — — (22.5 ) Other financing activities — — — (2.6 ) — (2.6 ) Net Cash Used for Financing Activities (3.7 ) — — (2.6 ) — (6.3 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash — (0.1 ) — 1.0 — 0.9 Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents 185.0 2.3 — 6.1 — 193.4 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year 331.0 0.8 — 27.3 — 359.1 Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year $ 516.0 $ 3.1 $ — $ 33.4 $ — $ 552.5

Quarterly Financial Data (Una37

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Fiscal Year 2016 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Net Sales $ 736.6 $ 777.8 $ 851.5 $ 925.5 Gross Profit $ 319.4 $ 336.9 $ 377.9 $ 402.1 Net Income $ 68.4 $ 65.5 $ 74.0 $ 82.9 Basic Earnings per Share $ 1.58 $ 1.50 $ 1.70 $ 1.90 Diluted Earnings per Share $ 1.57 $ 1.49 $ 1.69 $ 1.89 Fiscal Year 2015 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Net Sales $ 647.4 $ 616.1 $ 683.7 $ 759.5 Gross Profit $ 273.0 $ 255.7 $ 295.6 $ 321.3 Net Income $ 51.1 $ 46.4 $ 64.5 $ 60.1 Basic Earnings per Share $ 1.18 $ 1.07 $ 1.49 $ 1.39 Diluted Earnings per Share $ 1.17 $ 1.07 $ 1.48 $ 1.37

Description of Business and B38

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016Segment
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	1

Significant Accounting Polici39

Significant Accounting Policies - Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Liabilities associated with program revenues	$ 41	$ 35.6

Significant Accounting Polici40

Significant Accounting Policies - Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Period for return after shipment	4 months
Receivables from The Home Depot	$ 572.8	$ 411.7
Receivables | Home Depot
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Receivables from The Home Depot	$ 62.7	$ 59.9
Net sales | Home Depot
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Sales as percentage of total sales	4.00%	11.00%	12.00%

Significant Accounting Polici41

Significant Accounting Policies - Reclassifications (Details) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Accounting Standards Update 2015-17
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Deferred income tax reclassification resulting from adoption of ASU 2015-17	$ 23.1

Significant Accounting Polici42

Significant Accounting Policies - Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw materials, supplies, and work in process	$ 170.3	$ 125.7
Finished goods	145.3	113.9
Inventory Gross	315.6	239.6
Less: Reserves	(20.4)	(14.8)
Total Inventory	$ 295.2	$ 224.8

Significant Accounting Polici43

Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)Segment	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill	$ 565,000,000
Additions from acquired businesses	381,500,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,300,000
Goodwill	947,800,000	$ 565,000,000
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	364,100,000	220,200,000
Accumulated Amortization	(117,700,000)	(96,300,000)
Amortization expense of finite-lived intangible assets	21,400,000	11,000,000	$ 11,200,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Amortization expense in fiscal 2017	23,000,000
Amortization expense in fiscal 2018	23,000,000
Amortization expense in fiscal 2019	23,000,000
Amortization expense in fiscal 2020	22,600,000
Amortization expense in fiscal 2021	21,200,000
Goodwill impairment charge	0	0	0
Intangible asset impairment charge	$ 5,100,000	0	100,000
Number of reporting units | Segment	1
Unamortized trade names
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Unamortized trade names, Gross Carrying Amount	$ 135,000,000	99,500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Intangible asset impairment charge		0	$ 0
Patents and patented technology
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	112,300,000	72,700,000
Accumulated Amortization	(39,900,000)	(30,300,000)
Trademarks and trade names
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	27,200,000	25,400,000
Accumulated Amortization	(10,700,000)	(9,700,000)
Distribution network
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	61,800,000	61,800,000
Accumulated Amortization	(33,000,000)	(30,800,000)
Customer relationships
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	157,900,000	55,200,000
Accumulated Amortization	(29,300,000)	(20,800,000)
Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross Carrying Amount	4,900,000	5,100,000
Accumulated Amortization	$ (4,800,000)	$ (4,700,000)

Significant Accounting Polici44

Significant Accounting Policies - Other Long-Term Assets and Liabilities (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)Employee	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Other Long-Term Assets [Abstract]
Assets held for sale, total	$ 5.4
Deferred contract costs	8.3	$ 10.7
Capitalized software costs	0.8	1.6
Investment in noncontrolling affiliate	8	8
Other	5.9	6.8
Total	23	27.1
Amortization expense of capitalized software costs	0.3	0.4	$ 0.4
Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred compensation and postretirement benefits other than pensions	37.3	34.1
Long-term warranty obligations	4.9	2.5
Uncertain tax positions liability, including interest	6.1	5.2
Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal liabilities	3.9	0.2
Other	6.8	9.2
Total	$ 59	$ 51.2
Number of former employees covered under life insurance policy | Employee	74
Percentage contribution rate of eligible employee's compensation	3.00%

Significant Accounting Polici45

Significant Accounting Policies - Selling, Distribution and Administrative Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-based expense	$ 27.7	$ 18.2	$ 17.7
Income tax benefit for share-based compensation	9.6	6.4	6
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	25.6	17.6	10.4
Financing activities
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	25.6	17.6	10.4
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Other shipping and handling costs	124	105.6	100.9
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Research and development expense	47.1	41.1	35.3
Advertising costs	18.4	12	13.3
Service arrangements with customers	$ 7	$ 6.6	$ 6.1

Significant Accounting Polici46

Significant Accounting Policies - Depreciation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense	$ 40.9	$ 34.4	$ 31.8
Minimum | Building and related improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of plant and equipment, minimum	10 years
Minimum | Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of plant and equipment, minimum	3 years
Maximum | Building and related improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of plant and equipment, minimum	40 years
Maximum | Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of plant and equipment, minimum	15 years

Significant Accounting Polici47

Significant Accounting Policies - Interest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Interest Revenue (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest expense	$ 33.3	$ 32.6	$ 32.6
Interest income	(1.1)	(1.1)	(0.5)
Interest expense, net	$ 32.2	$ 31.5	$ 32.1

Significant Accounting Polici48

Significant Accounting Policies - Foreign Currency Translation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Miscellaneous expense (income), net
Foreign Currency Translation [Line Items]
Expense (Income) relating to foreign currency items	$ (0.8)	$ 0.7	$ 1.5

Significant Accounting Polici49

Significant Accounting Policies - Changes of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Items, net of tax (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2015	$ (110.4)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(34.3)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	5.3
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(29)
Balance at August 31, 2016	(139.4)
Foreign Currency Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2015	(42.1)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(5.6)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(5.6)
Balance at August 31, 2016	(47.7)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance at August 31, 2015	(68.3)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(28.7)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	5.3
Net current-period other comprehensive loss	(23.4)
Balance at August 31, 2016	$ (91.7)

Significant Accounting Polici50

Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Other Comprehensive Income Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Before Tax Amount	$ (5.6)	$ (24)	$ 0.7
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	0	0	0
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments, Net of Tax Amount	(5.6)	(24)	0.7
Actuarial losses Before Tax Amount	(42.2)	(27.9)	(18.2)
Actuarial losses, Tax Benefit	13.5	10.7	5.6
Actuarial losses, Net of Tax Amount	(28.7)	(17.2)	(12.6)
Prior service cost, Before Tax Amount	3.1	1.4	0.8
Prior Service Cost, Tax (Expense) Benefit	(1.1)	(0.6)	(0.3)
Prior Service Cost, Net of Tax Amount	2	0.8	0.5
Actuarial losses, Before Tax Amount	4.9	4.1	3.1
Actuarial losses, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	(1.6)	(2.2)	(1)
Actuarial losses, Net of Tax Amount	3.3	1.9	2.1
Total Defined Benefit Plan, net	(34.2)	(22.4)	(14.3)
Total Defined Benefit Plans, net, Tax (Expense) or Benefit	10.8	7.9	4.3
Total Defined Benefit Plans, net, Net of Tax Amount	(23.4)	(14.5)	(10)
Other Comprehensive Income/ (Expense), Before Tax Amount	(39.8)	(46.4)	(13.6)
Other Comprehensive Income/ (Expense), Tax (Expense) or Benefit	10.8	7.9	4.3
Other Comprehensive Loss Items, net of tax	$ (29)	$ (38.5)	$ (9.3)

Acquisitions and Investments -

Acquisitions and Investments - Fiscal 2016 Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 10, 2015	Sep. 01, 2015	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Consideration
Cash paid, net of cash acquired				$ 623.2	$ 14.6	$ 0
Allocation
Goodwill				947.8	$ 565
Juno Lighting LLC
Consideration
Total Purchase Price		$ 380
Allocation
Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period		$ 250
Distech Controls, Inc. (Distech)
Consideration
Total Purchase Price			$ 240
Allocation
Business Acquisition, Revenue Reported by Acquired Entity for Last Annual Period			$ 80
2016 Acquisitions
Consideration
Cash paid, net of cash acquired				623.2
Shares issued from Treasury Stock				10
Total Purchase Price				633.2
Allocation
Goodwill				381.5
Property and equipment				63.1
Other assets acquired				120.5
Deferred tax liabilities				(58.3)
Other liabilities assumed				(57.5)
Allocation of net assets acquired				633.2
Customer-based | 2016 Acquisitions
Allocation
Finite- lived intangible assets	[1]			$ 102.3
Weighted average amortization period				17 years
Technology-based | 2016 Acquisitions
Allocation
Finite- lived intangible assets	[2]			$ 39.3
Weighted average amortization period				8 years
Marketing-related | 2016 Acquisitions
Allocation
Indefinite- lived intangible assets	[3]			$ 42.3
Minimum | Customer-based | 2016 Acquisitions
Allocation
Useful lives				12 years
Minimum | Technology-based | 2016 Acquisitions
Allocation
Useful lives				5 years
Maximum | Customer-based | 2016 Acquisitions
Allocation
Useful lives				20 years
Maximum | Technology-based | 2016 Acquisitions
Allocation
Useful lives				10 years
[1]	Customer-based intangibles have useful lives between 12 and 20 years, with a weighted average amortization period of approximately 17 years.
[2]	Technology-based intangibles have useful lives between five and 10 years, with a weighted average amortization period of approximately 8 years.
[3]	Marketing-related intangibles are considered indefinite-lived.

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Assets:
Investment in noncontrolling affiliate	$ 8	$ 8
Liabilities:
Long-Term Debt	355.2	352.4
Carrying Value
Assets:
Investment in noncontrolling affiliate	8	8
Fair Value
Assets:
Investment in noncontrolling affiliate	14.4	8
Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount and deferred costs | Carrying Value
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair value of financial instruments	348.7	348.4
Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount and deferred costs | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair value of financial instruments	388.8	386.4
Industrial revenue bond | Carrying Value
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair value of financial instruments	4	4
Industrial revenue bond | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair value of financial instruments	4	4
Bank Loans | Carrying Value
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair value of financial instruments		0
Bank Loans | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Carrying and estimated fair value of financial instruments	2.6	0
Fair value measured on recurring basis
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	413.2	756.8
Other	0.5	0.5
Liabilities:
Other	0.5	0.5
Fair value measured on recurring basis | Level 1
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	413.2	756.8
Other	0.5	0.5
Liabilities:
Other	$ 0.5	$ 0.5

Pension and Defined Contribut53

Pension and Defined Contribution Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of:
Current liabilities	$ (1.3)	$ (1.6)
Non-current liabilities	(119.9)	(83.9)
Domestic Plans
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	192.2	171.5
Service cost	3.6	3.1	$ 2.4
Interest cost	8	6.8	7
Amendments	0	10.5
Actuarial loss	27.5	7.6
Benefits paid	(8.3)	(7.3)
Other	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	223	192.2	171.5
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	123.9	122.5
Actual return on plan assets	7.9	0.7
Employer contributions	5.3	8
Benefits paid	(8.3)	(7.3)
Other	0	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	128.8	123.9	122.5
Funded status at end of year:
Funded status at the end of year	(94.2)	(68.3)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of:
Current liabilities	(1.3)	(1.5)
Non-current liabilities	(92.9)	(66.8)
Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	(94.2)	(68.3)
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	220.4	189.2
Pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income:
Prior service cost	(10.8)	(13.9)
Net actuarial loss	(96.9)	(71.1)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income	(107.7)	(85)
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated comprehensive income over the next fiscal year:
Prior service cost	3.1	3.1
Net actuarial loss	$ 5.3	$ 3.1
Incremental benefit period	180 months
Percentage of participant's annual compensation subject to incremental benefit per the plan amendment	1.40%
Maximum number of years of credited service subject to incremental benefit	10 years
Percentage used in defining actuarial equivalent	2.50%	7.00%
Additional percentage point on US Treasury Bond Rate		1.50%
International Plans
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 49.8	$ 52.5
Service cost	0.1	0.1	0.1
Interest cost	1.7	1.8	1.9
Amendments	0	0
Actuarial loss	17.9	0.5
Benefits paid	(3.6)	(1)
Other	(8.6)	(4.1)
Benefit obligation at end of year	57.3	49.8	52.5
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	32.6	35.2
Actual return on plan assets	5.2	(0.1)
Employer contributions	1.1	1.1
Benefits paid	(3.6)	(1)
Other	(5)	(2.6)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	30.3	32.6	$ 35.2
Funded status at end of year:
Funded status at the end of year	(27)	(17.2)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of:
Current liabilities	0	(0.1)
Non-current liabilities	(27)	(17.1)
Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	(27)	(17.2)
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	57.3	49.8
Pre-tax amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income:
Prior service cost	0	0
Net actuarial loss	(28.2)	(19.4)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income	(28.2)	(19.4)
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated comprehensive income over the next fiscal year:
Prior service cost	0	0
Net actuarial loss	$ 3.7	$ 2.9

Pension and Defined Contribut54

Pension and Defined Contribution Plans - Net Periodic Pension Cost and Pension Plan Asset Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Domestic Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 3.6	$ 3.1	$ 2.4
Interest cost	8	6.8	7
Expected return on plan assets	(9.2)	(9.2)	(8)
Amortization of prior service cost	3.1	1.4	0.8
Settlement	0	0	0
Recognized actuarial loss	3	2.2	2
Net periodic pension cost	$ 8.5	$ 4.3	$ 4.2
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.20%	4.30%
Rate of compensation increase	5.50%	5.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.30%	4.00%	4.80%
Expected return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	7.50%
Rate of compensation increase	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Reduction in net periodic pension cost per 100 basis point increase in benefit obligation discount rate	$ 1.2
Additional net periodic pension cost per 100 basis point decrease in expected return on plan assets rate	$ 1.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Pension plan asset allocation, percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Domestic Plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Targeted asset allocation, percentage	55.00%
Pension plan asset allocation, percentage	55.40%	55.80%
Domestic Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Targeted asset allocation, percentage	40.00%
Pension plan asset allocation, percentage	39.10%	39.10%
Domestic Plans | Multi-strategy investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Pension plan asset allocation, percentage	0.00%	0.00%
Domestic Plans | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Targeted asset allocation, percentage	5.00%
Pension plan asset allocation, percentage	5.50%	5.10%
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Interest cost	1.7	1.8	1.9
Expected return on plan assets	(1.9)	(1.8)	(2)
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0
Settlement	0	0	(0.1)
Recognized actuarial loss	1.9	1.9	1.1
Net periodic pension cost	$ 1.8	$ 2	$ 1
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	2.10%	3.70%
Rate of compensation increase	2.80%	3.10%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	2.10%	3.60%	4.50%
Expected return on plan assets	6.50%	5.60%	6.20%
Rate of compensation increase	2.80%	3.10%	3.30%
Reduction in net periodic pension cost per 100 basis point increase in benefit obligation discount rate	$ 1.6
Additional net periodic pension cost per 100 basis point decrease in expected return on plan assets rate	$ 0.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Pension plan asset allocation, percentage	100.00%	100.00%
International Plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Targeted asset allocation, percentage	60.00%
Pension plan asset allocation, percentage	61.10%	64.10%
International Plans | Fixed income securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Targeted asset allocation, percentage	25.00%
Pension plan asset allocation, percentage	25.00%	21.50%
International Plans | Multi-strategy investments
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Targeted asset allocation, percentage	10.00%
Pension plan asset allocation, percentage	8.90%	9.50%
International Plans | Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Targeted asset allocation, percentage	5.00%
Pension plan asset allocation, percentage	5.00%	4.90%

Pension and Defined Contribut55

Pension and Defined Contribution Plans - Fair Value Measurements and Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)Plan	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Number of multi-employer defined benefit pension plans under terms of collective bargaining agreements | Plan				3
Contributions to Multi-employer Pension Plans	$ 0.7	$ 0.5	$ 0.4
Multiemployer plan withdrawal liability				$ 3.9	$ 0.2
Defined Contribution Pension
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined contribution plan, cost recognized	$ 6.9	5.6	5.3
Common stock included in defined contribution plan, market value				22.3
Common stock included in defined contribution plan as percentage of total fair value of assets in plan	7.30%
Domestic Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	$ 123.9	122.5	122.5	128.8	123.9
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	123.9	122.5
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	128.8	123.9	122.5
Employer expected contribution to defined benefit plans in next fiscal year	2.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,017				7.9
2,018				8.1
2,019				8.3
2,020				8.5
2,021				11.9
2022-2026				69
Domestic Plans | Mutual Funds: Large blend fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	44.9	44.9		46.5	44.9
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	44.9
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	46.5	44.9
Domestic Plans | Mutual Funds: Foreign large blend fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	11.9	11.9		12.3	11.9
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	11.9
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12.3	11.9
Domestic Plans | Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	6.3	6.3		7.1	6.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	6.3
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7.1	6.3
Domestic Plans | Short-Term Fixed Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	6.6	6.6		6.2	6.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	6.6
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	6.2	6.6
Domestic Plans | Fixed-Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	41.8	41.8		44.2	41.8
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	41.8
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	44.2	41.8
Domestic Plans | Collective Trust: Domestic small cap equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	12.4	12.4		12.5	12.4
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	12.4
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12.5	12.4
Domestic Plans | Level 1 | Mutual Funds: Large blend fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	44.9	44.9		46.5	44.9
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	44.9
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	46.5	44.9
Domestic Plans | Level 1 | Mutual Funds: Foreign large blend fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	11.9	11.9		12.3	11.9
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	11.9
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12.3	11.9
Domestic Plans | Level 1 | Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Domestic Plans | Level 1 | Short-Term Fixed Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	6.6	6.6		6.2	6.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	6.6
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	6.2	6.6
Domestic Plans | Level 1 | Fixed-Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Domestic Plans | Level 1 | Collective Trust: Domestic small cap equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Domestic Plans | Level 2 | Mutual Funds: Large blend fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Domestic Plans | Level 2 | Mutual Funds: Foreign large blend fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Domestic Plans | Level 2 | Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Domestic Plans | Level 2 | Short-Term Fixed Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Domestic Plans | Level 2 | Fixed-Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	41.8	41.8		44.2	41.8
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	41.8
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	44.2	41.8
Domestic Plans | Level 2 | Collective Trust: Domestic small cap equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	12.4	12.4		12.5	12.4
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	12.4
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	12.5	12.4
Domestic Plans | Level 3 | Mutual Funds: Large blend fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Domestic Plans | Level 3 | Mutual Funds: Foreign large blend fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Domestic Plans | Level 3 | Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	6.3	5.6	5.6	7.1	6.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	6.3	5.6
Net unrealized gain relating to instruments still held at the reporting date	0.5	0.5
Shares purchased, including from dividend reinvestment	0.3	0.2
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7.1	6.3	5.6
Domestic Plans | Level 3 | Short-Term Fixed Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Domestic Plans | Level 3 | Fixed-Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Domestic Plans | Level 3 | Collective Trust: Domestic small cap equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	32.6	35.2	35.2	30.3	32.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	32.6	35.2
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	30.3	32.6	35.2
Employer expected contribution to defined benefit plans in next fiscal year	1
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,017				3.3
2,018				3.4
2,019				3.5
2,020				3.6
2,021				3.7
2022-2026				20
International Plans | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	20.9	20.9		18.5	20.9
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	20.9
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18.5	20.9
International Plans | Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	1.6	1.6		1.5	1.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1.6
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1.5	1.6
International Plans | Short-Term Fixed Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.5			0.5
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.5
International Plans | Multi-strategy investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	3.1	3.1		2.7	3.1
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	3.1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2.7	3.1
International Plans | Fixed-Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	7	7		7.1	7
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7.1	7
International Plans | Level 1 | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Short-Term Fixed Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.5			0.5
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.5
International Plans | Level 1 | Multi-strategy investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 1 | Fixed-Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 2 | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	20.9	20.9		18.5	20.9
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	20.9
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18.5	20.9
International Plans | Level 2 | Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 2 | Short-Term Fixed Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0			0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0
International Plans | Level 2 | Multi-strategy investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	3.1	3.1		2.7	3.1
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	3.1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2.7	3.1
International Plans | Level 2 | Fixed-Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	7	7		7.1	7
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	7.1	7
International Plans | Level 3 | Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3 | Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	1.6	1.7	1.7	1.5	1.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1.6	1.7
Net unrealized loss relating to instruments still held at the reporting date	(0.1)	(0.1)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1.5	1.6	$ 1.7
International Plans | Level 3 | Short-Term Fixed Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0			0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0
International Plans | Level 3 | Multi-strategy investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
International Plans | Level 3 | Fixed-Income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0	0		$ 0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 0	$ 0

Debt and Lines of Credit - Debt

Debt and Lines of Credit - Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 01, 2009	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt outstanding		$ 355,200,000	$ 352,400,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,017		200,000
2,018		300,000
2,019		300,000
2,020		350,300,000
2,021		4,300,000
After 2,021		1,100,000
Subsidiary Issuer
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes	$ 350,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes | Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt outstanding		350,000,000	350,000,000
Senior unsecured public notes due December 2019, unamortized discount and deferred costs		(1,300,000)	(1,600,000)
Senior Unsecured Notes | Notes | ABL
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate	6.00%
Senior unsecured notes, discount rate	99.797%
Senior unsecured notes, maturity terms (years)	10 years
Capitalized deferred issuance costs	$ 3,100,000
Term of notes	10 years
Industrial Revenue Bond | Industrial revenue bond
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt outstanding		$ 4,000,000	$ 4,000,000
Long-term debt, interest rate		0.70%	0.10%
Bank Loans | Fixed-rate Bank Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt outstanding		$ 2,500,000	$ 0
Minimum | Bank Loans | Fixed-rate Bank Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of notes		7 years
Interest rate (percent)		0.80%
Maximum | Bank Loans | Fixed-rate Bank Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of notes		12 years
Interest rate (percent)		1.95%

Debt and Lines of Credit - Line

Debt and Lines of Credit - Lines of Credit (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 27, 2014USD ($)
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 6,100,000
Lines of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 11,000,000
Lines of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Executed revolving credit facility		$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Maximum Leverage Ratio	3.50
Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio	2.50
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 250,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility	$ 243,900,000
Lines of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Applicable margins as determined by leverage ratio	1.00%
Commitment fees rate	0.125%
Lines of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Applicable margins as determined by leverage ratio	1.575%
Commitment fees rate	0.30%

Common Stock and Related Matt58

Common Stock and Related Matters (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended			60 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2011
Common Stock [Roll Forward]
Common Stock, Shares, Balance beginning of period	53,024,284
Common Stock, Shares, Balance end of period	53,415,687	53,024,284		53,415,687
Common Stock, Amount (at par), Balance beginning of period	$ 0.5
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures, Amount	11.1	$ 6.4	$ 7.2
Stock options exercised, Amount	13.5	11.1	$ 8
Common Stock, Amount (at par), Balance end of period	$ 0.5	$ 0.5		$ 0.5
Treasury Stock Transactions, Excluding Value of Shares Reissued [Abstract]
Remaining repurchased shares recorded as treasury stock	9,679,457	9,719,255		9,679,457
Treasury stock at original repurchase cost	$ 418.6	$ 420.2		$ 418.6
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000		50,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0		0
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0		0
October 2011 Plan
Treasury Stock Transactions, Excluding Value of Shares Reissued [Abstract]
Number of repurchase shares, authorized					2,000,000
Reacquired shares of outstanding common stock				0
Common Stock
Common Stock [Roll Forward]
Common Stock, Shares, Balance beginning of period	53,000,000	52,600,000	52,200,000
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures, Shares	100,000	200,000	200,000
Stock options exercised, Shares	300,000	200,000	200,000
Common Stock, Shares, Balance end of period	53,400,000	53,000,000	52,600,000	53,400,000
Common Stock, Amount (at par), Balance beginning of period	$ 0.5	$ 0.5	$ 0.5
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures, Amount	0	0	0
Stock options exercised, Amount	0	0	0
Common Stock, Amount (at par), Balance end of period	$ 0.5	$ 0.5	$ 0.5	$ 0.5

Common Stock and Related Matt59

Common Stock and Related Matters - Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Basic Earnings per Share:
Net income	$ 290.8	$ 222.1	$ 175.8
Less: Income attributable to participating securities	(0.4)	(1)	(1.6)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 290.4	$ 221.1	$ 174.2
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	43,500	43,100	42,800
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 6.67	$ 5.13	$ 4.07
Diluted Earnings per Share:
Net income	$ 290.8	$ 222.1	$ 175.8
Less: Income attributable to participating securities	(0.4)	(1)	(1.6)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 290.4	$ 221.1	$ 174.2
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	43,500	43,100	42,800
Common stock equivalents (in shares)	300	300	200
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	43,800	43,400	43,000
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 6.63	$ 5.09	$ 4.05
Stock Options
Earnings per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share (in shares)	40	44
Restricted Stock
Earnings per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share (in shares)	4	26

Share-Based Payments (Details)

Share-Based Payments (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]
Share-based expense		$ 27,700,000	$ 18,200,000	$ 17,700,000
$40.00 - $100.00 (average life - 5.9 years)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]
Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Outstanding		100,000
Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding (in dollars per share)		$ 61.59
Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Exercisable		100,000
Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)		$ 61.59
$100.01 - $160.00 (average life - 7.7 years)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]
Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Outstanding		100,000
Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding (in dollars per share)		$ 121.45
Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Exercisable	[1]	0
Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)		$ 114.81
$160.01 - $210.00 (average life - 9.2 years)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]
Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Outstanding		100,000
Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding (in dollars per share)		$ 207.80
Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Exercisable		0
Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)		$ 0
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant		1,600,000	1,800,000	2,100,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized compensation cost		$ 3,800,000
Unrecognized compensation cost period of recognition (years)		1 year 4 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Dividend yield		0.30%	0.40%	0.70%
Expected volatility		30.70%	33.90%	38.40%
Risk-free interest rate		1.40%	1.50%	1.30%
Expected life of options		4 years	4 years	5 years
Weighted-average fair value of options (in dollars per share)		$ 52.83	$ 37.43	$ 34.37
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Beginning of period, Outstanding, Number of Shares		500,000	700,000	800,000
Granted, Number of Shares		100,000	100,000	100,000
Exercised, Number of Shares		(300,000)	(300,000)	(200,000)
End of period, Outstanding, Number of Shares		300,000	500,000	700,000	800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Beginning of period, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)		$ 71.95	$ 50.58	$ 43.16
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)		207.80	135.63	103.74
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)		51.34	39.35	40.31
End of period, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)		$ 129.85	$ 71.95	$ 50.58	$ 43.16
Exercisable, Number of Shares, Outstanding		100,000	300,000	500,000	500,000
Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding (in dollars per share)		$ 83.89	$ 51.05	$ 41.05	$ 38
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]
Total intrinsic value of stock options expected to vest		$ 50,000,000	$ 33,300,000	$ 16,300,000
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised		37,500,000
Total intrinsic value of stock options outstanding		37,300,000
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercisable		$ 21,900,000
Stock Options | $40.00 - $100.00 (average life - 5.9 years)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]
Range of option exercise prices: lower range limit (in dollars per share)		$ 40
Range of option exercise prices: upper range limit (in dollars per share)		$ 100
Range of option exercise prices: average life		5 years 10 months 24 days
Stock Options | $100.01 - $160.00 (average life - 7.7 years)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]
Range of option exercise prices: lower range limit (in dollars per share)		$ 100.01
Range of option exercise prices: upper range limit (in dollars per share)		$ 160
Range of option exercise prices: average life		7 years 8 months 12 days
Stock Options | $160.01 - $210.00 (average life - 9.2 years)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]
Range of option exercise prices: lower range limit (in dollars per share)		$ 160.01
Range of option exercise prices: upper range limit (in dollars per share)		$ 210
Range of option exercise prices: average life		9 years 2 months 12 days
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Beginning of period, Outstanding, Number of Shares		500,000
Granted, Number of Shares		200,000
Vested, Number of Shares		(200,000)
Forfeited, Number of Shares		(100,000)
End of period, Outstanding, Number of Shares		400,000	500,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share [Roll Forward]
Beginning of period, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)		$ 116.02
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)		209.49
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)		94.19
Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)		182.42
End of period, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share (in dollars per share)		$ 159.50	$ 116.02
Unrecognized compensation cost		$ 52,600,000
Unrecognized compensation cost period of recognition (years)		1 year 9 months 18 days
Total fair value of shares vested		$ 18,800,000	$ 14,300,000	13,000,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]
Share-based expense		$ 1,100,000	1,000,000	800,000
Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance		2,300,000
Number of newly authorized shares		400,000
Number of shares available for grant with shareholders approval		1,700,000
Long-Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance		1,900,000
Directors' Plan | Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares (whole units) granted under Director's Plan		0
Amended Plan | Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]
Share-based compensation vesting period (years)		3 years
Share-based expense		$ 2,900,000	2,400,000	2,400,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Stock Options [Abstract]
Share-based compensation, expiration period		10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
End of period, Outstanding, Number of Shares		258,000
Amended Plan | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]
Share-based compensation vesting period (years)		4 years
Share-based expense		$ 23,700,000	14,800,000	14,200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
End of period, Outstanding, Number of Shares		444,000
Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan | Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]
Share-based compensation vesting period (years)		1 year
Share-based expense		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Stock Options [Abstract]
Share-based compensation, expiration period		10 years
Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant with shareholders approval							86,000
Number of shares available for grant		400,000	400,000	400,000			300,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]
Deferred compensation, number of share units outstanding		130,000
Deferred compensation, deferral percentage of annual retainer					55.00%	50.00%
Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]
Share-based expense		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]
Deferred compensation, number of share units outstanding		10,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance		1,500,000
Number of shares available for grant		1,000,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]
Employee discount on purchases of common stock		5.00%
[1]	Represents shares of less than 0.1.

Commitments and Contingencies61

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 01, 2015	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal 2017		$ 15,100,000
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal 2018		12,100,000
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal 2019		9,600,000
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal 2020		7,500,000
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal 2021		5,700,000
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal year after 2021		10,200,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net [Abstract]
Total rent expense		17,600,000	$ 16,000,000	$ 16,500,000
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Purchase obligations in fiscal 2016		193,800,000
Purchase obligations in fiscal 2018		4,800,000
Purchase obligations beyond fiscal 2018		$ 0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Balance at September 1	$ 9,600,000	$ 9,600,000	$ 8,500,000	5,900,000
Warranty and recall costs		25,700,000	16,100,000	19,500,000
Payments and other deductions		(20,800,000)	(15,000,000)	(16,900,000)
Acquired warranty and recall liabilities		1,000,000	0	0
Balance at August 31		$ 15,500,000	$ 9,600,000	$ 8,500,000
Total work force covered by collective bargaining agreements
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Collective bargaining agreements, percentage of work force		73.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Abstract]
Collective bargaining agreements, percentage of work force		69.00%
Unfavorable Regulatory Action | Distech Controls, Inc. (Distech)
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Duration of Revenue Producing Activities That May Constitute Violations	5 years
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Estimate of revenue received from potential violations of US and Canadian sanctions	$ 300,000

Special Charge (Details)

Special Charge (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special Charge	$ 15	$ 12.4	$ (0.2)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Remaining balance of severance reserve	4.9
Severance and employee-related costs	9.9
Payments made during the period	(8.2)
Remaining balance of severance reserve	6.6	4.9
Special Charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special Charge	15	11.9
Severance and employee-related costs | Special Charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special Charge	9.9	11.4
Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal costs | Special Charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special Charge	3.9	0
Production transfer costs | Special Charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special Charge	1.2	0.5
Lease termination costs | Special Charges
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special Charge	0	0.5
Fiscal 2015 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Remaining balance of severance reserve	4.9
Severance and employee-related costs	(0.5)
Payments made during the period	(4.2)
Remaining balance of severance reserve	0.2	4.9
Fiscal 2016 Actions
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Remaining balance of severance reserve	0
Severance and employee-related costs	10.4
Payments made during the period	(4)
Remaining balance of severance reserve	$ 6.4	$ 0

Income Taxes - Provision for In

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for current federal taxes	$ 139.6	$ 101.5	$ 77.1
Provision for current state taxes	17.6	13.1	9
Provision for current foreign taxes	5.1	4.3	4.3
(Benefit) provision for deferred taxes	(8.5)	2.6	(0.5)
Total provision for income taxes	$ 153.8	$ 121.5	$ 89.9

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Federal income tax computed at statutory rate	$ 155,600,000	$ 120,300,000	$ 93,000,000
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	11,000,000	8,600,000	6,700,000
Foreign permanent differences and rate differential	(2,000,000)	(1,400,000)	(1,000,000)
Other, net	(10,800,000)	(6,000,000)	(8,800,000)
Total provision for income taxes	153,800,000	121,500,000	89,900,000
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation	(22,500,000)	(9,600,000)
Goodwill and intangibles	(161,600,000)	(105,100,000)
Other liabilities	(3,700,000)	(4,200,000)
Total deferred income tax liabilities	187,800,000	118,900,000
Deferred Income Tax Assets:
Self-insurance	4,000,000	3,900,000
Pension	41,700,000	29,200,000
Deferred compensation	28,900,000	27,500,000
Net operating losses	14,300,000	15,700,000
Other accruals not yet deductible	33,500,000	18,800,000
Other assets	12,300,000	10,600,000
Total deferred income tax assets	134,700,000	105,700,000
Valuation Allowance	(16,400,000)	(15,000,000)
Net deferred income tax liabilities	(69,500,000)	(28,200,000)
Undistributed earnings and original investments in foreign subsidiaries	83,200,000
State tax credit carryforwards	1,100,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect annual effective tax rate	3,900,000	2,200,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at September 1	4,500,000	3,000,000
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	1,000,000	800,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years	500,000	1,500,000
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations	(800,000)	(800,000)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at August 31	5,200,000	4,500,000	$ 3,000,000
Total accrued interest	900,000	$ 700,000
Accruals related to income tax penalties	0
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Deferred Income Tax Assets:
Operating loss carryforwards	24,300,000
State and Local Jurisdiction
Deferred Income Tax Assets:
Operating loss carryforwards	12,500,000
Foreign Tax Authority
Deferred Income Tax Assets:
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 21,200,000

Supplemental Disaggregated In65

Supplemental Disaggregated Information (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	May 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)Segment		Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)		Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Geographic Distribution
Number of reportable segments | Segment										1
Net sales		$ 925.5	$ 851.5	$ 777.8	$ 736.6	$ 759.5	$ 683.7	$ 616.1	$ 647.4	$ 3,291.3	[1]	$ 2,706.7	[1]	$ 2,393.5	[1]
Operating profit										475.2		376.3		299.1
Income before Provision for Income Taxes										444.6		343.6		265.7
Long-lived assets		295.9				205.2				295.9		205.2		179.5
Domestic
Geographic Distribution
Net sales	[1],[2]									2,928.3		2,450.1		2,155
Operating profit										457.6		364		287.8
Income before Provision for Income Taxes										430.8		329.4		257.1
Long-lived assets		254.5				179.6				254.5		179.6		148.3
International
Geographic Distribution
Net sales	[1]									363		256.6		238.5
Operating profit										17.6		12.3		11.3
Income before Provision for Income Taxes										13.8		14.2		8.6
Long-lived assets		$ 41.4				$ 25.6				$ 41.4		$ 25.6		$ 31.2
Sales of lighting solutions, excluding services | Product Concentration Risk
Geographic Distribution
Sales as percentage of total sales										99.00%		99.00%		99.00%
[1]	Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location.
[2]	Domestic amounts include net sales (including export sales), operating profit, income before provision for income taxes, and long-lived assets for U.S. based operations.

Supplemental Guarantor Conden66

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 413.2	$ 756.8	$ 552.5	$ 359.1
Accounts receivable, net	572.8	411.7
Inventories	295.2	224.8
Other current assets	41.7	20.1
Total Current Assets	1,322.9	1,413.4
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	267.8	174.6
Goodwill	947.8	565
Intangible assets, net	381.4	223.4
Deferred income taxes	5.1	3.5
Other long-term assets	23	27.1
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	0	0
Total Assets	2,948	2,407
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	401	311.1
Current maturities of long-term debt	0.2	0
Accrued liabilities	271.3	209.8
Total Current Liabilities	672.5	520.9
Long-Term Debt	355	352.4
Deferred Income Taxes	74.6	31.7
Other Long-Term Liabilities	186.1	142
Amounts due to affiliates	0	0
Total Stockholders’ Equity	1,659.8	1,360	1,163.5	993.5
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	2,948	2,407
Consolidating Adjustments
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total Current Assets	0	0
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(48.9)	(43.6)
Other long-term assets	0	0
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	(1,847.7)	(1,436.7)
Total Assets	(1,896.6)	(1,480.3)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Current maturities of long-term debt	0
Accrued liabilities	0	0
Total Current Liabilities	0	0
Long-Term Debt	0	0
Deferred Income Taxes	(48.9)	(43.6)
Other Long-Term Liabilities	0	0
Amounts due to affiliates	(96.9)	(77.5)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	(1,750.8)	(1,359.2)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	(1,896.6)	(1,480.3)
Parent
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	368.2	479.9	516	331
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Other current assets	2.5	1.6
Total Current Assets	370.7	481.5
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	0.3	0.3
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	47.5	41.9
Other long-term assets	1.4	1.3
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	1,347.6	934.7
Total Assets	1,767.5	1,459.7
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	1.2	0.9
Current maturities of long-term debt	0
Accrued liabilities	14.5	20.4
Total Current Liabilities	15.7	21.3
Long-Term Debt	0	0
Deferred Income Taxes	0	0
Other Long-Term Liabilities	92	78.4
Amounts due to affiliates	0	0
Total Stockholders’ Equity	1,659.8	1,360
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	1,767.5	1,459.7
Subsidiary Issuer
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	3.1	0.8
Accounts receivable, net	503	365.5
Inventories	274.7	208.6
Other current assets	14.3	11.6
Total Current Assets	792	585.7
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	217.8	139.8
Goodwill	735.8	524.2
Intangible assets, net	168.1	87.4
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term assets	20.4	23.8
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	299.6	333.5
Total Assets	2,233.7	1,694.4
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	371.3	291.6
Current maturities of long-term debt	0
Accrued liabilities	215.4	162.7
Total Current Liabilities	586.7	454.3
Long-Term Debt	352.8	352.4
Deferred Income Taxes	95.5	75.3
Other Long-Term Liabilities	64.8	42.7
Amounts due to affiliates	0	0
Total Stockholders’ Equity	1,133.9	769.7
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	2,233.7	1,694.4
Subsidiary Guarantor
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total Current Assets	0	0
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	2.7	2.7
Intangible assets, net	113.4	117.3
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other long-term assets	0	0
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	200.5	168.5
Total Assets	316.6	288.5
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Current maturities of long-term debt	0
Accrued liabilities	0	0
Total Current Liabilities	0	0
Long-Term Debt	0	0
Deferred Income Taxes	0	0
Other Long-Term Liabilities	0	0
Amounts due to affiliates	0	0
Total Stockholders’ Equity	316.6	288.5
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	316.6	288.5
Non- Guarantors
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	45	276.9	$ 33.4	$ 27.3
Accounts receivable, net	69.8	46.2
Inventories	20.5	16.2
Other current assets	24.9	6.9
Total Current Assets	160.2	346.2
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	49.7	34.5
Goodwill	209.3	38.1
Intangible assets, net	99.9	18.7
Deferred income taxes	6.5	5.2
Other long-term assets	1.2	2
Investments in and amounts due from affiliates	0	0
Total Assets	526.8	444.7
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	28.5	18.6
Current maturities of long-term debt	0.2
Accrued liabilities	41.4	26.7
Total Current Liabilities	70.1	45.3
Long-Term Debt	2.2	0
Deferred Income Taxes	28	0
Other Long-Term Liabilities	29.3	20.9
Amounts due to affiliates	96.9	77.5
Total Stockholders’ Equity	300.3	301
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$ 526.8	$ 444.7

Supplemental Guarantor Conden67

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
Net Sales:
External sales									$ 3,291.3		$ 2,706.7		$ 2,393.5
Intercompany sales									0		0		0
Total Sales	$ 925.5	$ 851.5	$ 777.8	$ 736.6	$ 759.5	$ 683.7	$ 616.1	$ 647.4	3,291.3	[1]	2,706.7	[1]	2,393.5	[1]
Cost of Products Sold									1,855.1		1,561.1		1,414.3
Gross Profit	402.1	377.9	336.9	319.4	321.3	295.6	255.7	273	1,436.2		1,145.6		979.2
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses									946		756.9		680.3
Intercompany charges									0		0		0
Special Charge									15		12.4		(0.2)
Operating Profit									475.2		376.3		299.1
Interest expense (income), net									32.2		31.5		32.1
Equity earnings in subsidiaries									0		0		0
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net									(1.6)		1.2		1.3
Income before Provision for Income Taxes									444.6		343.6		265.7
Provision for Income Taxes									153.8		121.5		89.9
Net Income	$ 82.9	$ 74	$ 65.5	$ 68.4	$ 60.1	$ 64.5	$ 46.4	$ 51.1	290.8		222.1		175.8
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments									(5.6)		(24)		0.7
Defined benefit plans, net									(23.4)		(14.5)		(10)
Other Comprehensive Loss Items, net of tax									(29)		(38.5)		(9.3)
Comprehensive Income									261.8		183.6		166.5
Consolidating Adjustments
Net Sales:
External sales									0		0		0
Intercompany sales									(178.6)		(146.7)		(132)
Total Sales									(178.6)		(146.7)		(132)
Cost of Products Sold									(126.4)		(103.4)		(91.7)
Gross Profit									(52.2)		(43.3)		(40.3)
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses									(52.2)		(43.3)		(40.3)
Intercompany charges									0		0		0
Special Charge									0		0		0
Operating Profit									0		0		0
Interest expense (income), net									0		0		0
Equity earnings in subsidiaries									292.2		226.4		178.2
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net									0		0		1.1
Income before Provision for Income Taxes									(292.2)		(226.4)		(179.3)
Provision for Income Taxes									0		0		0
Net Income									(292.2)		(226.4)		(179.3)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments									5.6		24		(0.7)
Defined benefit plans, net									20.9		(6.8)		8.9
Other Comprehensive Loss Items, net of tax									26.5		17.2		8.2
Comprehensive Income									(265.7)		(209.2)		(171.1)
Parent
Net Sales:
External sales									0		0		0
Intercompany sales									0		0		0
Total Sales									0		0		0
Cost of Products Sold									0		0		0
Gross Profit									0		0		0
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses									47.2		34		27.8
Intercompany charges									(59.5)		(45.4)		(39.6)
Special Charge									0		0		0
Operating Profit									12.3		11.4		11.8
Interest expense (income), net									10.5		9.9		10
Equity earnings in subsidiaries									(289.2)		(221.2)		(174.2)
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net									0		0		0
Income before Provision for Income Taxes									291		222.7		176
Provision for Income Taxes									0.2		0.6		0.2
Net Income									290.8		222.1		175.8
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments									(5.6)		(24)		0.7
Defined benefit plans, net									(23.4)		(14.5)		(10)
Other Comprehensive Loss Items, net of tax									(29)		(38.5)		(9.3)
Comprehensive Income									261.8		183.6		166.5
Subsidiary Issuer
Net Sales:
External sales									2,919.7		2,446.9		2,150.6
Intercompany sales									0		0		0
Total Sales									2,919.7		2,446.9		2,150.6
Cost of Products Sold									1,602.2		1,388		1,255.5
Gross Profit									1,317.5		1,058.9		895.1
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses									834.6		684.4		612.5
Intercompany charges									50.4		39.7		34.7
Special Charge									15		12.4		(0.2)
Operating Profit									417.5		322.4		248.1
Interest expense (income), net									16.1		21.8		22.2
Equity earnings in subsidiaries									(3.2)		(5.2)		(4)
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net									0		2.8		(1.6)
Income before Provision for Income Taxes									404.6		303		231.5
Provision for Income Taxes									137.7		103.5		75.5
Net Income									266.9		199.5		156
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments									(5.6)		(24)		0.7
Defined benefit plans, net									(11.4)		6.3		(3.7)
Other Comprehensive Loss Items, net of tax									(17)		(17.7)		(3)
Comprehensive Income									249.9		181.8		153
Subsidiary Guarantor
Net Sales:
External sales									0		0		0
Intercompany sales									47.4		41.2		37.2
Total Sales									47.4		41.2		37.2
Cost of Products Sold									0		0		0
Gross Profit									47.4		41.2		37.2
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses									3.8		4		4.1
Intercompany charges									0		0		0
Special Charge									0		0		0
Operating Profit									43.6		37.2		33.1
Interest expense (income), net									0		0		0
Equity earnings in subsidiaries									0		0		0
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net									0		0		0
Income before Provision for Income Taxes									43.6		37.2		33.1
Provision for Income Taxes									15.6		14.9		13.1
Net Income									28		22.3		20
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments									0		0		0
Defined benefit plans, net									0		0		0
Other Comprehensive Loss Items, net of tax									0		0		0
Comprehensive Income									28		22.3		20
Non- Guarantors
Net Sales:
External sales									371.6		259.8		242.9
Intercompany sales									131.2		105.5		94.8
Total Sales									502.8		365.3		337.7
Cost of Products Sold									379.3		276.5		250.5
Gross Profit									123.5		88.8		87.2
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses									112.6		77.8		76.2
Intercompany charges									9.1		5.7		4.9
Special Charge									0		0		0
Operating Profit									1.8		5.3		6.1
Interest expense (income), net									5.6		(0.2)		(0.1)
Equity earnings in subsidiaries									0.2		0		0
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net									(1.6)		(1.6)		1.8
Income before Provision for Income Taxes									(2.4)		7.1		4.4
Provision for Income Taxes									0.3		2.5		1.1
Net Income									(2.7)		4.6		3.3
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Items:
Foreign currency translation adjustments									0		0		0
Defined benefit plans, net									(9.5)		0.5		(5.2)
Other Comprehensive Loss Items, net of tax									(9.5)		0.5		(5.2)
Comprehensive Income									$ (12.2)		$ 5.1		$ (1.9)
[1]	Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location.

Supplemental Guarantor Conden68

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$ 345.7	$ 288.9	$ 233.1
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(83.7)	(56.5)	(35.3)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	2.2	1.3	1
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0	0
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets	(623.2)	(14.6)	0
Other investing activities	0	2.6	0
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(704.7)	(72.4)	(34.3)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	2.5	0	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	14.2	11.6	8.4
Repurchases of common stock	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	25.6	17.6	10.4
Intercompany capital	0	0
Dividends paid	(22.9)	(22.7)	(22.5)
Other financing activities	0	(10.4)	(2.6)
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	19.4	(3.9)	(6.3)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(4)	(8.3)	0.9
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(343.6)	204.3	193.4
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	756.8	552.5	359.1
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	413.2	756.8	552.5
Consolidating Adjustments
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	0	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	405.6	499.9	0
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets	0	0
Other investing activities		0
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	405.6	499.9	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0	0	0
Intercompany capital	(405.6)	(499.9)
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Other financing activities		0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	(405.6)	(499.9)	0
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	0	0	0
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	0	0	0
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	277	212.1	188.7
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	(405.6)	(254.7)	0
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets	0	0
Other investing activities		0
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(405.6)	(254.7)	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	14.2	11.6	8.4
Repurchases of common stock	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	25.6	17.6	10.4
Intercompany capital	0	0
Dividends paid	(22.9)	(22.7)	(22.5)
Other financing activities		0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	16.9	6.5	(3.7)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	0	0	0
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(111.7)	(36.1)	185
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	479.9	516	331
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	368.2	479.9	516
Subsidiary Issuer
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	54.8	55.2	35.1
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(67.1)	(41.9)	(29.2)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0.2	1.3	1
Investments in subsidiaries	0	(245.2)	(4.5)
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets	(393.9)	(14.6)
Other investing activities		2.6
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(460.8)	(303)	(32.7)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0	0	0
Intercompany capital	405.6	245.2
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Other financing activities		0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	405.6	245.2	0
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	0.4	(0.5)	(0.1)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	(3.1)	2.3
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	0	3.1	0.8
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	0	0	3.1
Subsidiary Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	0	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0	0
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets	0	0
Other investing activities		0
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	0	0	0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0	0	0
Intercompany capital	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Other financing activities		0	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	0	0	0
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	0	0	0
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	0	0	0
Non- Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	13.9	21.6	9.3
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(16.6)	(14.6)	(6.1)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	2	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0	4.5
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets	(229.3)	0
Other investing activities		0
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(243.9)	(14.6)	(1.6)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Issuance of long-term debt	2.5
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0	0	0
Intercompany capital	0	254.7
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Other financing activities		(10.4)	(2.6)
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	2.5	244.3	(2.6)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(4.4)	(7.8)	1
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(231.9)	243.5	6.1
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	276.9	33.4	27.3
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$ 45	$ 276.9	$ 33.4

Quarterly Financial Data (Una69

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2016		Aug. 31, 2015		Aug. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 925.5	$ 851.5	$ 777.8	$ 736.6	$ 759.5	$ 683.7	$ 616.1	$ 647.4	$ 3,291.3	[1]	$ 2,706.7	[1]	$ 2,393.5	[1]
Gross Profit	402.1	377.9	336.9	319.4	321.3	295.6	255.7	273	1,436.2		1,145.6		979.2
Net Income	$ 82.9	$ 74	$ 65.5	$ 68.4	$ 60.1	$ 64.5	$ 46.4	$ 51.1	$ 290.8		$ 222.1		$ 175.8
Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.90	$ 1.70	$ 1.50	$ 1.58	$ 1.39	$ 1.49	$ 1.07	$ 1.18	$ 6.67		$ 5.13		$ 4.07
Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.89	$ 1.69	$ 1.49	$ 1.57	$ 1.37	$ 1.48	$ 1.07	$ 1.17	$ 6.63		$ 5.09		$ 4.05
[1]	Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location.

Schedule II - Valuation and Q70

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Reserve for doubtful accounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 1.3	$ 1.9	$ 1.5
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	0.3	0.1	0.8
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	0.4	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	0.3	0.7	0.4
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at End of Year	1.7	1.3	1.9
Reserve for estimated product returns, net
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at Beginning of Year	6.2	4.3	1.5
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	62.6	44.7	35.9
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	0.9	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	58.8	42.8	33.1
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at End of Year	10.9	6.2	4.3
Reserve for estimated cash discounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at Beginning of Year	3	2.7	2.2
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	32	21.7	19.5
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	0.9	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	31.2	21.4	19
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at End of Year	4.7	3	2.7
Reserve for estimated other deductions
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at Beginning of Year	1.3	1.3	1
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	11.9	9.1	7.4
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	11.5	9.1	7.1
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at End of Year	1.7	1.3	1.3
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at Beginning of Year	15	13.6	12.4
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense	(0.2)	(0.4)	0.4
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts	1.6	1.8	0.8
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at End of Year	$ 16.4	$ 15	$ 13.6