Enerpac Tool (EPAC) 10-K 25 Oct 13 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Aug-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	ATU
Entity Registrant Name	ACTUANT CORP
Entity Central Index Key	6955
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-23
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		73,042,303
Entity Public Float			$2,186

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$327,260	$344,205	$300,468	$307,809	$322,368	$343,268	$300,919	$309,966	$1,279,742	$1,276,521	$1,159,310
Cost of products sold									772,792	765,061	694,508
Gross profit	129,500	136,904	116,178	124,368	129,608	138,754	116,083	127,015	506,950	511,460	464,802
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									293,866	284,920	270,392
Amortization of intangible assets									22,939	22,026	21,523
Operating profit									190,145	204,514	172,887
Financing costs, net									24,837	29,561	32,119
Debt refinancing costs									0	16,830	0
Other expense, net									2,359	3,493	2,747
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									162,949	154,630	138,021
Income tax expense									15,372	29,354	27,833
Earnings from continuing operations	45,115	46,077	25,834	30,551	35,916	27,737	27,653	33,970	147,577	125,276	110,188
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	13,138	-139,060	2,601	5,792	-52,376	6,664	4,522	3,204	-117,529	-37,986	1,371
Net earnings	$58,253	($92,983)	$28,435	$36,343	($16,460)	$34,401	$32,175	$37,174	$30,048	$87,290	$111,559
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.62	$0.63	$0.35	$0.42	$0.49	$0.39	$0.41	$0.50	$2.02	$1.79	$1.61
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.60	$0.62	$0.35	$0.41	$0.48	$0.36	$0.37	$0.46	$1.98	$1.68	$1.49
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.80	($1.27)	$0.39	$0.50	($0.23)	$0.48	$0.47	$0.54	$0.41	$1.25	$1.63
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.78	($1.24)	$0.38	$0.49	($0.22)	$0.45	$0.43	$0.50	$0.40	$1.17	$1.50
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)									72,979	70,099	68,254
Diluted (in shares)									74,580	74,940	75,305

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$30,048	$87,290	$111,559
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,918	-48,571	46,307
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Funded status adjustment	3,442	-6,358	2,766
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net earnings	125	0	2,988
Amortization of actuarial losses included in net periodic pension cost	360	183	187
Total Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	3,927	-6,175	5,941
Cash flow hedges
Unrealized net loss arising during period	-140	-80	-2,822
Reclassification adjustment for loss (gain) included in net earnings	-57	3,033	0
Total Cash flow hedges	-197	2,953	-2,822
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	812	-51,793	49,426
Total comprehensive income	$30,860	$35,497	$160,985

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$103,986	$68,184
Accounts receivable, net	219,075	234,756
Inventories, net	142,549	211,690
Deferred income taxes	18,796	22,583
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,228	24,068
Assets of discontinued operations	272,606	0
Total current assets	785,240	561,281
Property, plant and equipment
Land, buildings, and improvements	52,669	49,866
Machinery and equipment	305,200	242,718
Gross property, plant and equipment	357,869	292,584
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-156,373	-176,700
Property, plant and equipment, net	201,496	115,884
Goodwill	734,952	866,412
Other intangibles, net	376,692	445,884
Other long-term assets	20,952	17,658
Total assets	2,119,332	2,007,119
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	154,049	174,746
Accrued compensation and benefits	43,800	58,817
Current maturities of debt	0	7,500
Income taxes payable	14,014	5,778
Other current liabilities	56,899	72,165
Liabilities of discontinued operations	53,080	0
Total current liabilities	321,842	319,006
Long-term debt	515,000	390,000
Deferred income taxes	115,865	132,653
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	20,698	26,442
Other long-term liabilities	65,660	87,182
Shareholders’ equity
Class A common stock, $0.20 par value per share, authorized 168,000,000 shares, issued 77,001,144 and 75,519,079 shares, respectively	15,399	15,102
Additional paid-in capital	49,758	7,725
Treasury stock, at cost, 3,983,513 shares and 2,658,751 shares, respectively	-104,915	-63,083
Retained earnings	1,188,685	1,161,564
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-68,660	-69,472
Stock held in trust	-3,124	-2,689
Deferred compensation liability	3,124	2,689
Total shareholders’ equity	1,080,267	1,051,836
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$2,119,332	$2,007,119

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Treasury stock, shares	3,983,513	2,658,751
Common Class A
Common stock, par value	0.2	0.2
Common stock, shares authorized	168,000,000	168,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	77,001,144	75,519,079

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Operating activities
Net earnings	$30,048	$87,290	$111,559
Non-cash items:
Depreciation and amortization	53,902	54,263	52,996
Net loss on disposal of business	0	0	11,695
Stock-based compensation expense	13,440	13,346	10,758
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	-44,265	-10,524	6,480
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs	1,940	1,990	2,904
Impairment charges	158,817	62,464	0
Non-cash debt refinancing costs	0	2,254	0
Other non-cash adjustments	328	0	-46
Changes in components of working capital and other:
Accounts receivable	-10,925	-12,310	-2,564
Inventories	13,714	11,532	-29,909
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-4,603	-2,164	5,876
Trade accounts payable	-9,279	5,902	7,158
Income taxes payable	594	-17,903	4,155
Accrued compensation and benefits	-14,256	-6,292	12,178
Other accrued liabilities	4,334	-7,519	-21,674
Cash provided by operating activities	193,789	182,329	171,566
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,621	8,501	1,779
Proceeds from sale of business	4,854	0	3,463
Capital expenditures	-23,668	-22,740	-23,096
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-235,489	-69,309	-313,106
Cash used in investing activities	-252,682	-83,548	-330,960
Financing activities
Net borrowings (repayments) on revolver	125,000	-58,167	58,204
Principal repayments on term loans	-7,500	-2,500	0
Proceeds from issuance of term loans	0	0	100,000
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	0	-102	-34
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes	0	300,000	0
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes	0	-250,000	0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	-5,378	-958	-350
Debt issuance costs	-2,035	-5,490	-5,197
Purchase of treasury shares	-41,832	-63,083	0
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	33,261	10,913	8,235
Cash dividend	-2,911	-2,748	-2,716
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	98,605	-72,135	158,142
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-3,910	-2,683	5,251
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	35,802	23,963	3,999
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	68,184	44,221	40,222
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$103,986	$68,184	$44,221

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2003	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Apr. 16, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Apr. 16, 2012
	Convertible Notes	Convertible Notes	Convertible Notes	Senior Notes	Senior Notes	Senior Notes	Senior Notes	Senior Notes
	2% Converitble Notes	2% Converitble Notes	2% Converitble Notes	5.625% Senior Notes	5.625% Senior Notes	5.625% Senior Notes	6.875% Senior Notes	6.875% Senior Notes
Debt instrument, interest rate	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%	5.63%	5.63%	5.63%	6.88%	6.88%

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Stock Held in Trust	Deferred Compensation Liability
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2010	$739,721	$13,610	($175,157)	$0	$968,373	($67,105)	($1,934)	$1,934
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2010		68,056,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	111,559				111,559
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	49,426					49,426
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other (in shares)		138,000
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	3,079	29	3,050
Restricted stock awards (in shares)		-31,000
Restricted stock awards	0	-7	7
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	-2,740				-2,740
Stock based compensation expense	11,036		11,036
Stock option exercises (in shares)		484,000
Stock option exercises	4,324	97	4,227
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	2,364		2,364
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust, in shares		10,000
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	244	2	242				-203	203
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2011	919,013	13,731	-154,231	0	1,077,192	-17,679	-2,137	2,137
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2011		68,657,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	87,290				87,290
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	-51,793					-51,793
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other (in shares)		277,000
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	5,585	55	5,530
Conversion of 2% Convertible Notes (in shares)		5,962,000
Conversion of 2% Convertible Notes	134,949	1,192	133,757
Restricted stock awards (in shares)		17,000
Restricted stock awards	0	3	-3
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	-2,918				-2,918
Treasury stock	-63,083			-63,083
Stock based compensation expense	13,346		13,346
Stock option exercises (in shares)		580,000
Stock option exercises	6,550	116	6,434
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	2,349		2,349
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust, in shares		26,000
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	548	5	543				-552	552
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2012	1,051,836	15,102	7,725	-63,083	1,161,564	-69,472	-2,689	2,689
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2012		75,519,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	30,048				30,048
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	812					812
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other (in shares)		21,000
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	597	5	592
Restricted stock awards (in shares)		169,000
Restricted stock awards	0	34	-34
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	-2,927				-2,927
Treasury stock	-41,832			-41,832
Stock based compensation expense	13,440		13,440
Stock option exercises (in shares)	1,278,626	1,276,000
Stock option exercises	24,840	255	24,585
Excess tax benefit on stock option exercises	2,954		2,954
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust, in shares		16,000
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	499	3	496				-435	435
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	$1,080,267	$15,399	$49,758	($104,915)	$1,188,685	($68,660)	($3,124)	$3,124
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2013		77,001,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Cash dividend, per share	$0.04	$0.04	$0.04

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations:    Actuant Corporation (“Actuant” or the “Company”) is a global manufacturer of a broad range of industrial products and systems, organized into three reportable segments. The Industrial segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to the maintenance, industrial, infrastructure and production automation markets. The Energy segment provides joint integrity products and services, customized offshore vessel mooring solutions, as well as rope and cable solutions to the global oil & gas, power generation and other energy markets. The Engineered Solutions segment provides highly engineered position and motion control systems to OEMs in various vehicle markets, as well as a variety of other products to the industrial and agricultural markets.
	Consolidation and Presentation:    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Actuant consolidates companies in which it owns or controls more than fifty percent of the voting shares. The results of companies acquired or disposed of during the fiscal year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of acquisition or until the date of divestiture. All intercompany balances, transactions and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
	Cash Equivalents:    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.
	Inventories:    Inventories are comprised of material, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for a portion of the U.S. owned inventory (approximately 21% and 19% of total inventories in 2013 and 2012, respectively). The first-in, first-out or average cost methods are used for all other inventories. If the LIFO method were not used, inventory balances would be higher than the amounts in the consolidated balance sheets by approximately $5.8 million and $6.6 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The nature of the Company’s products is such that they generally have a very short production cycle. Consequently, the amount of work-in-process at any point in time is minimal. In addition, many parts or components are ultimately either sold individually or assembled with other parts making a distinction between raw materials and finished goods impractical to determine. Other locations maintain and manage their inventories using a job cost system where the distinction of categories of inventory by state of completion is also not available. As a result of these factors, it is neither practical nor cost effective to segregate the amounts of raw materials, work-in-process or finished goods inventories at the respective balance sheet dates, as segregation would only be possible as the result of physical inventories which are taken at dates different from the balance sheet dates.
	Property, Plant and Equipment:    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from ten to forty years for buildings and improvements and two to fifteen years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related asset or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter.
	Impairment of Long-Lived and Other Intangible Assets:    The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of long-lived and finite-lived intangible assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of the asset may not be recoverable. The measurement of possible impairment is generally estimated by the ability to recover the balance of assets from expected future operating cash flows on an undiscounted basis. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on the fair value of the asset. See Note 3, “Discontinued Operations” for details on long-lived asset impairment charges recognized in fiscal 2012 and 2013.
	Product Warranty Costs:    The Company generally offers its customers a warranty on products sold, although warranty periods may vary by product type and application. During fiscal 2012 the warranty reserve was reduced by $7.7 million, the result of a purchase accounting adjustment to Mastervolt's initial estimated warranty reserve. The reserve for future warranty claims is based on historical claim rates and current warranty cost experience. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in product warranty reserves for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			2013			2012
		Beginning balance	$	12,869		$	23,707
		Warranty reserves of acquired businesses	981			338
		Purchase accounting adjustments	—			(7,726		)
		Provision for warranties	7,907			9,219
		Warranty payments and costs incurred	(11,616		)	(10,893		)
		Discontinued operations reclassification	(3,107		)	—
		Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	379			(1,776		)
		Ending balance	$	7,413		$	12,869
	Revenue Recognition:    The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured. For product sales, delivery does not occur until the passage of title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer (generally when products are shipped). Revenue from services is recognized when the services are provided or ratably over the contract term. Customer sales are recorded net of allowances for returns and discounts, which are recognized as a deduction from sales at the time of sale. The Company commits to one-time or on-going trade discounts and promotions with customers that require the Company to estimate and accrue the ultimate costs of such programs. The Company maintains an accrual at the end of each period for the earned, but unpaid costs related to the programs. The Company generally does not require collateral or other security for receivables and provides for an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and a review of its existing receivables. Accounts Receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $3.7 million and $4.4 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Shipping and Handling Costs:    The Company records costs associated with shipping its products in cost of products sold.
	Research and Development Costs:    Research and development costs consist primarily of an allocation of overall engineering and development resources and are expensed as incurred. Such costs incurred in the development of new products or significant improvements to existing products were $21.0 million, $17.1 million and $12.5 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company also incurs significant costs in connection with fulfilling custom orders and developing unique solutions for unique customer needs which are not included in these research and development expense totals.
	Other Income/Expense:    Other income and expense primarily consists of foreign exchange transaction losses of $2.7 million, $3.9 million and $3.3 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Financing Costs:    Financing costs represent interest expense, financing fees and amortization of debt issuance costs, net of interest income.
	Income Taxes:    The provision for income taxes includes federal, state, local and non-U.S. taxes on income. Tax credits, primarily for non-U.S. earnings, are recognized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes in the year in which they are available for U.S. tax purposes. Deferred taxes are provided on temporary differences between assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes as measured by enacted tax rates expected to apply when temporary differences are settled or realized. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of those benefits is considered to be more likely than not. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets for which realization is not more likely than not of being realized. The Company has not provided for any residual U.S. income taxes on unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries as such earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
	Foreign Currency Translation:    The financial statements of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and an appropriate weighted average exchange rate for each applicable period for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of shareholders' equity caption “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.”
	Prior Period Correction: The Company recorded a $10.6 million adjustment in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 to properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs.  This adjustment, which resulted in a reduction to both long-term deferred income tax liabilities and income tax expense, was the result of the accumulation of immaterial errors over multiple prior periods. The correction is not material to current or previously issued financial statements.
	Use of Estimates:    The Company has recorded reserves or allowances for customer rebates, returns and discounts, doubtful accounts, inventory, incurred but not reported medical claims, environmental matters, warranty claims, workers compensation claims, product and non-product litigation and incentive compensation. These reserves require the use of estimates and judgment. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company believes that such estimates are made with consistent and appropriate assumptions. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions
	The Company completed several business acquisitions during the last three years. All of the acquisitions resulted in the recognition of goodwill in the Company’s consolidated financial statements because the purchase prices reflect the future earnings and cash flow potential of these companies, as well as the complementary strategic fit and resulting synergies these businesses bring to existing operations. The Company incurred acquisition transaction costs of $3.7 million, $1.4 million and $1.9 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to various business acquisition activities.
	The Company makes an initial allocation of the purchase price, at the date of acquisition, based upon its understanding of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The Company obtains this information during due diligence and through other sources. If additional information is obtained about these assets and liabilities within the measurement period (not to exceed one year from the date of acquisition), through asset appraisals and learning more about the newly acquired business, the Company will refine its estimates of fair value and adjust the purchase price allocation. During fiscal 2013, goodwill related to prior year acquisitions increased by less than $0.1 million, the net result of purchase accounting adjustments to the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities.
	Fiscal 2013
	The Company acquired Viking SeaTech (“Viking”) for $235.4 million on August 27, 2013. Viking expands the Energy segment's geographic presence, technologies and services provided to the global energy market. Headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, Viking is a support specialist providing a comprehensive range of equipment and services to the offshore oil & gas industry. Viking serves customers globally with primary markets in the North Sea (U.K. and Norway) and Australia. The majority of Viking's revenue is derived from offshore vessel mooring solutions which include design, rental, installation and inspection. Viking also provides survey, manpower and other marine services to offshore operators, drillers and energy asset owners. The purchase price allocation for this acquisition resulted in the recognition of $87.7 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $65.4 million of intangible assets, including $40.5 million of customer relationships and $24.9 million of tradenames.
	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of the Viking acquisition (in thousands):
			Total
		Accounts receivable, net	$	17,225
		Inventories	1,582
		Property, plant & equipment	99,776
		Goodwill	87,734
		Other intangible assets	65,360
		Other assets	1,755
		Trade accounts payable	(7,664		)
		Deferred income taxes	(25,923		)
		Other liabilities	(4,439		)
		Cash paid, net of cash acquired	$	235,406
	Fiscal 2012
	During fiscal 2012, the Company completed two maximatecc tuck-in acquisitions that further expand the geographic presence, product offerings and technologies of the Engineered Solutions segment. On July 20, 2012 the Company completed the acquisition of the stock of CrossControl AB (“CrossControl”) for $40.6 million of cash, plus potential contingent consideration. CrossControl, headquartered in Sweden, provides advanced electronic solutions for human-machine interaction, vehicle control and mobile connectivity in critical environments. On March 28, 2012 the Company acquired the stock of Turotest Medidores Ltda (“Turotest”) for $8.1 million of cash and $5.3 million of deferred purchase price. Turotest, headquartered in Brazil, designs and manufactures instrument panels and gauges serving the Brazilian agriculture and industrial markets.
	In addition, on February 10, 2012 the Company completed the acquisition of the stock of Jeyco Pty Ltd (“Jeyco”) for $20.7 million of cash. This Cortland (Energy segment) tuck-in acquisition, designs and provides specialized mooring, rigging and towing systems and services to the offshore oil & gas industry in Australia and other international markets. Additionally, Jeyco’s products are used in a variety of applications for other markets including cyclone mooring and marine, defense and mining tow systems.
	The combined purchase price allocation for all three fiscal 2012 acquisitions resulted in the recognition of $40.1 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $32.8 million of intangible assets, including $24.2 million of customer relationships, $5.7 million of tradenames, $2.2 million of technologies and $0.7 million of non-compete agreements.
	Fiscal 2011
	On June 2, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of the stock of Weasler Engineering, Inc. (“Weasler”) for $153.2 million of cash. The purchase consideration was funded through the Company’s existing cash balances and borrowings under the revolving credit facility. Weasler, which is headquartered in Wisconsin, is a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered drive train components and systems for agriculture, lawn & turf and industrial equipment. Weasler also supplies a variety of torque limiters, high-end gear boxes, clutches and torsional dampers.
	On December 10, 2010, the Company completed the acquisition of the stock of Mastervolt International Holding B.V. (“Mastervolt”) for $158.2 million of cash. Mastervolt, which is headquartered in The Netherlands, is a designer, developer and global supplier of highly innovative, branded power electronics, primarily for the solar and marine markets.
	The combined purchase price allocations for the two fiscal 2011 acquisitions resulted in the recognition of $152.4 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $157.5 million of intangible assets, including $81.5 million of customer relationships, $69.9 million of tradenames, $5.5 million of patents and technologies and $0.6 million of non-compete agreements.
	The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company give effect to all acquisitions completed in the last three years as though the transactions and related financing activities had occurred on September 1, 2010 (in thousands, except per share amounts).
				Year Ended August 31,
				2013		2012		2011
		Net sales
		As reported		$	1,279,742	$	1,276,521	$	1,159,310
		Pro forma		1,365,115		1,419,173		1,393,061
		Earnings from continuing operations
		As reported		$	147,577	$	125,276	$	110,188
		Pro forma		153,946		134,581		125,785
		Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
		As reported		$	2.02	$	1.79	$	1.61
		Pro forma		2.11		1.92		1.84
		Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
		As reported		$	1.98	$	1.68	$	1.49
		Pro forma		2.06		1.81		1.69

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations
	The Electrical segment is involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of a broad range of electrical products to the retail DIY, wholesale, OEM, solar, utility, marine and other harsh environment markets. The results of operations for the Electrical segment have been reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings for all periods presented as a result of the Company announcing its intention to divest this segment in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. The following table summarizes the results of the Electrical segment for each of the last three fiscal years (in thousands):
		Year Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net sales	$	286,308		$	328,821		$	335,318
	Operating profit	34,536			28,148			20,029
	Impairment charge	(159,104		)	(62,464		)	—
	Net loss on disposal (1)	—			—			(15,829		)
	Income tax benefit (expense)	7,039			(3,670		)	(2,829		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	(117,529	)	$	(37,986	)	$	1,371
	(1) During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company completed the sale of the European Electrical business for total cash proceeds of $3.5 million, net of transaction costs. As a result of the sale transaction, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss on disposal of $15.8 million, including an $11.4 million charge to cover future lease payments on an unfavorable real estate lease used by the divested business.
	During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company committed to a plan to divest the entire Electrical segment. The divestiture will allow the Company to streamline its business portfolio and refocus on the remaining three segments in a way that better positions the Company to take advantage of its core competencies, current business model and global growth trends. As a result, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge in fiscal 2013 of $159.1 million, including a write-down of $137.8 million of goodwill and $21.3 million of indefinite lived intangible assets (tradename). The impairment charge represents the excess of the net book value of the assets held for sale over the estimated fair value, less selling costs. As a result of the impairment charge, there is no remaining goodwill associated with the Mastervolt business and $76.9 million for North American Electrical. The following is a summary of the August 31, 2013 assets and liabilities of the Electrical segment (in thousands):
	Accounts receivable, net		$	41,247
	Inventories, net		55,142
	Property, plant & equipment, net		9,545
	Goodwill		76,877
	Other intangible assets, net		84,387
	Other assets		5,408
	Assets of discontinued operations		$	272,606
	Trade accounts payable		$	19,824
	Other current liabilities		12,984
	Deferred income taxes		9,376
	Other long-term liabilities		10,896
	Liabilities of discontinued operations		$	53,080
	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company recognized a $62.5 million pre-tax non-cash impairment charge related to the goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets of the Electrical segment's Mastervolt business. The impairment was the result of business underperformance and volatility in the solar market. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, industry-wide solar inverter inventory levels and production capacity exceeded demand, significant pricing competition existed and less favorable government incentive schemes were announced and implemented in Mastervolt's served European markets. This challenging economic and competitive environment, as well as uncertainty regarding the long-term strategic fit of the business had a significant adverse impact on projected long-term Mastervolt sales and profits. The impairment charge consisted of the write-down of $36.6 million of goodwill and $25.9 million of indefinite lived intangible assets (tradenames).

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not subject to amortization and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired. Impairment tests are performed by the Company annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Total cumulative goodwill impairment charges for continuing operations were $22.2 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		Industrial				Energy				Electrical				Engineered				Total
														Solutions
	Balance as of August 31, 2011	$	85,409			$	252,285			$	260,777			$	289,995			$	888,466
	Businesses acquired	—				14,101				—				26,188				40,289
	Purchase accounting adjustments	—				—				(3,995		)		715				(3,280		)
	Impairment charge	—				—				(36,557		)		—				(36,557		)
	Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(4,005		)		(6,865		)		(6,355		)		(5,281		)		(22,506		)
	Balance as of August 31, 2012	81,404				259,521				213,870				311,617				866,412
	Business acquired	—				87,734				—				—				87,734
	Purchase accounting adjustments	—				117				—				(100		)		17
	Impairment charge	—				—				(137,804		)		—				(137,804		)
	Reclassification to discontinued operations	—				—				(76,877		)		—				(76,877		)
	Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business	—				—				—				(2,556		)		(2,556		)
	Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	1,207				(5,469		)		811				1,477				(1,974		)
	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	82,611			$	341,903			$	—			$	310,438			$	734,952
	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
		Weighted		August 31, 2013												August 31, 2012
		Average
		Amortization
		Period (Years)		Gross				Accumulated				Net Book				Gross				Accumulated		Net Book
				Carrying				Amortization				Value				Carrying				Amortization		Value
				Amount												Amount
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	15		$	318,143			$	95,215			$	222,928			$	347,739			$	93,768	$	253,971
	Patents	11		30,564				18,747				11,817				52,851				34,842		18,009
	Trademarks and tradenames	19		24,088				7,356				16,732				43,820				8,670		35,150
	Non-compete agreements and other	4		7,034				6,458				576				7,677				6,316		1,361
	Indefinite lived intangible assets:
	Tradenames	N/A		124,639				—				124,639				137,393				—		137,393
				$	504,468			$	127,776			$	376,692			$	589,480			$	143,596	$	445,884
	Changes in the gross carrying value of intangible assets result from foreign currency exchange rate changes, impairment charges and the reclassification of Electrical segment intangible assets to discontinued operations (refer to Note 3, "Discontinued Operations"). Amortization expense recorded on intangible assets for the years ended August 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $22.9 million, $22.0 million and $21.5 million, respectively. Amortization expense for future years is estimated to be: $24.6 million in each of fiscal years 2014 and 2015, $24.5 million in fiscal 2016, $23.4 million in fiscal 2017, $23.0 million in fiscal 2018 and $132.0 million in aggregate thereafter. The future amortization expense amounts represent estimates, which may change based on future acquisitions, changes in foreign currency exchange rates or other factors.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	The following is a summary of the Company’s long-term indebtedness (in thousands):
			August 31,
			2013		2012
		Senior Credit Facility
		Revolver	$	125,000	$	—
		Term Loan	90,000		97,500
			215,000		97,500
		5.625% Senior Notes	300,000		300,000
		Total Senior Indebtedness	515,000		397,500
		Less: current maturities of long-term debt	—		(7,500		)
		Total long-term debt, less current maturities	$	515,000	$	390,000
	The Company’s Senior Credit Facility, which matures on July 18, 2018, provides a $600.0 million revolving credit facility, a $90.0 million term loan and a $350.0 million expansion option, subject to certain conditions. Borrowings are subject to a pricing grid, which can result in increases or decreases to the borrowing spread, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio, ranging from 1.00% to 2.50% in the case of loans bearing interest at LIBOR and from 0.00% to 1.50% in the case of loans bearing interest at the base rate. As of August 31, 2013, the borrowing spread on LIBOR based borrowings was 1.25% (aggregating to approximately 1.50%). In addition, a non-use fee is payable quarterly on the average unused credit line under the revolver ranging from 0.15% to 0.40% per annum. As of August 31, 2013 the available and unused credit line under the revolver was $471.6 million. Quarterly term loan principal payments of $1.1 million begin on September 30, 2014, increase to $2.3 million per quarter on September 30, 2015, with the remaining principal due at maturity. The Senior Credit Facility, which is secured by substantially all of the Company’s domestic personal property assets, also contains customary limits and restrictions concerning investments, sales of assets, liens on assets, dividends and other payments. The two financial covenants included in the Senior Credit Facility agreement are a maximum leverage ratio of 3.75:1 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.50:1. The Company was in compliance with its financial covenants at August 31, 2013.
	On April 16, 2012, the Company issued $300.0 million of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Senior Notes”). The Senior Notes require no principal installments prior to their June 15, 2022 maturity, require semiannual interest payments in December and June of each year and contain certain financial and non-financial covenants. The Company utilized the net proceeds from this issuance to fund the repurchase of all its then-outstanding $250 million 6.875% Senior Notes due 2017 at a cost of 104%, or $260.4 million.
	In November 2003, the Company issued $150.0 million of Senior Subordinated Convertible Debentures due November 15, 2023 (the “2% Convertible Notes”). Prior to fiscal 2012, the Company had repurchased (for cash) $32.2 million of 2% Convertible Notes at an average price of 99.3% of par value. In addition, $0.2 million of 2% Convertible Notes were converted into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. In March 2012, the Company called all of the remaining $117.6 million of 2% Convertible Notes outstanding for cash at par. As a result of the call notice, substantially all of the holders of the 2% Convertible Notes converted them into newly issued shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, at a conversion rate of 50.6554 shares per $1,000 of principal amount (resulting in the issuance of 5,951,440 shares of common stock), while the remaining $0.1 million of 2% Convertible Notes were repurchased for cash. The impact of the additional share issuance was already included in the diluted earnings per share calculation on an if-converted method. As a result of the 2% Convertible Notes being redeemed for the Company’s common stock, $15.6 million of related prior income tax benefit was recaptured and repaid in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012.
	In fiscal 2011, the Company entered into interest rate swap contracts that had a total notional value of $100.0 million and maturity dates of March 23, 2016. The interest rate swap contracts paid the Company variable interest at the three month LIBOR rate, while the Company paid the counterparties a fixed interest rate of approximately 2.06%. These interest rate swap contracts were entered into to synthetically convert $100.0 million of the Senior Credit Facility variable rate borrowings into fixed rate debt. In connection with the debt refinancing transactions discussed above, the Company terminated the interest rate swap contracts on April 3, 2012, which resulted in a cash payment to the counterparty of $4.1 million, in full settlement of the fair value of the contracts.
	In connection with the debt refinancing activities, during the year ended August 31, 2012, the Company recognized a $16.8 million pre-tax debt refinancing charge, which included $10.4 million of tender premium paid to holders of the 6.875% Senior Notes, a $2.3 million write-off of deferred financing costs and debt discount and a $4.1 million charge related to the termination of the interest rate swap agreements. The related tax benefit on the debt refinancing charge was $6.3 million.
	The Company made cash interest payments of $20.8 million, $25.9 million and $26.1 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company assesses the inputs used to measure the fair value of financial assets and liabilities using a three-tier hierarchy. Level 1 inputs include quoted prices for identical instruments and are the most observable. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity rates and yield curves. Level 3 inputs are not observable in the market and include management’s own judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The following financial assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, are included in the consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):
			August 31,
			2013		2012
		Level 1 Valuation:
		Cash equivalents	$	1,092	$	5,154
		Investments	1,793		1,602
		Level 2 Valuation:
		Foreign currency forward contracts	$	143	$	945
	At August 31, 2012, Mastervolt's goodwill ($40.0 million) and tradename ($13.6 million) were written down to estimated fair value, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $62.5 million. In order to arrive at the implied fair value of goodwill, the Company assigned the fair value to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. The tradename was valued using the relief of royalty income approach. At August 31, 2013, the assets and liabilities of the Electrical segment are classified as discontinued operations and therefore are valued at fair value, less cost to sell. In determining the fair value of the Electrical segment the Company utilized generally accepted valuation techniques, which required the Company to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate macro economic factors, industry and market trends and the future profitability of current business strategies. These represent Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
	The fair value of the Company’s cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and its variable rate long-term debt approximated book value at August 31, 2013 and 2012 due to their short-term nature and the fact that the interest rates approximated year-end market rates. The fair value of the Company’s outstanding $300.0 million of 5.625% Senior Notes was $300.8 million and $309.8 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The fair value of the Senior Notes was based on quoted inactive market prices and are therefore classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy.

Derivatives

Derivatives	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	Derivatives
	All derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet at their estimated fair value. On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, it designates the derivative as a hedge of a recognized asset or liability (fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). The Company does not enter into derivatives for speculative purposes. Changes in the value of fair value hedges and non-designated hedges are recorded in earnings along with the gain or loss on the hedged asset or liability, while changes in the value of cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, until earnings are affected by the variability of cash flows. The fair value of outstanding foreign currency derivatives was an asset of $0.1 million and $0.9 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company is exposed to market risk for changes in foreign currency exchange rates due to the global nature of its operations. In order to manage this risk the Company has hedged portions of its forecasted inventory purchases that are denominated in non-functional currencies (cash flow hedges). The U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of these foreign currency forward contracts was $9.7 million and $3.0 million, at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At August 31, 2013, unrealized losses of $0.1 million on these contracts were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss and are expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months.
	The Company also utilizes forward foreign currency exchange contracts to reduce the exchange rate risk associated with recognized non-functional currency balances. The effects of changes in exchange rates are reflected concurrently in earnings for both the fair value of the foreign currency exchange contracts and the related non-functional currency asset or liability. The U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of these short duration foreign currency forward contracts was $383.6 million and $197.5 million, at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Net foreign currency gains related to these derivative instruments was $0.8 million for the year ended August 31, 2013, which offset foreign currency losses from the related revaluation on non-functional currency assets and liabilities (amounts included in other income and expense in the consolidated statement of earnings).

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases
	The Company leases certain facilities, computers, equipment and vehicles under various lease agreements generally over periods of one to twenty years. Under most arrangements, the Company pays the property taxes, insurance, maintenance and expenses related to the leased property. Many of the leases include provisions that enable the Company to renew the lease based upon fair value rental rates on the date of expiration of the initial lease.
	As of August 31, 2013, future obligations under non-cancelable operating leases (related to continuing operations) were as follows: $24.1 million in fiscal 2014; $19.1 million in fiscal 2015; $15.9 million in fiscal 2016; $13.3 million in fiscal 2017; $10.3 million in fiscal 2018; and $38.6 million in aggregate thereafter. Total related rental expense under operating leases was $26.0 million, $24.2 million and $21.1 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As discussed in Note 14, “Contingencies and Litigation” the Company is also contingently liable for certain leases entered into by a former subsidiary.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	The Company has several defined benefit pension plans which cover certain existing and former employees of domestic businesses it acquired, that were entitled to those benefits prior to acquisition, or existing and former employees of foreign businesses. Most of the U.S. defined benefit pension plans are frozen, and as a result, the majority of the plan participants no longer earn additional benefits. The following table provides detail of changes in the projected benefit obligations, the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans as of the August 31 measurement date (in thousands):
			2013				2012
	Reconciliation of benefit obligations:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	50,870			$	44,430
	Adjustment		(280		)		—
	Interest cost		1,928				2,162
	Actuarial (gain) loss		(4,983		)		6,855
	Benefits paid		(2,489		)		(2,577		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	45,046			$	50,870
	Reconciliation of plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	33,695			$	32,412
	Actual return on plan assets		2,252				2,911
	Company contributions		596				949
	Benefits paid from plan assets		(2,489		)		(2,577		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		34,054				33,695
	Funded status of the plans (underfunded)		$	(10,992	)		$	(17,175	)
	The following table provides detail on the Company’s net periodic benefit costs (in thousands):
			Year ended August 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Interest cost		$	1,928			$	2,162			$	2,108
	Expected return on assets		(2,468		)		(2,471		)		(2,221		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss		878				675				669
	Net benefit cost		$	338			$	366			$	556
	At August 31, 2013 and 2012, $12.0 million and $15.6 million, respectively, of pension plan actuarial gains and losses, which have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost, were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes. During fiscal 2014, $0.4 million of these actuarial losses are expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost.
	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine U.S. pension plan obligations as of August 31 and weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended August 31 are as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
		Assumptions for benefit obligations:
		Discount rate		4.9	%		3.9	%		5	%
		Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost:
		Discount rate		3.9	%		5	%		4.6	%
		Expected return on plan assets		7.75	%		7.9	%		8	%
	The Company employs a total return on investment approach for its pension plan assets whereby a mix of equity and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return for plan assets, at a prudent level of risk. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed income investments. Within the equity allocation, a blend of growth and value investments are maintained in a variety of market capitalizations and diversified between U.S. and non-U.S. stocks. The Company’s targeted asset allocation as a percentage of total plan assets is 60% - 80% in equity securities, with the remainder invested in fixed income securities and cash. Cash balances are maintained at levels adequate to meet near-term plan expenses and benefit payments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis. At August 31, 2013, Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return for assets in U.S. pension plans was 7.65%. The expected long-term rate of return is based on the portfolio as a whole and not on the sum of the returns on individual asset categories. The target return is based on historical returns adjusted to reflect the current view of the long-term investment market.
	The fair value of all U.S. pension plan assets are determined based on quoted market prices and therefore all plan assets are determined based on Level 1 inputs, except for fixed income securities which are valued based on Level 2 inputs, as defined in Note 6, “Fair Value Measurements.” The U.S. pension plan investment allocations by asset category were as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended August 31,
			2013				%			2012				%
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	348			1	%		$	250			0.7	%
	Fixed income securities:
	Government bonds		—				—			310				0.9
	Corporate bonds		8,741				25.7			7,489				22.2
	Mutual funds		3,464				10.2			2,678				8
			12,205				35.9			10,477				31.1
	Equity securities:
	Mutual funds		21,501				63.1			22,968				68.2
	Total plan assets		$	34,054			100	%		$	33,695			100	%
	Projected benefit payments from plan assets to participants in the Company’s U.S. pension plans are approximately $2.6 million per year for fiscal 2014 through 2018 and $14.9 million in aggregate for the following five years.
	Non-U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans
	The Company has several non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans which cover certain existing and former employees of businesses outside the U.S. Most of the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans continue to earn additional benefits. The funded status of these plans is summarized as follows (in thousands):
				August 31,
				2013				2012
		Benefit obligation		$	12,912			$	12,227
		Fair value of plan assets		7,790				7,440
		Funded status of plans (underfunded)		$	(5,122	)		$	(4,787	)
	Net periodic benefit cost for these non-U.S. plans was $0.8 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The weighted average discount rate utilized for determining the benefit obligation at August 31, 2013 and 2012 was 4.3% and 4.0%, respectively. The plan assets of these non-U.S. pension plans consist primarily of participating units in common stock and bond funds. The Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return on these investments is 4.6%. During fiscal 2014, the Company anticipates contributing $0.6 million in aggregate to these pension plans.
	Other Postretirement Health Benefit Plans
	The Company provides other postretirement health benefits (“OPEB”) to certain existing and former employees of domestic businesses it acquired, who were entitled to such benefits prior to acquisition. These unfunded plans had a benefit obligation of $2.9 million and $3.4 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These obligations are determined utilizing assumptions consistent with those used for U.S. pension plans and a health care cost trend rate of 7.5%, trending downward to 5% by the year 2018, and remaining level thereafter. Net periodic benefit costs for the other postretirement benefits was a credit of approximately $0.2 million for each of the years ended August 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Benefit payments from the plan are funded through participant contributions and Company contributions, which are projected to be $0.3 million in fiscal 2014.
	Defined Contribution Benefit Plans
	The Company maintains a 401(k) Plan for substantially all full time U.S. employees (the “401(k) Plan”). Under plan provisions, the Company either funds cash or issues new shares of Class A common stock for its contributions. Amounts are allocated to accounts set aside for each employee’s retirement. Employees generally may contribute up to 50% of their compensation to individual accounts within the 401(k) Plan. While contributions vary, the Company generally makes core contributions to employee accounts equal to 3% of each employee’s eligible annual cash compensation, subject to IRS limitations. The Company also maintains a Restoration Plan that allows eligible highly compensated employees (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code) to receive a core contribution as if no IRS limits were in place. Company contributions to the Restoration Plan are made in the form of Actuant common stock and are contributed into each eligible participant’s Deferred Compensation Plan account. In addition, the Company matches approximately 25% of each employee’s contribution up to 6% of the employee’s eligible compensation. Expense recognized related to the 401(k) plan totaled approximately $4.5 million, $5.1 million and $4.6 million for the years ended August 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	In addition to the 401(k) Plan the Company established a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan (“the SERP Plan”) in fiscal 2011. The unfunded SERP plan covers certain executive level employees and has a benefit accrual formula based on age and years of service (with Company contributions ranging from 3% to 6% of eligible wages). Expense recognized in fiscal 2013 and 2012 for the SERP Plan was $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
	Deferred Compensation Plan
	The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan to allow eligible U.S. employees to defer receipt of current cash compensation in order to provide future savings benefits. Eligibility is limited to all employees that earn compensation that exceeds certain pre-defined levels. Participants have the option to invest their deferrals in a fixed income investment, in Company common stock, or a combination of the two. The fixed income portion of the plan is unfunded, and therefore all compensation deferred under the plan is held by the Company and commingled with its general assets. Liabilities of $23.2 million and $19.6 million are included in “Other current liabilities” and “Other long-term liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to reflect the unfunded portion of the deferred compensation liability. The Company recorded expense of $1.6 million, $1.5 million and $1.2 million for the years ended August 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, for non-funded interest on participant deferrals in the fixed income investment option. Company common stock contributions to fund the plan are held in a rabbi trust, accounted for in a manner similar to treasury stock and are recorded at cost in “Stock held in trust” within shareholders’ equity with the corresponding deferred compensation liability also recorded within shareholders’ equity. Since no investment diversification is permitted within the trust, changes in fair value of Actuant common stock are not recognized. The shares held in the trust are included in both the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. The cost of the shares held in the trust was $1.9 million and $1.5 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Long Term Incentive Plan
	The Company adopted a long term incentive plan in July, 2006 to provide certain executive officers with an opportunity to receive a lump sum cash incentive payment based on Actuant’s common stock meeting or exceeding $50 per share price target prior to May 1, 2014. The Company recorded expense of $0.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the years ended August 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, pursuant to this plan. A related liability of $1.3 million and $1.1 million is included in “Other current liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of August 31, 2013 the minimum and maximum payments available under the plan, depending on the attainment of the $50 per share stock price target, are $0 and $10.0 million, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income tax expense from continuing operations is summarized as follows (in thousands):
			Year ended August 31,
			2013				2012				2011
		Currently payable:
		Federal	$	24,809			$	22,078			$	(78	)
		Foreign	13,335				10,396				20,903
		State	902				1,534				586
			39,046				34,008				21,411
		Deferred:
		Federal	(13,514		)		(495		)		14,948
		Foreign	(9,942		)		(4,598		)		(4,223		)
		State	(218		)		439				(4,303		)
			(23,674		)		(4,654		)		6,422
			$	15,372			$	29,354			$	27,833
	Income tax expense from continuing operations recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings differs from the amounts computed by applying the Federal income tax rate to earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense. A reconciliation of income taxes at the Federal statutory rate to the effective tax rate is summarized in the following table:
			Year ended August 31,
			2013			2012			2011
		Federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
		State income taxes, net of Federal effect	0.9			1.2			0.4
		Net effect of foreign tax rates and credits	(8.8	)		(14.6	)		(14.0	)
		NOL utilization and changes in valuation allowance	(3.1	)		0.1			(3.0	)
		Tax contingency reserve	(5.6	)		(2.2	)		(1.6	)
		Prior period correction (1)	(6.5	)		—			—
		Other items	(2.5	)		(0.5	)		3.4
		Effective income tax rate	9.4	%		19	%		20.2	%
	(1) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a $10.6 million adjustment to properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs. The correction is not material to current or previously issued financial statements.
	Temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following items (in thousands):
			August 31,
			2013				2012
		Deferred income tax assets:
		Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	$	35,071			$	16,393
		Compensation related liabilities	20,812				9,909
		Postretirement benefits	7,731				10,679
		Inventory reserves	7,049				8,045
		Book reserves and other items	11,523				12,781
		Total deferred income tax assets	82,186				57,807
		Valuation allowance	(22,777		)		(8,153		)
		Net deferred income tax assets	59,409				49,654
		Deferred income tax liabilities:
		Depreciation and amortization	(129,498		)		(156,751		)
		Other items	(1,985		)		(2,098		)
		Deferred income tax liabilities	(131,483		)		(158,849		)
		Net deferred income tax liability	$	(72,074	)		$	(109,195	)
	Certain of the operating loss and tax credit carryforwards may be carried forward indefinitely, with the remaining $12.9 million expiring at various dates between 2014 and 2021. The valuation allowance represents a reserve for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards for which utilization is uncertain.
	Changes in the Company’s gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, are as follows (in thousands):
			2013				2012				2011
		Beginning balance	$	24,608			$	26,179			$	28,225
		Increase for tax positions taken in a prior period	3,601				3,400				4,026
		Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior period	(7,622		)		(4,579		)		(6,072		)
		Decrease due to settlements	(2,581		)		(392		)		—
		Ending balance	$	18,006			$	24,608			$	26,179
	Substantially all of these unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate. As of August 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recognized $2.9 million, $4.5 million and $5.1 million, respectively for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local and foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities in our major tax jurisdictions for years before fiscal 2006. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease up to $4.3 million within the next twelve months.
	The Company’s policy is to remit earnings from foreign subsidiaries only to the extent any resultant foreign income taxes are creditable in the United States. Accordingly, the Company does not currently provide for the additional United States and foreign income taxes which would become payable upon remission of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Undistributed earnings on which additional income taxes have not been provided amounted to approximately $427.1 million at August 31, 2013. If all such undistributed earnings were remitted, an additional income tax provision of approximately $79.8 million would have been necessary as of August 31, 2013.
	Earnings before income taxes, for continuing operations, are summarized as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended August 31,
			2013				2012				2011
		Domestic	$	67,392			$	65,685			$	47,445
		Foreign	95,557				88,945				90,576
			$	162,949			$	154,630			$	138,021
	Both domestic and foreign pre-tax earnings are impacted by changes in sales levels, acquisition and divestiture activities (see Note 2, “Acquisitions” and Note 3, “Discontinued Operations”), restructuring costs and the related benefits, growth investments, debt levels, interest rates and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In addition, fiscal 2012 domestic pre-tax earnings include a $16.8 million (domestic) debt refinancing charge.
	Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds was $42.1 million, $56.5 million and $23.1 million during the years ended August 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Capital_Stock

Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Capital Stock	Capital Stock
	The authorized common stock of the Company as of August 31, 2013 consisted of 168,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, $0.20 par value, of which 77,001,144 shares were issued and 73,017,631 outstanding; 1,500,000 shares of Class B common stock, $0.20 par value, none of which were issued and outstanding; and 160,000 shares of cumulative preferred stock, $1.00 par value (“preferred stock”), none of which have been issued. Holders of both classes of the Company’s common stock are entitled to dividends, as the Company’s board of directors may declare out of funds legally available, subject to any contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions on the common stock. If the Company were to issue any of its preferred stock, no dividends could be paid or set apart for payment on shares of common stock, unless paid in common stock, until dividends on all of the issued and outstanding shares of preferred stock had been paid or set apart for payment and provision had been made for any mandatory sinking fund payments.
	On September 28, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share buyback program for up to 7,000,000 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. The share repurchase plan may be implemented from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, with repurchased shares available for use in connection with the Company’s stock-based compensation plans and for other corporate purposes. As of August 31, 2013 a total of 3,983,513 shares had been repurchased under this program.
	Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year Ended August 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Numerator:
	Net earnings	$	30,048	$	87,290	$	111,559
	Plus: 2% Convertible Notes financings costs, net of taxes	—		425		1,755
	Net earnings for diluted earnings per share	$	30,048	$	87,715	$	113,314
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	72,979		70,099		68,254
	Net effect of dilutive securities—employee stock compensation plans	1,601		1,119		1,089
	Net effect of 2% Convertible Notes based on the if-converted method	—		3,722		5,962
	Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	74,580		74,940		75,305
	Basic Earnings Per Share:	$	0.41	$	1.25	$	1.63
	Diluted Earnings Per Share:	$	0.4	$	1.17	$	1.5
	At August 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, outstanding share based awards to acquire 619,000, 2,582,000 and 2,582,000 shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Stock_Plans

Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Plans	Stock Plans
	Stock options may be granted to key employees and directors under the Actuant Corporation 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). At August 31, 2013, 9,400,000 shares of Class A common stock were authorized for issuance under the Plan, of which 4,503,394 shares were available for future award grants. The Plan permits the Company to grant share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock, to employees and directors. Options generally have a maximum term of ten years, an exercise price equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant and generally vest 50% after three years and 100% after five years. The Company’s restricted stock grants generally have similar vesting provisions. In addition, in fiscal 2012 the Company began issuing Performance Shares under the Plan. The Performance Shares include a three-year performance period, with vesting based 50% on achievement of an absolute Free Cash Flow Conversion target and 50% on the Company’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR) relative to the S&P 600 SmallCap Industrial index. The provisions of share-based awards may vary by individual grant with respect to vesting period, dividend and voting rights, performance conditions and forfeitures.
	A summary of stock option activity during fiscal 2013 is as follows:
			Shares			Weighted-Average				Weighted-Average		Aggregate
						Exercise Price (Per Share)				Remaining Contractual		Intrinsic Value
										Term
	Outstanding on September 1, 2012		5,289,384			$	22.33
	Granted		276,136			28.7
	Exercised		(1,278,626	)		19.48
	Forfeited		(107,343	)		22.1
	Outstanding on August 31, 2013		4,179,551			$	23.66			5.3		$	48.8	million
	Exercisable on August 31, 2013		2,609,876			$	23.92			4.2		$	30.8	million
	Intrinsic value is the difference between the market value of the stock at August 31, 2013 and the exercise price which is aggregated for all options outstanding and exercisable. A summary of the weighted-average grant-date fair value of options, total intrinsic value of options exercised, and cash receipts from options exercised is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
				Year Ended August 31,
				2013				2012				2011
		Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share)		$	10.49			$	8.73			$	10.74
		Intrinsic value of options exercised		15,803				7,946				7,540
		Cash receipts from exercise of options		24,840				6,550				4,324
	A summary of restricted stock activity (including Performance Shares) during fiscal 2013 is as follows:
				Number of			Weighted-Average Fair  Value at Grant Date (Per Share)
				Shares
		Outstanding August 31, 2012		1,507,443			$23.85
		Granted		430,793			29.18
		Forfeited		(131,688	)		22.76
		Vested		(212,359	)		20.46
		Outstanding August 31, 2013		1,594,189			25.83
	As of August 31, 2013, there was $29.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock awards/units. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.9 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 was $6.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
	The Company generally records compensation expense (over the vesting period) for restricted stock awards based on the market value of Actuant common stock on the grant date. Stock based compensation expense is determined using a binomial pricing model for options. The fair value of Performance Shares with market vesting conditions is determined utilizing a Monte Carlo simulation model. Assumptions used to determine the fair value of each option were based upon historical data and standard industry valuation practices and methodology. The following weighted-average assumptions were used in each fiscal year:
				Fiscal Year Ended August 31,
				2013			2012			2011
		Dividend yield		0.14	%		0.18	%		0.15	%
		Expected volatility		38.36	%		39.97	%		39.62	%
		Risk-free rate of return		0.84	%		1.19	%		2.53	%
		Expected forfeiture rate		15	%		15	%		15	%
		Expected life		6.1 years			6.1 years			6.1 years

Business_Segment_Geographic_an

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information	Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information
	The Company is a global manufacturer of a broad range of industrial products and systems and is organized into three reportable segments: Industrial, Energy and Engineered Solutions. The Industrial segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to the maintenance, industrial, infrastructure and production automation markets. The Energy segment provides joint integrity products and services, customized offshore vessel mooring solutions, as well as rope and cable solutions to the global oil & gas, power generation and energy markets. The Engineered Solutions segment provides highly engineered position and motion control systems to OEMs in various vehicle markets, as well as a variety of other products to the industrial and agricultural markets.
	The following tables summarize financial information by reportable segment and product line (in thousands):
			Year Ended August 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Net Sales by Segment:
	Industrial		$	422,620		$	419,295		$	393,013
	Energy		363,372			349,163			293,060
	Engineered Solutions		493,750			508,063			473,237
			$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521		$	1,159,310
	Net Sales by Reportable Product Line:
	Industrial		$	422,620		$	419,295		$	393,013
	Energy		363,372			349,163			293,060
	Vehicle Systems		253,073			279,549			328,763
	Other		240,677			228,514			144,474
			$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521		$	1,159,310
	Operating Profit (Loss):
	Industrial		$	117,644		$	114,777		$	98,415
	Energy		63,280			62,205			49,345
	Engineered Solutions		40,328			60,851			63,612
	General Corporate		(31,107		)	(33,319		)	(38,485		)
			$	190,145		$	204,514		$	172,887
	Depreciation and Amortization:
	Industrial		$	8,553		$	8,358		$	8,655
	Energy		18,451			18,115			18,152
	Engineered Solutions		16,949			15,093			13,916
	General Corporate		2,145			2,030			2,579
	Discontinued Operations		7,804			10,667			9,694
			$	53,902		$	54,263		$	52,996
	Capital Expenditures:
	Industrial		$	3,524		$	5,333		$	3,590
	Energy		9,417			8,962			8,978
	Engineered Solutions		7,001			3,463			5,966
	General Corporate		867			1,905			1,902
	Discontinued Operations		2,859			3,077			2,660
			$	23,668		$	22,740		$	23,096
			August 31,
			2013			2012
	Assets:
	Industrial		$	280,110		$	268,735
	Energy		817,547			540,409
	Electrical		—			437,914
	Engineered Solutions		652,581			667,550
	General Corporate		96,488			92,511
	Assets of discontinued operations		272,606			—
			$	2,119,332		$	2,007,119
	In addition to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the comparability of segment and product line information is impacted by acquisition/divestiture activities, restructuring costs and related benefits. Corporate assets, which are not allocated, principally represent cash and cash equivalents, capitalized debt issuance costs and deferred income taxes.
	The following tables summarize financial information from continuing operations by geographic region (in thousands):
				Year Ended August 31,
				2013			2012			2011
		Net Sales:
		United States		$	549,057		$	599,831		$	479,070
		Netherlands		159,396			185,112			207,787
		United Kingdom		144,131			141,037			116,935
		Australia		68,255			47,472			27,854
		France		52,806			48,681			49,971
		All other		306,097			254,388			277,693
				$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521		$	1,159,310
				August 31,
				2013			2012
		Long-lived Assets:
		Norway		$	59,557		$	941
		United Kingdom		54,136			17,672
		United States		41,161			50,950
	China		19,551			20,166
	Netherlands		10,418			12,166
	All other		20,358			17,725
			$	205,181		$	119,620
The Company’s largest customer accounted for less than 3.0% of sales in each of the last three fiscal years. Export sales from domestic operations were approximately 8.0% of total net sales in each of the periods presented.

Contingencies_and_Litigation

Contingencies and Litigation	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies and Litigation	Contingencies and Litigation
	The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $10.7 million and $8.5 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the majority of which secure self-insured workers compensation obligations.
	The Company is a party to various legal proceedings that have arisen in the normal course of its business. These legal proceedings typically include product liability, environmental, labor, patent claims and divestiture disputes. The Company has recorded reserves for loss contingencies based on the specific circumstances of each case. Such reserves are recorded when it is probable that a loss has been incurred as of the balance sheet date, can be reasonably estimated and is not covered by insurance. In the opinion of management, the resolution of these contingencies will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	The Company remains contingently liable for lease payments under leases of businesses that it previously divested or spun-off, in the event that such businesses are unable to fulfill their future lease payment obligations. The discounted present value of future minimum lease payments for these leases was $10.9 million at August 31, 2013.
	The Company has facilities in numerous geographic locations that are subject to a range of environmental laws and regulations. Environmental expenditures over the past three years have not been material. Management believes that such costs will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Guarantor_Subsidiaries

Guarantor Subsidiaries	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Guarantor Subsidiaries	Guarantor Subsidiaries
	On April 16, 2012, Actuant Corporation (the “Parent”) issued $300.0 million of 5.625% Senior Notes. All of our material domestic wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) fully and unconditionally guarantee (except for certain customary limitations) the 5.625% Senior Notes on a joint and several basis. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of the Guarantors to make distributions to the Parent. The following tables present the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Actuant Corporation and its subsidiaries, the Guarantor and non-Guarantor entities, and the eliminations necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis.
	Certain assets, liabilities and expenses have not been allocated to the Guarantors and non-Guarantors and therefore are included in the Parent column in the accompanying consolidating financial statements. These items are of a corporate or consolidated nature and include, but are not limited to, tax provisions and related assets and liabilities, certain employee benefit obligations, prepaid and accrued insurance and corporate indebtedness. Intercompany activity in the consolidating financial statements primarily includes loan activity, purchases and sales of goods or services and dividends. Intercompany balances also reflect certain non-cash transactions including transfers of assets and liabilities between the Parent, Guarantor and non-Guarantor, allocation of non-cash expenses from the Parent to the Guarantors and non-Guarantors, the impact of foreign currency rate changes and non-cash intercompany dividends.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended August 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	196,531		$	293,884		$	789,327		$	—		$	1,279,742
	Cost of products sold	65,178			201,704			505,910			—			772,792
	Gross profit	131,353			92,180			283,417			—			506,950
	Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	69,734			59,358			164,774			—			293,866
	Amortization of intangible assets	1,276			10,481			11,182			—			22,939
	Operating profit	60,343			22,341			107,461			—			190,145
	Financing costs, net	25,270			9			(442		)	—			24,837
	Intercompany expense (income), net	(21,041		)	1,082			19,959			—			—
	Other expense (income), net	(2,105		)	(571		)	5,035			—			2,359
	Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	58,219			21,821			82,909			—			162,949
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(798		)	2,009			14,161			—			15,372
	Net earnings before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	59,017			19,812			68,748			—			147,577
	Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(26,527		)	7,822			2,173			16,532			—
	Earnings from continuing operations	32,490			27,634			70,921			16,532			147,577
	Loss from discontinued operations	(2,442		)	(76,634		)	(38,453		)	—			(117,529		)
	Net earnings (loss)	$	30,048		$	(49,000	)	$	32,468		$	16,532		$	30,048
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	30,860		$	(48,416	)	$	31,099		$	17,317		$	30,860
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended August 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	206,894		$	328,295		$	741,332		$	—		$	1,276,521
	Cost of products sold	69,902			220,271			474,888			—			765,061
	Gross profit	136,992			108,024			266,444			—			511,460
	Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	79,742			61,113			144,065			—			284,920
	Amortization of intangible assets	1,341			10,515			10,170			—			22,026
	Operating profit	55,909			36,396			112,209			—			204,514
	Financing costs, net	29,983			(14		)	(408		)	—			29,561
	Debt refinancing costs	16,830			—			—			—			16,830
	Intercompany expense (income), net	(32,185		)	6,281			25,904			—			—
	Other expense, net	1,351			1,992			150			—			3,493
	Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	39,930			28,137			86,563			—			154,630
	Income tax expense	6,700			4,677			17,977			—			29,354
	Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	33,230			23,460			68,586			—			125,276
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	56,407			14,373			1,649			(72,429		)	—
	Earnings from continuing operations	89,637			37,833			70,235			(72,429		)	125,276
	(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations	(2,347		)	11,373			(47,012		)	—			(37,986		)
	Net earnings	$	87,290		$	49,206		$	23,223		$	(72,429	)	$	87,290
	Comprehensive income	$	35,497		$	24,934		$	6,064		$	(30,998	)	$	35,497
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended August 31, 2011
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	170,094		$	302,911		$	686,305		$	—		$	1,159,310
	Cost of products sold	55,256			200,332			438,920			—			694,508
	Gross profit	114,838			102,579			247,385			—			464,802
	Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	87,333			57,288			125,771			—			270,392
	Amortization of intangible assets	335			12,060			9,128			—			21,523
	Operating profit	27,170			33,231			112,486			—			172,887
	Financing costs, net	31,912			(1		)	208			—			32,119
	Intercompany expense (income), net	(16,924		)	14,670			2,254			—			—
	Other expense (income), net	(4,519		)	112			7,154			—			2,747
	Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	16,701			18,450			102,870			—			138,021
	Income tax expense	4,148			2,680			21,005			—			27,833
	Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	12,553			15,770			81,865			—			110,188
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	112,364			77,395			6,261			(196,020		)	—
	Earnings from continuing operations	124,917			93,165			88,126			(196,020		)	110,188
(Loss) earnings from discontinuing operations	(13,358		)	8,881			5,848			—			1,371
Net earnings	$	111,559		$	102,046		$	93,974		$	(196,020	)	$	111,559
Comprehensive income	$	160,985		$	130,503		$	106,875		$	(237,378	)	$	160,985
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
	31-Aug-13
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	16,122		$	—		$	87,864		$	—		$	103,986
Accounts receivable, net	20,471			40,343			158,261			—			219,075
Inventories, net	27,343			38,948			76,258			—			142,549
Deferred income taxes	13,002			—			5,794			—			18,796
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,454			963			19,811			—			28,228
Assets of discontinued operations	—			192,129			80,477			—			272,606
Total current assets	84,392			272,383			428,465			—			785,240
Property, plant & equipment, net	7,050			22,801			171,645			—			201,496
Goodwill	62,543			264,502			407,907			—			734,952
Other intangibles, net	13,247			141,258			222,187			—			376,692
Intercompany receivable	—			480,633			360,620			(841,253		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	2,086,534			201,779			96,333			(2,384,646		)	—
Other long-term assets	12,654			22			8,276			—			20,952
Total assets	$	2,266,420		$	1,383,378		$	1,695,433		$	(3,225,899	)	$	2,119,332
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	$	22,194		$	30,637		$	101,218		$	—		$	154,049
Accrued compensation and benefits	13,835			2,716			27,249			—			43,800
Income taxes payable	8,135			—			5,879			—			14,014
Other current liabilities	21,268			4,630			31,001			—			56,899
Liabilities of discontinued operations	—			23,466			29,614			—			53,080
Total current liabilities	65,432			61,449			194,961			—			321,842
Long-term debt	515,000			—			—			—			515,000
Deferred income taxes	64,358			—			51,507			—			115,865
Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities	16,267			—			4,431			—			20,698
Other long-term liabilities	51,479			390			13,791			—			65,660
Intercompany payable	473,617			—			367,636			(841,253		)	—
Shareholders’ equity	1,080,267			1,321,539			1,063,107			(2,384,646		)	1,080,267
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,266,420		$	1,383,378		$	1,695,433		$	(3,225,899	)	$	2,119,332
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
	31-Aug-12
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	12,401		$	91		$	55,692		$	—		$	68,184
Accounts receivable, net	20,401			74,006			140,349			—			234,756
Inventories, net	29,658			75,905			106,127			—			211,690
Deferred income taxes	17,942			—			4,641			—			22,583
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,157			1,166			14,745			—			24,068
Total current assets	88,559			151,168			321,554			—			561,281
Property, plant & equipment, net	6,944			31,818			77,122			—			115,884
Goodwill	62,543			433,193			370,676			—			866,412
Other intangibles, net	14,522			206,194			225,168			—			445,884
Intercompany receivable	—			418,253			307,282			(725,535		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	1,886,478			250,738			90,770			(2,227,986		)	—
Other long-term assets	12,297			22			5,339			—			17,658
Total assets	$	2,071,343		$	1,491,386		$	1,397,911		$	(2,953,521	)	$	2,007,119
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	$	21,722		$	44,893		$	108,131		$	—		$	174,746
Accrued compensation and benefits	23,459			6,646			28,712			—			58,817
Income taxes payable	3,129			—			2,649			—			5,778
Current maturities of debt	7,500			—			—			—			7,500
Other current liabilities	20,876			11,566			39,723			—			72,165
Total current liabilities	76,686			63,105			179,215			—			319,006
Long-term debt	390,000			—			—			—			390,000
Deferred income taxes	91,604			—			41,049			—			132,653
Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities	22,500			—			3,942			—			26,442
Other long-term liabilities	59,929			620			26,633			—			87,182
Intercompany payable	378,788			—			346,747			(725,535		)	—
Shareholders’ equity	1,051,836			1,427,661			800,325			(2,227,986		)	1,051,836
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,071,343		$	1,491,386		$	1,397,911		$	(2,953,521	)	$	2,007,119
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
	Year Ended August 31, 2013
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	81,597		$	26,095		$	86,097		$	—		$	193,789
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	563			206			852			—			1,621
Proceeds from sale of business	—			—			4,854			—			4,854
Capital expenditures	(2,022		)	(4,021		)	(17,625		)	—			(23,668		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(235,489		)	—			(235,489		)
Cash used in investing activities	(1,459		)	(3,815		)	(247,408		)	—			(252,682		)
Financing Activities
Net borrowings on revolving credit facilities	125,000			—			—			—			125,000
Intercompany loan activity	(179,050		)	(22,371		)	201,421			—			—
Principal repayment on term loans	(7,500		)	—			—			—			(7,500		)
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(1,350		)	—			(4,028		)	—			(5,378		)
Debt issuance costs	(2,035		)	—			—			—			(2,035		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(41,832		)	—			—			—			(41,832		)
Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	33,261			—			—			—			33,261
Cash dividend	(2,911		)	—			—			—			(2,911		)
Cash provided (used in) financing activities	(76,417		)	(22,371		)	197,393			—			98,605
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(3,910		)	—			(3,910		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,721			(91		)	32,172			—			35,802
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	12,401			91			55,692			—			68,184
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	16,122		$	—		$	87,864		$	—		$	103,986
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
	Year Ended August 31, 2012
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	97,454		$	20,363		$	64,512		$	—		$	182,329
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	1,909			353			6,239			—			8,501
Capital expenditures	(5,062		)	(4,069		)	(13,609		)	—			(22,740		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(69,309		)	—			(69,309		)
Cash used in investing activities	(3,153		)	(3,716		)	(76,679		)	—			(83,548		)
Financing Activities
Net repayments on revolving credit facilities	(57,990		)	—			(177		)	—			(58,167		)
Intercompany loan activity	(11,482		)	(16,556		)	28,038			—			—
Principal repayment on term loans	(2,500		)	—			—			—			(2,500		)
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	(102		)	—			—			—			(102		)
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes	300,000			—			—			—			300,000
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes	(250,000		)	—			—			—			(250,000		)
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(290		)	—			(668		)	—			(958		)
Debt issuance costs	(5,490		)	—			—			—			(5,490		)
Purchase of treasury shares	(63,083		)	—			—			—			(63,083		)
Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	10,913			—			—			—			10,913
Cash dividend	(2,748		)	—			—			—			(2,748		)
Cash provided (used in) financing activities	(82,772		)	(16,556		)	27,193			—			(72,135		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(2,683		)	—			(2,683		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	11,529			91			12,343			—			23,963
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	872			—			43,349			—			44,221
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	12,401		$	91		$	55,692		$	—		$	68,184
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
	Year Ended August 31, 2011
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	92,573		$	3,122		$	77,404		$	(1,533	)	$	171,566
Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	103			313			1,363			—			1,779
Proceeds from sale of business	—			—			3,463			—			3,463
Capital expenditures	(5,284		)	(4,740		)	(13,072		)	—			(23,096		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(153,409		)	—			(159,697		)	—			(313,106		)
Cash used in investing activities	(158,590		)	(4,427		)	(167,943		)	—			(330,960		)
Financing Activities
Net borrowings on revolving credit facilities	58,000			—			204			—			58,204
Proceeds from issuance of term loans	100,000			—			—			—			100,000
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	(34		)	—			—			—			(34		)
Intercompany loan activity	(96,454		)	1,655			94,799			—			—
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	—			(350		)	—			—			(350		)
Debt issuance costs	(5,197		)	—			—			—			(5,197		)
Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	8,235			—			—			—			8,235
Cash dividend	(2,716		)	—			(1,533		)	1,533			(2,716		)
Cash provided by financing activities	61,834			1,305			93,470			1,533			158,142
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			5,251			—			5,251
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(4,183		)	—			8,182			—			3,999
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	5,055			—			35,167			—			40,222
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	872		$	—		$	43,349		$	—		$	44,221

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	Quarterly financial data for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 is as follows:
		Year Ended August 31, 2013
		First		Second		Third			Fourth			Total
	Net sales	$	307,809	$	300,468	$	344,205		$	327,260		$	1,279,742
	Gross profit	124,368		116,178		136,904			129,500			506,950
	Earnings from continuing operations	30,551		25,834		46,077			45,115			147,577
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	5,792		2,601		(139,060		)	13,138			(117,529		)
	Net earnings (loss)	36,343		28,435		(92,983		)	58,253			30,048
	Earnings from continuing operations per share:
	Basic	$	0.42	$	0.35	$	0.63		$	0.62		$	2.02
	Diluted	0.41		0.35		0.62			0.6			1.98
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share:
	Basic	$	0.08	$	0.04	$	(1.90	)	$	0.18		$	(1.61	)
	Diluted	0.08		0.03		(1.86		)	0.18			(1.58		)
	Net earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.5	$	0.39	$	(1.27	)	$	0.8		$	0.41
	Diluted	0.49		0.38		(1.24		)	0.78			0.4
		Year Ended August 31, 2012
		First		Second		Third			Fourth			Total
	Net sales	$	309,966	$	300,919	$	343,268		$	322,368		$	1,276,521
	Gross profit	127,015		116,083		138,754			129,608			511,460
	Earnings from continuing operations	33,970		27,653		27,737			35,916			125,276
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	3,204		4,522		6,664			(52,376		)	(37,986		)
	Net earnings (loss)	37,174		32,175		34,401			(16,460		)	87,290
	Earnings from continuing operations per share:
	Basic	$	0.5	$	0.41	$	0.39		$	0.49		$	1.79
	Diluted	0.46		0.37		0.36			0.48			1.68
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share:
	Basic	$	0.04	$	0.06	$	0.09		$	(0.72	)	$	(0.54	)
	Diluted	0.04		0.06		0.09			(0.70		)	(0.51		)
	Net earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.54	$	0.47	$	0.48		$	(0.23	)	$	1.25
	Diluted	0.5		0.43		0.45			(0.22		)	1.17
	The sum of the quarters may not equal the total of the respective year’s earnings per share on either a basic or diluted basis due to changes in the weighted average shares outstanding during the year.
	During the third quarter of fiscal 2013 the Company recognized a $170.3 million non-cash impairment charge related to the goodwill and intangible assets of the Electrical segment (discontinued operations).  In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company re-assessed its initial estimate of fair value less selling costs for the Electrical segment and recognized an $11.2 million increase to the carrying value of the Electrical segment assets (income included in discontinued operations).  Fourth quarter fiscal 2012 discontinued operations include a $62.5 million non-cash impairment charge related to the goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles of the Mastervolt business. Refer to Note 3, “Discontinued Operations” for further information.
	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a $10.6 million adjustment (reduction to income tax expense) to properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(in thousands)
				Additions					Deductions
	Description	Balance at		Charged to		Acquired/			Accounts			Other			Balance at
		Beginning of		Costs and		(Divested)/			Written Off						End of
		Period		Expenses		(Discontinued)			Less						Period
									Recoveries
	Allowance for losses—Trade accounts receivable
	31-Aug-13	$	4,375	$	584	$	(437	)	$	(787	)	$	(34	)	$	3,701
	31-Aug-12	7,173		107		96			(2,740		)	(261		)	4,375
	31-Aug-11	7,680		1,021		939			(3,048		)	581			7,173
	Valuation allowance—Income taxes
	31-Aug-13	$	8,153	$	4,527	$	11,281		$	(1,184	)	$	—		$	22,777
	31-Aug-12	7,260		2,954		—			(2,061		)	—			8,153
	31-Aug-11	8,542		4,498		—			(5,831		)	51			7,260

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations:    Actuant Corporation (“Actuant” or the “Company”) is a global manufacturer of a broad range of industrial products and systems, organized into three reportable segments. The Industrial segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to the maintenance, industrial, infrastructure and production automation markets. The Energy segment provides joint integrity products and services, customized offshore vessel mooring solutions, as well as rope and cable solutions to the global oil & gas, power generation and other energy markets. The Engineered Solutions segment provides highly engineered position and motion control systems to OEMs in various vehicle markets, as well as a variety of other products to the industrial and agricultural markets.
Consolidation and Presentation	Consolidation and Presentation:    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Actuant consolidates companies in which it owns or controls more than fifty percent of the voting shares. The results of companies acquired or disposed of during the fiscal year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of acquisition or until the date of divestiture. All intercompany balances, transactions and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents:    The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventories	Inventories:    Inventories are comprised of material, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, and are stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for a portion of the U.S. owned inventory (approximately 21% and 19% of total inventories in 2013 and 2012, respectively). The first-in, first-out or average cost methods are used for all other inventories. If the LIFO method were not used, inventory balances would be higher than the amounts in the consolidated balance sheets by approximately $5.8 million and $6.6 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The nature of the Company’s products is such that they generally have a very short production cycle. Consequently, the amount of work-in-process at any point in time is minimal. In addition, many parts or components are ultimately either sold individually or assembled with other parts making a distinction between raw materials and finished goods impractical to determine. Other locations maintain and manage their inventories using a job cost system where the distinction of categories of inventory by state of completion is also not available. As a result of these factors, it is neither practical nor cost effective to segregate the amounts of raw materials, work-in-process or finished goods inventories at the respective balance sheet dates, as segregation would only be possible as the result of physical inventories which are taken at dates different from the balance sheet dates.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment:    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from ten to forty years for buildings and improvements and two to fifteen years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related asset or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter.
Impairment of Long-Lived and Other Intangible Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived and Other Intangible Assets:    The Company evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining estimated useful life of long-lived and finite-lived intangible assets may warrant revision or that the remaining balance of the asset may not be recoverable. The measurement of possible impairment is generally estimated by the ability to recover the balance of assets from expected future operating cash flows on an undiscounted basis. If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on the fair value of the asset. See Note 3, “Discontinued Operations” for details on long-lived asset impairment charges recognized in fiscal 2012 and 2013.
Product Warranty Costs	Product Warranty Costs:    The Company generally offers its customers a warranty on products sold, although warranty periods may vary by product type and application. During fiscal 2012 the warranty reserve was reduced by $7.7 million, the result of a purchase accounting adjustment to Mastervolt's initial estimated warranty reserve. The reserve for future warranty claims is based on historical claim rates and current warranty cost experience. The following is a reconciliation of the changes in product warranty reserves for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
Revenue Recognition
			2013			2012
		Beginning balance	$	12,869		$	23,707
		Warranty reserves of acquired businesses	981			338
		Purchase accounting adjustments	—			(7,726		)
		Provision for warranties	7,907			9,219
		Warranty payments and costs incurred	(11,616		)	(10,893		)
		Discontinued operations reclassification	(3,107		)	—
		Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	379			(1,776		)
		Ending balance	$	7,413		$	12,869
	Revenue Recognition:    The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectibility of the sales price is reasonably assured. For product sales, delivery does not occur until the passage of title and risk of loss have transferred to the customer (generally when products are shipped). Revenue from services is recognized when the services are provided or ratably over the contract term. Customer sales are recorded net of allowances for returns and discounts, which are recognized as a deduction from sales at the time of sale. The Company commits to one-time or on-going trade discounts and promotions with customers that require the Company to estimate and accrue the ultimate costs of such programs. The Company maintains an accrual at the end of each period for the earned, but unpaid costs related to the programs. The Company generally does not require collateral or other security for receivables and provides for an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical experience and a review of its existing receivables. Accounts Receivable are stated net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $3.7 million and $4.4 million at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs:    The Company records costs associated with shipping its products in cost of products sold.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs:    Research and development costs consist primarily of an allocation of overall engineering and development resources and are expensed as incurred. Such costs incurred in the development of new products or significant improvements to existing products were $21.0 million, $17.1 million and $12.5 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company also incurs significant costs in connection with fulfilling custom orders and developing unique solutions for unique customer needs which are not included in these research and development expense totals.
Other Income/Expense	Other Income/Expense:    Other income and expense primarily consists of foreign exchange transaction losses of $2.7 million, $3.9 million and $3.3 million in fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Financing Costs	Financing Costs:    Financing costs represent interest expense, financing fees and amortization of debt issuance costs, net of interest income.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes:    The provision for income taxes includes federal, state, local and non-U.S. taxes on income. Tax credits, primarily for non-U.S. earnings, are recognized as a reduction of the provision for income taxes in the year in which they are available for U.S. tax purposes. Deferred taxes are provided on temporary differences between assets and liabilities for financial and tax reporting purposes as measured by enacted tax rates expected to apply when temporary differences are settled or realized. Future tax benefits are recognized to the extent that realization of those benefits is considered to be more likely than not. A valuation allowance is established for deferred tax assets for which realization is not more likely than not of being realized. The Company has not provided for any residual U.S. income taxes on unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries as such earnings are intended to be indefinitely reinvested. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation:    The financial statements of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at each balance sheet date for assets and liabilities and an appropriate weighted average exchange rate for each applicable period for revenues and expenses. Translation adjustments are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of shareholders' equity caption “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss.”
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates:    The Company has recorded reserves or allowances for customer rebates, returns and discounts, doubtful accounts, inventory, incurred but not reported medical claims, environmental matters, warranty claims, workers compensation claims, product and non-product litigation and incentive compensation. These reserves require the use of estimates and judgment. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Company believes that such estimates are made with consistent and appropriate assumptions. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Changes in Accrued Product Warranty	The following is a reconciliation of the changes in product warranty reserves for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
			2013			2012
		Beginning balance	$	12,869		$	23,707
		Warranty reserves of acquired businesses	981			338
		Purchase accounting adjustments	—			(7,726		)
		Provision for warranties	7,907			9,219
		Warranty payments and costs incurred	(11,616		)	(10,893		)
		Discontinued operations reclassification	(3,107		)	—
		Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	379			(1,776		)
		Ending balance	$	7,413		$	12,869

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of Estimated Fair Value of Asset Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of the Viking acquisition (in thousands):
			Total
		Accounts receivable, net	$	17,225
		Inventories	1,582
		Property, plant & equipment	99,776
		Goodwill	87,734
		Other intangible assets	65,360
		Other assets	1,755
		Trade accounts payable	(7,664		)
		Deferred income taxes	(25,923		)
		Other liabilities	(4,439		)
		Cash paid, net of cash acquired	$	235,406
Proforma Results of Operations	The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company give effect to all acquisitions completed in the last three years as though the transactions and related financing activities had occurred on September 1, 2010 (in thousands, except per share amounts).
				Year Ended August 31,
				2013		2012		2011
		Net sales
		As reported		$	1,279,742	$	1,276,521	$	1,159,310
		Pro forma		1,365,115		1,419,173		1,393,061
		Earnings from continuing operations
		As reported		$	147,577	$	125,276	$	110,188
		Pro forma		153,946		134,581		125,785
		Basic earnings per share from continuing operations
		As reported		$	2.02	$	1.79	$	1.61
		Pro forma		2.11		1.92		1.84
		Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations
		As reported		$	1.98	$	1.68	$	1.49
		Pro forma		2.06		1.81		1.69

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	The following is a summary of the August 31, 2013 assets and liabilities of the Electrical segment (in thousands):
	Accounts receivable, net		$	41,247
	Inventories, net		55,142
	Property, plant & equipment, net		9,545
	Goodwill		76,877
	Other intangible assets, net		84,387
	Other assets		5,408
	Assets of discontinued operations		$	272,606
	Trade accounts payable		$	19,824
	Other current liabilities		12,984
	Deferred income taxes		9,376
	Other long-term liabilities		10,896
	Liabilities of discontinued operations		$	53,080
	The following table summarizes the results of the Electrical segment for each of the last three fiscal years (in thousands):
		Year Ended August 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net sales	$	286,308		$	328,821		$	335,318
	Operating profit	34,536			28,148			20,029
	Impairment charge	(159,104		)	(62,464		)	—
	Net loss on disposal (1)	—			—			(15,829		)
	Income tax benefit (expense)	7,039			(3,670		)	(2,829		)
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	(117,529	)	$	(37,986	)	$	1,371
	(1) During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company completed the sale of the European Electrical business for total cash proceeds of $3.5 million, net of transaction costs. As a result of the sale transaction, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss on disposal of $15.8 million, including an $11.4 million charge to cover future lease payments on an unfavorable real estate lease used by the divested business.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		Industrial				Energy				Electrical				Engineered				Total
														Solutions
	Balance as of August 31, 2011	$	85,409			$	252,285			$	260,777			$	289,995			$	888,466
	Businesses acquired	—				14,101				—				26,188				40,289
	Purchase accounting adjustments	—				—				(3,995		)		715				(3,280		)
	Impairment charge	—				—				(36,557		)		—				(36,557		)
	Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(4,005		)		(6,865		)		(6,355		)		(5,281		)		(22,506		)
	Balance as of August 31, 2012	81,404				259,521				213,870				311,617				866,412
	Business acquired	—				87,734				—				—				87,734
	Purchase accounting adjustments	—				117				—				(100		)		17
	Impairment charge	—				—				(137,804		)		—				(137,804		)
	Reclassification to discontinued operations	—				—				(76,877		)		—				(76,877		)
	Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business	—				—				—				(2,556		)		(2,556		)
	Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	1,207				(5,469		)		811				1,477				(1,974		)
	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	82,611			$	341,903			$	—			$	310,438			$	734,952
Gross Carrying Amount and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets	The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
		Weighted		August 31, 2013												August 31, 2012
		Average
		Amortization
		Period (Years)		Gross				Accumulated				Net Book				Gross				Accumulated		Net Book
				Carrying				Amortization				Value				Carrying				Amortization		Value
				Amount												Amount
	Amortizable intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	15		$	318,143			$	95,215			$	222,928			$	347,739			$	93,768	$	253,971
	Patents	11		30,564				18,747				11,817				52,851				34,842		18,009
	Trademarks and tradenames	19		24,088				7,356				16,732				43,820				8,670		35,150
	Non-compete agreements and other	4		7,034				6,458				576				7,677				6,316		1,361
	Indefinite lived intangible assets:
	Tradenames	N/A		124,639				—				124,639				137,393				—		137,393
				$	504,468			$	127,776			$	376,692			$	589,480			$	143,596	$	445,884

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Indebtedness	The following is a summary of the Company’s long-term indebtedness (in thousands):
			August 31,
			2013		2012
		Senior Credit Facility
		Revolver	$	125,000	$	—
		Term Loan	90,000		97,500
			215,000		97,500
		5.625% Senior Notes	300,000		300,000
		Total Senior Indebtedness	515,000		397,500
		Less: current maturities of long-term debt	—		(7,500		)
		Total long-term debt, less current maturities	$	515,000	$	390,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	The following financial assets and liabilities, measured at fair value, are included in the consolidated balance sheet (in thousands):
			August 31,
			2013		2012
		Level 1 Valuation:
		Cash equivalents	$	1,092	$	5,154
		Investments	1,793		1,602
		Level 2 Valuation:
		Foreign currency forward contracts	$	143	$	945

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Weighted Average Assumption used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Weighted-average assumptions used to determine U.S. pension plan obligations as of August 31 and weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended August 31 are as follows:
				2013			2012			2011
		Assumptions for benefit obligations:
		Discount rate		4.9	%		3.9	%		5	%
		Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost:
		Discount rate		3.9	%		5	%		4.6	%
		Expected return on plan assets		7.75	%		7.9	%		8	%
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets	The following table provides detail of changes in the projected benefit obligations, the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plans as of the August 31 measurement date (in thousands):
			2013				2012
	Reconciliation of benefit obligations:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	50,870			$	44,430
	Adjustment		(280		)		—
	Interest cost		1,928				2,162
	Actuarial (gain) loss		(4,983		)		6,855
	Benefits paid		(2,489		)		(2,577		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	45,046			$	50,870
	Reconciliation of plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		$	33,695			$	32,412
	Actual return on plan assets		2,252				2,911
	Company contributions		596				949
	Benefits paid from plan assets		(2,489		)		(2,577		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		34,054				33,695
	Funded status of the plans (underfunded)		$	(10,992	)		$	(17,175	)
Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The following table provides detail on the Company’s net periodic benefit costs (in thousands):
			Year ended August 31,
			2013				2012				2011
	Interest cost		$	1,928			$	2,162			$	2,108
	Expected return on assets		(2,468		)		(2,471		)		(2,221		)
	Amortization of actuarial loss		878				675				669
	Net benefit cost		$	338			$	366			$	556
U.S. Pension Plan Investment Allocations by Asset Category	The U.S. pension plan investment allocations by asset category were as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended August 31,
			2013				%			2012				%
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	348			1	%		$	250			0.7	%
	Fixed income securities:
	Government bonds		—				—			310				0.9
	Corporate bonds		8,741				25.7			7,489				22.2
	Mutual funds		3,464				10.2			2,678				8
			12,205				35.9			10,477				31.1
	Equity securities:
	Mutual funds		21,501				63.1			22,968				68.2
	Total plan assets		$	34,054			100	%		$	33,695			100	%
Other Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets	The Company has several non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans which cover certain existing and former employees of businesses outside the U.S. Most of the non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans continue to earn additional benefits. The funded status of these plans is summarized as follows (in thousands):
				August 31,
				2013				2012
		Benefit obligation		$	12,912			$	12,227
		Fair value of plan assets		7,790				7,440
		Funded status of plans (underfunded)		$	(5,122	)		$	(4,787	)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations	Income tax expense from continuing operations is summarized as follows (in thousands):
			Year ended August 31,
			2013				2012				2011
		Currently payable:
		Federal	$	24,809			$	22,078			$	(78	)
		Foreign	13,335				10,396				20,903
		State	902				1,534				586
			39,046				34,008				21,411
		Deferred:
		Federal	(13,514		)		(495		)		14,948
		Foreign	(9,942		)		(4,598		)		(4,223		)
		State	(218		)		439				(4,303		)
			(23,674		)		(4,654		)		6,422
			$	15,372			$	29,354			$	27,833
Reconciliation of Income Taxes at Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate	A reconciliation of income taxes at the Federal statutory rate to the effective tax rate is summarized in the following table:
			Year ended August 31,
			2013			2012			2011
		Federal statutory rate	35	%		35	%		35	%
		State income taxes, net of Federal effect	0.9			1.2			0.4
		Net effect of foreign tax rates and credits	(8.8	)		(14.6	)		(14.0	)
		NOL utilization and changes in valuation allowance	(3.1	)		0.1			(3.0	)
		Tax contingency reserve	(5.6	)		(2.2	)		(1.6	)
		Prior period correction (1)	(6.5	)		—			—
		Other items	(2.5	)		(0.5	)		3.4
		Effective income tax rate	9.4	%		19	%		20.2	%
	(1) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a $10.6 million adjustment to properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs. The correction is not material to current or previously issued financial statements.
Temporary Differences and Carryforwards of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following items (in thousands):
			August 31,
			2013				2012
		Deferred income tax assets:
		Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	$	35,071			$	16,393
		Compensation related liabilities	20,812				9,909
		Postretirement benefits	7,731				10,679
		Inventory reserves	7,049				8,045
		Book reserves and other items	11,523				12,781
		Total deferred income tax assets	82,186				57,807
		Valuation allowance	(22,777		)		(8,153		)
		Net deferred income tax assets	59,409				49,654
		Deferred income tax liabilities:
		Depreciation and amortization	(129,498		)		(156,751		)
		Other items	(1,985		)		(2,098		)
		Deferred income tax liabilities	(131,483		)		(158,849		)
		Net deferred income tax liability	$	(72,074	)		$	(109,195	)
Changes in Gross Liability for Unrecognized Tax benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties	Changes in the Company’s gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, are as follows (in thousands):
			2013				2012				2011
		Beginning balance	$	24,608			$	26,179			$	28,225
		Increase for tax positions taken in a prior period	3,601				3,400				4,026
		Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior period	(7,622		)		(4,579		)		(6,072		)
		Decrease due to settlements	(2,581		)		(392		)		—
		Ending balance	$	18,006			$	24,608			$	26,179
Earnings before Income Taxes, Including both Continuing and Discontinued Operations	Earnings before income taxes, for continuing operations, are summarized as follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended August 31,
			2013				2012				2011
		Domestic	$	67,392			$	65,685			$	47,445
		Foreign	95,557				88,945				90,576
			$	162,949			$	154,630			$	138,021

Capital_Stock_Tables

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Year Ended August 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Numerator:
	Net earnings	$	30,048	$	87,290	$	111,559
	Plus: 2% Convertible Notes financings costs, net of taxes	—		425		1,755
	Net earnings for diluted earnings per share	$	30,048	$	87,715	$	113,314
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	72,979		70,099		68,254
	Net effect of dilutive securities—employee stock compensation plans	1,601		1,119		1,089
	Net effect of 2% Convertible Notes based on the if-converted method	—		3,722		5,962
	Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	74,580		74,940		75,305
	Basic Earnings Per Share:	$	0.41	$	1.25	$	1.63
	Diluted Earnings Per Share:	$	0.4	$	1.17	$	1.5

Stock_Plans_Tables

Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary Stock option Activity	A summary of stock option activity during fiscal 2013 is as follows:
			Shares			Weighted-Average				Weighted-Average		Aggregate
						Exercise Price (Per Share)				Remaining Contractual		Intrinsic Value
										Term
	Outstanding on September 1, 2012		5,289,384			$	22.33
	Granted		276,136			28.7
	Exercised		(1,278,626	)		19.48
	Forfeited		(107,343	)		22.1
	Outstanding on August 31, 2013		4,179,551			$	23.66			5.3		$	48.8	million
	Exercisable on August 31, 2013		2,609,876			$	23.92			4.2		$	30.8	million
Summary of Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Of options, Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised, and Cash Receipts from Options Exercised	A summary of the weighted-average grant-date fair value of options, total intrinsic value of options exercised, and cash receipts from options exercised is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts):
				Year Ended August 31,
				2013				2012				2011
		Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share)		$	10.49			$	8.73			$	10.74
		Intrinsic value of options exercised		15,803				7,946				7,540
		Cash receipts from exercise of options		24,840				6,550				4,324
Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity	A summary of restricted stock activity (including Performance Shares) during fiscal 2013 is as follows:
				Number of			Weighted-Average Fair  Value at Grant Date (Per Share)
				Shares
		Outstanding August 31, 2012		1,507,443			$23.85
		Granted		430,793			29.18
		Forfeited		(131,688	)		22.76
		Vested		(212,359	)		20.46
		Outstanding August 31, 2013		1,594,189			25.83
Weighted Average Assumptions	The following weighted-average assumptions were used in each fiscal year:
				Fiscal Year Ended August 31,
				2013			2012			2011
		Dividend yield		0.14	%		0.18	%		0.15	%
		Expected volatility		38.36	%		39.97	%		39.62	%
		Risk-free rate of return		0.84	%		1.19	%		2.53	%
		Expected forfeiture rate		15	%		15	%		15	%
		Expected life		6.1 years			6.1 years			6.1 years

Business_Segment_Geographic_an1

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment and Product Line	The following tables summarize financial information by reportable segment and product line (in thousands):
			Year Ended August 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Net Sales by Segment:
	Industrial		$	422,620		$	419,295		$	393,013
	Energy		363,372			349,163			293,060
	Engineered Solutions		493,750			508,063			473,237
			$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521		$	1,159,310
	Net Sales by Reportable Product Line:
	Industrial		$	422,620		$	419,295		$	393,013
	Energy		363,372			349,163			293,060
	Vehicle Systems		253,073			279,549			328,763
	Other		240,677			228,514			144,474
			$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521		$	1,159,310
	Operating Profit (Loss):
	Industrial		$	117,644		$	114,777		$	98,415
	Energy		63,280			62,205			49,345
	Engineered Solutions		40,328			60,851			63,612
	General Corporate		(31,107		)	(33,319		)	(38,485		)
			$	190,145		$	204,514		$	172,887
	Depreciation and Amortization:
	Industrial		$	8,553		$	8,358		$	8,655
	Energy		18,451			18,115			18,152
	Engineered Solutions		16,949			15,093			13,916
	General Corporate		2,145			2,030			2,579
	Discontinued Operations		7,804			10,667			9,694
			$	53,902		$	54,263		$	52,996
	Capital Expenditures:
	Industrial		$	3,524		$	5,333		$	3,590
	Energy		9,417			8,962			8,978
	Engineered Solutions		7,001			3,463			5,966
	General Corporate		867			1,905			1,902
	Discontinued Operations		2,859			3,077			2,660
			$	23,668		$	22,740		$	23,096
			August 31,
			2013			2012
	Assets:
	Industrial		$	280,110		$	268,735
	Energy		817,547			540,409
	Electrical		—			437,914
	Engineered Solutions		652,581			667,550
	General Corporate		96,488			92,511
	Assets of discontinued operations		272,606			—
			$	2,119,332		$	2,007,119
Financial Information From Continuing Operations By Geographic Region	The following tables summarize financial information from continuing operations by geographic region (in thousands):
				Year Ended August 31,
				2013			2012			2011
		Net Sales:
		United States		$	549,057		$	599,831		$	479,070
		Netherlands		159,396			185,112			207,787
		United Kingdom		144,131			141,037			116,935
		Australia		68,255			47,472			27,854
		France		52,806			48,681			49,971
		All other		306,097			254,388			277,693
				$	1,279,742		$	1,276,521		$	1,159,310
				August 31,
				2013			2012
		Long-lived Assets:
		Norway		$	59,557		$	941
		United Kingdom		54,136			17,672
		United States		41,161			50,950
		China		19,551			20,166
		Netherlands		10,418			12,166
		All other		20,358			17,725
				$	205,181		$	119,620

Guarantor_Subsidiaries_Tables

Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended August 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	196,531		$	293,884		$	789,327		$	—		$	1,279,742
	Cost of products sold	65,178			201,704			505,910			—			772,792
	Gross profit	131,353			92,180			283,417			—			506,950
	Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	69,734			59,358			164,774			—			293,866
	Amortization of intangible assets	1,276			10,481			11,182			—			22,939
	Operating profit	60,343			22,341			107,461			—			190,145
	Financing costs, net	25,270			9			(442		)	—			24,837
	Intercompany expense (income), net	(21,041		)	1,082			19,959			—			—
	Other expense (income), net	(2,105		)	(571		)	5,035			—			2,359
	Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	58,219			21,821			82,909			—			162,949
	Income tax expense (benefit)	(798		)	2,009			14,161			—			15,372
	Net earnings before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	59,017			19,812			68,748			—			147,577
	Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(26,527		)	7,822			2,173			16,532			—
	Earnings from continuing operations	32,490			27,634			70,921			16,532			147,577
	Loss from discontinued operations	(2,442		)	(76,634		)	(38,453		)	—			(117,529		)
	Net earnings (loss)	$	30,048		$	(49,000	)	$	32,468		$	16,532		$	30,048
	Comprehensive income (loss)	$	30,860		$	(48,416	)	$	31,099		$	17,317		$	30,860
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended August 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	206,894		$	328,295		$	741,332		$	—		$	1,276,521
	Cost of products sold	69,902			220,271			474,888			—			765,061
	Gross profit	136,992			108,024			266,444			—			511,460
	Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	79,742			61,113			144,065			—			284,920
	Amortization of intangible assets	1,341			10,515			10,170			—			22,026
	Operating profit	55,909			36,396			112,209			—			204,514
	Financing costs, net	29,983			(14		)	(408		)	—			29,561
	Debt refinancing costs	16,830			—			—			—			16,830
	Intercompany expense (income), net	(32,185		)	6,281			25,904			—			—
	Other expense, net	1,351			1,992			150			—			3,493
	Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	39,930			28,137			86,563			—			154,630
	Income tax expense	6,700			4,677			17,977			—			29,354
	Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	33,230			23,460			68,586			—			125,276
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	56,407			14,373			1,649			(72,429		)	—
	Earnings from continuing operations	89,637			37,833			70,235			(72,429		)	125,276
	(Loss) earnings from discontinued operations	(2,347		)	11,373			(47,012		)	—			(37,986		)
	Net earnings	$	87,290		$	49,206		$	23,223		$	(72,429	)	$	87,290
	Comprehensive income	$	35,497		$	24,934		$	6,064		$	(30,998	)	$	35,497
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended August 31, 2011
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Net sales	$	170,094		$	302,911		$	686,305		$	—		$	1,159,310
	Cost of products sold	55,256			200,332			438,920			—			694,508
	Gross profit	114,838			102,579			247,385			—			464,802
	Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	87,333			57,288			125,771			—			270,392
	Amortization of intangible assets	335			12,060			9,128			—			21,523
	Operating profit	27,170			33,231			112,486			—			172,887
	Financing costs, net	31,912			(1		)	208			—			32,119
	Intercompany expense (income), net	(16,924		)	14,670			2,254			—			—
	Other expense (income), net	(4,519		)	112			7,154			—			2,747
	Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	16,701			18,450			102,870			—			138,021
	Income tax expense	4,148			2,680			21,005			—			27,833
	Net earnings before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	12,553			15,770			81,865			—			110,188
	Equity in earnings of subsidiaries	112,364			77,395			6,261			(196,020		)	—
	Earnings from continuing operations	124,917			93,165			88,126			(196,020		)	110,188
	(Loss) earnings from discontinuing operations	(13,358		)	8,881			5,848			—			1,371
	Net earnings	$	111,559		$	102,046		$	93,974		$	(196,020	)	$	111,559
	Comprehensive income	$	160,985		$	130,503		$	106,875		$	(237,378	)	$	160,985
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	(in thousands)
		31-Aug-13
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	16,122		$	—		$	87,864		$	—		$	103,986
	Accounts receivable, net	20,471			40,343			158,261			—			219,075
	Inventories, net	27,343			38,948			76,258			—			142,549
	Deferred income taxes	13,002			—			5,794			—			18,796
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,454			963			19,811			—			28,228
	Assets of discontinued operations	—			192,129			80,477			—			272,606
	Total current assets	84,392			272,383			428,465			—			785,240
	Property, plant & equipment, net	7,050			22,801			171,645			—			201,496
	Goodwill	62,543			264,502			407,907			—			734,952
	Other intangibles, net	13,247			141,258			222,187			—			376,692
	Intercompany receivable	—			480,633			360,620			(841,253		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	2,086,534			201,779			96,333			(2,384,646		)	—
	Other long-term assets	12,654			22			8,276			—			20,952
	Total assets	$	2,266,420		$	1,383,378		$	1,695,433		$	(3,225,899	)	$	2,119,332
	LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Trade accounts payable	$	22,194		$	30,637		$	101,218		$	—		$	154,049
	Accrued compensation and benefits	13,835			2,716			27,249			—			43,800
	Income taxes payable	8,135			—			5,879			—			14,014
	Other current liabilities	21,268			4,630			31,001			—			56,899
	Liabilities of discontinued operations	—			23,466			29,614			—			53,080
	Total current liabilities	65,432			61,449			194,961			—			321,842
	Long-term debt	515,000			—			—			—			515,000
	Deferred income taxes	64,358			—			51,507			—			115,865
	Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities	16,267			—			4,431			—			20,698
	Other long-term liabilities	51,479			390			13,791			—			65,660
	Intercompany payable	473,617			—			367,636			(841,253		)	—
	Shareholders’ equity	1,080,267			1,321,539			1,063,107			(2,384,646		)	1,080,267
	Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,266,420		$	1,383,378		$	1,695,433		$	(3,225,899	)	$	2,119,332
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	(in thousands)
		31-Aug-12
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	12,401		$	91		$	55,692		$	—		$	68,184
	Accounts receivable, net	20,401			74,006			140,349			—			234,756
	Inventories, net	29,658			75,905			106,127			—			211,690
	Deferred income taxes	17,942			—			4,641			—			22,583
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,157			1,166			14,745			—			24,068
	Total current assets	88,559			151,168			321,554			—			561,281
	Property, plant & equipment, net	6,944			31,818			77,122			—			115,884
	Goodwill	62,543			433,193			370,676			—			866,412
	Other intangibles, net	14,522			206,194			225,168			—			445,884
	Intercompany receivable	—			418,253			307,282			(725,535		)	—
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,886,478			250,738			90,770			(2,227,986		)	—
	Other long-term assets	12,297			22			5,339			—			17,658
	Total assets	$	2,071,343		$	1,491,386		$	1,397,911		$	(2,953,521	)	$	2,007,119
	LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Trade accounts payable	$	21,722		$	44,893		$	108,131		$	—		$	174,746
	Accrued compensation and benefits	23,459			6,646			28,712			—			58,817
	Income taxes payable	3,129			—			2,649			—			5,778
	Current maturities of debt	7,500			—			—			—			7,500
	Other current liabilities	20,876			11,566			39,723			—			72,165
	Total current liabilities	76,686			63,105			179,215			—			319,006
	Long-term debt	390,000			—			—			—			390,000
	Deferred income taxes	91,604			—			41,049			—			132,653
	Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities	22,500			—			3,942			—			26,442
	Other long-term liabilities	59,929			620			26,633			—			87,182
	Intercompany payable	378,788			—			346,747			(725,535		)	—
	Shareholders’ equity	1,051,836			1,427,661			800,325			(2,227,986		)	1,051,836
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,071,343		$	1,491,386		$	1,397,911		$	(2,953,521	)	$	2,007,119
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended August 31, 2013
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Operating Activities
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	81,597		$	26,095		$	86,097		$	—		$	193,789
	Investing Activities
	Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	563			206			852			—			1,621
	Proceeds from sale of business	—			—			4,854			—			4,854
	Capital expenditures	(2,022		)	(4,021		)	(17,625		)	—			(23,668		)
	Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(235,489		)	—			(235,489		)
	Cash used in investing activities	(1,459		)	(3,815		)	(247,408		)	—			(252,682		)
	Financing Activities
	Net borrowings on revolving credit facilities	125,000			—			—			—			125,000
	Intercompany loan activity	(179,050		)	(22,371		)	201,421			—			—
	Principal repayment on term loans	(7,500		)	—			—			—			(7,500		)
	Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(1,350		)	—			(4,028		)	—			(5,378		)
	Debt issuance costs	(2,035		)	—			—			—			(2,035		)
	Purchase of treasury shares	(41,832		)	—			—			—			(41,832		)
	Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	33,261			—			—			—			33,261
	Cash dividend	(2,911		)	—			—			—			(2,911		)
	Cash provided (used in) financing activities	(76,417		)	(22,371		)	197,393			—			98,605
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(3,910		)	—			(3,910		)
	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	3,721			(91		)	32,172			—			35,802
	Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	12,401			91			55,692			—			68,184
	Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	16,122		$	—		$	87,864		$	—		$	103,986
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended August 31, 2012
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Operating Activities
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	97,454		$	20,363		$	64,512		$	—		$	182,329
	Investing Activities
	Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	1,909			353			6,239			—			8,501
	Capital expenditures	(5,062		)	(4,069		)	(13,609		)	—			(22,740		)
	Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			—			(69,309		)	—			(69,309		)
	Cash used in investing activities	(3,153		)	(3,716		)	(76,679		)	—			(83,548		)
	Financing Activities
	Net repayments on revolving credit facilities	(57,990		)	—			(177		)	—			(58,167		)
	Intercompany loan activity	(11,482		)	(16,556		)	28,038			—			—
	Principal repayment on term loans	(2,500		)	—			—			—			(2,500		)
	Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	(102		)	—			—			—			(102		)
	Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes	300,000			—			—			—			300,000
	Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes	(250,000		)	—			—			—			(250,000		)
	Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(290		)	—			(668		)	—			(958		)
	Debt issuance costs	(5,490		)	—			—			—			(5,490		)
	Purchase of treasury shares	(63,083		)	—			—			—			(63,083		)
	Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	10,913			—			—			—			10,913
	Cash dividend	(2,748		)	—			—			—			(2,748		)
	Cash provided (used in) financing activities	(82,772		)	(16,556		)	27,193			—			(72,135		)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			(2,683		)	—			(2,683		)
	Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	11,529			91			12,343			—			23,963
	Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	872			—			43,349			—			44,221
	Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	12,401		$	91		$	55,692		$	—		$	68,184
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended August 31, 2011
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
	Operating Activities
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	92,573		$	3,122		$	77,404		$	(1,533	)	$	171,566
	Investing Activities
	Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment	103			313			1,363			—			1,779
	Proceeds from sale of business	—			—			3,463			—			3,463
	Capital expenditures	(5,284		)	(4,740		)	(13,072		)	—			(23,096		)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(153,409		)	—			(159,697		)	—			(313,106		)
Cash used in investing activities	(158,590		)	(4,427		)	(167,943		)	—			(330,960		)
Financing Activities
Net borrowings on revolving credit facilities	58,000			—			204			—			58,204
Proceeds from issuance of term loans	100,000			—			—			—			100,000
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	(34		)	—			—			—			(34		)
Intercompany loan activity	(96,454		)	1,655			94,799			—			—
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	—			(350		)	—			—			(350		)
Debt issuance costs	(5,197		)	—			—			—			(5,197		)
Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	8,235			—			—			—			8,235
Cash dividend	(2,716		)	—			(1,533		)	1,533			(2,716		)
Cash provided by financing activities	61,834			1,305			93,470			1,533			158,142
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			5,251			—			5,251
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(4,183		)	—			8,182			—			3,999
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	5,055			—			35,167			—			40,222
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$	872		$	—		$	43,349		$	—		$	44,221

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	Quarterly financial data for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 is as follows:
		Year Ended August 31, 2013
		First		Second		Third			Fourth			Total
	Net sales	$	307,809	$	300,468	$	344,205		$	327,260		$	1,279,742
	Gross profit	124,368		116,178		136,904			129,500			506,950
	Earnings from continuing operations	30,551		25,834		46,077			45,115			147,577
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	5,792		2,601		(139,060		)	13,138			(117,529		)
	Net earnings (loss)	36,343		28,435		(92,983		)	58,253			30,048
	Earnings from continuing operations per share:
	Basic	$	0.42	$	0.35	$	0.63		$	0.62		$	2.02
	Diluted	0.41		0.35		0.62			0.6			1.98
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share:
	Basic	$	0.08	$	0.04	$	(1.90	)	$	0.18		$	(1.61	)
	Diluted	0.08		0.03		(1.86		)	0.18			(1.58		)
	Net earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.5	$	0.39	$	(1.27	)	$	0.8		$	0.41
	Diluted	0.49		0.38		(1.24		)	0.78			0.4
		Year Ended August 31, 2012
		First		Second		Third			Fourth			Total
	Net sales	$	309,966	$	300,919	$	343,268		$	322,368		$	1,276,521
	Gross profit	127,015		116,083		138,754			129,608			511,460
	Earnings from continuing operations	33,970		27,653		27,737			35,916			125,276
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	3,204		4,522		6,664			(52,376		)	(37,986		)
	Net earnings (loss)	37,174		32,175		34,401			(16,460		)	87,290
	Earnings from continuing operations per share:
	Basic	$	0.5	$	0.41	$	0.39		$	0.49		$	1.79
	Diluted	0.46		0.37		0.36			0.48			1.68
	Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share:
	Basic	$	0.04	$	0.06	$	0.09		$	(0.72	)	$	(0.54	)
	Diluted	0.04		0.06		0.09			(0.70		)	(0.51		)
	Net earnings (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.54	$	0.47	$	0.48		$	(0.23	)	$	1.25
	Diluted	0.5		0.43		0.45			(0.22		)	1.17

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
	Segment	Segment	Segment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3	3	3
Portion of inventory determined using last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method	21.00%		21.00%	19.00%
Inventory LIFO reserve	$5.80		$5.80	$6.60
Accounts Receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	3.7		3.7	4.4
Research and development costs			21	17.1	12.5
Foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses			2.7	3.9	3.3
properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Prior period reclassification adjustment	$10.60
Minimum | Buildings and improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life			10 years
Minimum | Machinery and equipment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life			2 years
Maximum | Buildings and improvements
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life			40 years
Maximum | Machinery and equipment
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment useful life			15 years

Reconciliation_of_Changes_in_A

Reconciliation of Changes in Accrued Product Warranty (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$12,869	$23,707
Warranty reserves of acquired businesses	981	338
Purchase accounting adjustments	0	-7,726
Provision for warranties	7,907	9,219
Warranty payments and costs incurred	-11,616	-10,893
Discontinued operations reclassification	-3,107	0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	379	-1,776
Ending balance	$7,413	$12,869

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Aug. 27, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Jul. 20, 2012

Mar. 28, 2012

Feb. 10, 2012

Jun. 02, 2011

Dec. 10, 2010

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Aug. 27, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Aug. 27, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Aug. 31, 2011

acquisition

acquisition

Viking

Engineered Solutions

CrossControl

Turotest

Jeyco

Weasler Engineering, Inc.

Mastervolt International Holding B.V.

Customer Relationships

Customer Relationships

Customer Relationships

Tradenames

Tradenames

Tradenames

Technologies

Non-compete Agreements

Non-compete Agreements

Patents and Technologies

Entity

Viking

Viking

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Transaction costs related to business acquisition activities

$3,700,000

$1,400,000

$1,900,000

Reductions in goodwill due to purchase price adjustments (less than $0.1 million in fiscal 2013)

17,000

-3,280,000

Recognition of intangible assets due to acquisitions

32,800,000

157,500,000

65,360,000

24,200,000

81,500,000

40,500,000

5,700,000

69,900,000

24,900,000

2,200,000

700,000

600,000

5,500,000

Number of tuck-in acquisitions

2

Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

235,489,000

69,309,000

313,106,000

40,600,000

8,100,000

20,700,000

153,200,000

158,200,000

Number of businesses acquired

3

2

Deferred purchase price for business acquisitions

5,300,000

Recognition of goodwill due to acquisitions

$40,100,000

$152,400,000

$87,734,000

Summary_of_Estimated_Fair_Valu

Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 27, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Viking
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net			$17,225
Inventories			1,582
Property, plant & equipment			99,776
Goodwill	40,100	152,400	87,734
Other assets	32,800	157,500	65,360
Other assets			1,755
Trade accounts payable			-7,664
Deferred income taxes			-25,923
Other liabilities			-4,439
Cash paid, net of cash acquired			$235,406

Proforma_Results_of_Operations

Proforma Results of Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net sales, As reported	$327,260	$344,205	$300,468	$307,809	$322,368	$343,268	$300,919	$309,966	$1,279,742	$1,276,521	$1,159,310
Net sales, Pro forma									1,365,115	1,419,173	1,393,061
Earnings from continuing operations, As reported	45,115	46,077	25,834	30,551	35,916	27,737	27,653	33,970	147,577	125,276	110,188
Earnings from continuing operations, Pro forma									$153,946	$134,581	$125,785
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations, As reported	$0.62	$0.63	$0.35	$0.42	$0.49	$0.39	$0.41	$0.50	$2.02	$1.79	$1.61
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations, Pro forma									$2.11	$1.92	$1.84
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, As reported	$0.60	$0.62	$0.35	$0.41	$0.48	$0.36	$0.37	$0.46	$1.98	$1.68	$1.49
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, Pro forma									$2.06	$1.81	$1.69

Discontinued_Operations_Income

Discontinued Operations Income Statement and Balance Sheet Summary (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2011
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Net sales	$286,308		$328,821		$335,318
Operating profit	34,536		28,148		20,029
Impairment charge	-159,104		-62,464		0
Net loss on disposal	0	[1]	0	[1]	-15,829	[1]
Income tax benefit (expense)	7,039		-3,670		-2,829
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	-117,529		-37,986		1,371
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net	41,247
Inventories, net	55,142
Property, plant & equipment, net	9,545
Goodwill	76,877
Other intangible assets, net	84,387
Other assets	5,408
Assets of discontinued operations	272,606		0
Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract]
Trade accounts payable	19,824
Other current liabilities	12,984
Deferred income taxes	9,376
Other long-term liabilities	10,896
Liabilities of discontinued operations	$53,080
[1]	During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company completed the sale of the European Electrical business for total cash proceeds of $3.5 million, net of transaction costs. As a result of the sale transaction, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss on disposal of $15.8 million, including an $11.4 million charge to cover future lease payments on an unfavorable real estate lease used by the divested business.

Discontinued_Operations_Narrat

Discontinued Operations Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended							3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2011		Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
	Segment	Segment		Segment						Electrical	Electrical	Electrical	Mastervolt International Holding B.V.	Mastervolt International Holding B.V.
											Europe	North America
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of business				$4,854,000		$0		$3,463,000			$3,500,000
pre-tax loss on disposal of business				0	[1]	0	[1]	15,829,000	[1]		15,800,000
Loss on disposal of business, future lease payments											11,400,000
Number of reportable segments	3	3		3
Impairment charges	-11,200,000	170,000,000	62,500,000	158,817,000		62,464,000		0		159,100,000
Goodwill impairment				-137,804,000		-36,557,000				137,800,000			36,600,000
indefinite lived intangible asset (tradenames) impairment										21,300,000			25,900,000
Goodwill	76,877,000			76,877,000								76,900,000		0
Goodwill and intangible asset impairment													62,500,000
Other intangible assets, net	$84,387,000			$84,387,000
[1]	During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company completed the sale of the European Electrical business for total cash proceeds of $3.5 million, net of transaction costs. As a result of the sale transaction, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss on disposal of $15.8 million, including an $11.4 million charge to cover future lease payments on an unfavorable real estate lease used by the divested business.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Narrative (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Cumulative goodwill impairment charges	$22,200,000	$22,200,000
Amortization expense of intangible assets	22,939,000	22,026,000	21,523,000
Future amortization expense, 2014	24,600,000
Future amortization expense, 2015	24,600,000
Future amortization expense, 2016	24,500,000
Future amortization expense, 2017	23,400,000
Future amortization expense, 2018	23,000,000
Future amortization expense, thereafter	$132,000,000

Changes_in_Carrying_Value_of_G

Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$866,412	$888,466
Businesses acquired	87,734	40,289
Purchase accounting adjustments	17	-3,280
Impairment charge	-137,804	-36,557
Reclassification to discontinued operations	-76,877
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business	-2,556
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	-1,974	-22,506
Ending Balance	734,952	866,412
Industrial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	81,404	85,409
Businesses acquired	0	0
Purchase accounting adjustments	0	0
Impairment charge	0	0
Reclassification to discontinued operations	0
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business	0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	1,207	-4,005
Ending Balance	82,611	81,404
Energy
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	259,521	252,285
Businesses acquired	87,734	14,101
Purchase accounting adjustments	117	0
Impairment charge	0	0
Reclassification to discontinued operations	0
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business	0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	-5,469	-6,865
Ending Balance	341,903	259,521
Electrical
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	213,870	260,777
Businesses acquired	0	0
Purchase accounting adjustments	0	-3,995
Impairment charge	-137,804	-36,557
Reclassification to discontinued operations	-76,877
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business	0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	811	-6,355
Ending Balance	0	213,870
Engineered Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	311,617	289,995
Businesses acquired	0	26,188
Purchase accounting adjustments	-100	715
Impairment charge	0	0
Reclassification to discontinued operations	0
Divestiture of Nielsen Sessions business	-2,556
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	1,477	-5,281
Ending Balance	$310,438	$311,617

Gross_Carrying_Value_and_Accum

Gross Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangibles, gross	$504,468	$589,480
Accumulated Amortization	127,776	143,596
Other intangibles, net	376,692	445,884
Tradenames
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	124,639	137,393
Customer Relationships
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	318,143	347,739
Accumulated Amortization	95,215	93,768
Net Book Value	222,928	253,971
Weighted Average Amortization Period	15 years
Patents
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	30,564	52,851
Accumulated Amortization	18,747	34,842
Net Book Value	11,817	18,009
Weighted Average Amortization Period	11 years
Trademarks and Tradenames
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	24,088	43,820
Accumulated Amortization	7,356	8,670
Net Book Value	16,732	35,150
Weighted Average Amortization Period	19 years
Non-Compete Agreements and Other
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	7,034	7,677
Accumulated Amortization	6,458	6,316
Net Book Value	$576	$1,361
Weighted Average Amortization Period	4 years

LongTerm_Indebtedness_Detail

Long-Term Indebtedness (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	$515,000	$397,500
Less: current maturities of long-term debt	0	-7,500
Total long-term debt, less current maturities	515,000	390,000
Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	215,000	97,500
Senior Credit Facility | Senior Credit Facility - Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	125,000	0
Senior Credit Facility | Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	90,000	97,500
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	$300,000	$300,000

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Apr. 03, 2012

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2012

Apr. 16, 2012

Aug. 31, 2012

Apr. 16, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2011

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Nov. 30, 2003

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2011

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

5.625% Senior Notes

5.625% Senior Notes

5.625% Senior Notes

6.875% Senior Notes

6.875% Senior Notes

2% Converitble Notes

2% Converitble Notes

2% Converitble Notes

2% Converitble Notes

2% Converitble Notes

2% Converitble Notes

Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan

Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan

Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan

Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan

Senior Credit Facility - Revolver

Senior Credit Facility - Revolver

Senior Credit Facility - Revolver

Senior Credit Facility

Senior Credit Facility

Senior Credit Facility

Senior Credit Facility

Senior Credit Facility

Senior Credit Facility

Senior Credit Facility

Senior Credit Facility

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Convertible Notes

Convertible Notes

Convertible Notes

Convertible Notes

Convertible Notes

Convertible Notes

Starting on September 30, 2014

Starting on September 30, 2015

Minimum

Maximum

covenant

Minimum

Maximum

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Base Rate

Base Rate

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum borrowing capacity

$90,000,000

$600,000,000

Senior credit facility expansion option, available

350,000,000

Debt instrument interest rate over variable rate

1.25%

1.00%

2.50%

0.00%

1.50%

Debt instrument actual interest rate

1.50%

Percentage of non-use fee, annually

0.15%

0.40%

Unused credit line

471,600,000

Quarterly installments, payable on term loan

1,100,000

2,300,000

Number of financial covenants

2

Leverage ratio

3.75

Fixed charge coverage ratio

3.5

Face amount

300,000,000

300,000,000

250,000,000

150,000,000

Debt instrument, interest rate

5.63%

5.63%

5.63%

6.88%

6.88%

2.00%

2.00%

2.00%

Debt instrument redemption price percentage

104.00%

Senior Notes

260,400,000

Cash paid for repurchase

32,200,000

Average price percentage of par value

99.30%

Convertible Notes converted to class A common stock

200,000

Debt conversion converted remaining instrument amount

117,600,000

Conversion ratio per $1,000 of principal

50.6554

Number of shares issued due to calling of convertible notes

5,951,440

Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes

0

102,000

34,000

100,000

Prior income tax to be recaptured

15,600,000

Notional value of interest rate swap contracts

100,000,000

Fixed interest rate of interest rate swap contracts

2.06%

Senior Credit Facility

100,000,000

Other long term Liabilities

4,100,000

Debt refinancing costs

0

16,830,000

0

Tender premium

10,400,000

Write-off of deferred financing fees and debt discount

2,300,000

Loss on termination of interest rate swap agreements

4,100,000

Related tax benefit on debt refinancing charge

6,300,000

Cash interest payments

$20,800,000

$25,900,000

$26,100,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Assets

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities Included in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 1 Valuation
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash equivalents	$1,092	$5,154
Investments	1,793	1,602
Level 2 Valuation
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure	$143	$945

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Apr. 16, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
							5.625% Senior Notes	5.625% Senior Notes	5.625% Senior Notes	Mastervolt International Holding B.V.
							Senior Notes	Senior Notes	Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Goodwill	$734,952,000		$866,412,000	$734,952,000	$866,412,000	$888,466,000				$40,000,000
Tradename										13,600,000
Impairment charges	-11,200,000	170,000,000	62,500,000	158,817,000	62,464,000	0				62,500,000
Face amount							300,000,000		300,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate							5.63%	5.63%	5.63%
Fair value of long-term debt							$300,800,000	$309,800,000

Derivatives_Details

Derivatives (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of foreign currency cash flow hedge derivatives	$9.70	$3
Unrealized losses expected to be reclassified during next 12 months	0.1
Notional amount of foreign currency fair value hedge derivatives	383.6	197.5
Net foreign currency gains (losses)	$0.80

Leases_Additional_Information_

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Due in 2014	$24.10
Due in 2015	19.1
Due in 2016	15.9
Due in 2017	13.3
Due in 2018	10.3
Due thereafter	38.6
Operating lease, rental expense	$26	$24.20	$21.10
Minimum
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Lease agreements period	1 year
Maximum
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Lease agreements period	20 years

Changes_in_Projected_Benefit_O

Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of benefit obligations:
Interest cost	$1,928	$2,162	$2,108
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	33,695
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	34,054	33,695
U.S. defined benefit pension plans
Reconciliation of benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	50,870	44,430
Adjustment	-280	0
Interest cost	1,928	2,162
Actuarial (gain) loss	-4,983	6,855
Benefits paid	-2,489	-2,577
Benefit obligation at end of year	45,046	50,870
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	33,695	32,412
Actual return on plan assets	2,252	2,911
Company contributions	596	949
Benefits paid from plan assets	-2,489	-2,577
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	34,054	33,695
Funded status of the plans (underfunded)	($10,992)	($17,175)

Net_Periodic_Benefit_Costs_Det

Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest cost	$1,928	$2,162	$2,108
Expected return on assets	-2,468	-2,471	-2,221
Amortization of actuarial loss	878	675	669
Net benefit cost	$338	$366	$556

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended											12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2006	Aug. 31, 2013
				Other Current Liabilities and Other Long-term Liabilities	Other Current Liabilities and Other Long-term Liabilities	Maximum	Minimum	U.S. defined benefit pension plans	U.S. defined benefit pension plans	U.S. defined benefit pension plans	Non-US Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	Non-US Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	Non-US Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	Other post-retirement health benefits ("OPEB")	Other post-retirement health benefits ("OPEB")	Other post-retirement health benefits ("OPEB")	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan	Long Term Incentive Plan	Equity Securities
																			Maximum	Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan actuarial gain losses, not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost	($12,000,000)	($15,600,000)
Pension plan actuarial gain losses, expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in 2013	-400,000
Asset allocation in equity securities minimum																						60.00%
Asset allocation in equity securities maximum																						80.00%
Expected long term rate of return for assets								7.65%			4.60%
Amount of benefits expected to be paid, fiscal 2014								2,600,000
Amount of benefits expected to be paid, fiscal 2015								2,600,000
Amount of benefits expected to be paid, fiscal 2016								2,600,000
Amount of benefits expected to be paid, fiscal 2017								2,600,000
Amount of benefits expected to be paid, fiscal 2018								2,600,000
Amount of benefits expected to be paid, fiscal 2019 through 2023								14,900,000
Net periodic benefit costs (credit)	338,000	366,000	556,000								800,000	500,000	500,000	-200,000	-200,000	-200,000
Weighted average discount rate for determining benefit obligation	4.90%	3.90%	5.00%								4.30%	4.00%
Define benefit plan Company contributions, year 2014											600,000			300,000
Benefit obligation								45,046,000	50,870,000	44,430,000	12,912,000	12,227,000		2,900,000	3,400,000
Health care cost trend rate														7.50%
Health care cost trending downward rate by 2018														5.00%
Maximum employee contribution to defined contribution benefit plans	50.00%
Maximum Company contribution to defined contribution benefit plans	3.00%
Employer matching contribution to employee contribution percentage	25.00%
Employee contribution percentage of eligible compensation						6.00%
Expense recognized related to defined contribution plan	4,500,000	5,100,000	4,600,000														600,000	700,000
Employer contribution to defined contribution benefit plans																			6.00%	3.00%
Deferred compensation liability				23,200,000	19,600,000
Expense on participant deferrals in fixed income investment option	1,600,000	1,500,000	1,200,000
Cost of stock held in trust for deferred compensation plan	1,900,000	1,500,000
Targeted common stock per share price appreciation to receive a lump sum cash incentive payment																					$50
Long term incentive plan expense (income)	300,000	100,000	100,000
Long term incentive plan liability	1,300,000	1,100,000
Payment for long term incentive plan						$10,000,000	$0

Weighted_Average_Assumptions_U

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Assumptions for benefit obligations:
Discount rate	4.90%	3.90%	5.00%
Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	3.90%	5.00%	4.60%
Expected return on plan assets	7.75%	7.90%	8.00%

US_Pension_Plan_Investment_All

U.S. Pension Plan Investment Allocations by Asset Category (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$34,054	$33,695
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Cash and cash equivalents | Level 1 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	348	250
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	1.00%	0.70%
Fixed Income Securities | Level 2 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	12,205	10,477
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	35.90%	31.10%
Fixed Income Securities | Government Bonds | Level 2 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	0	310
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	0.00%	0.90%
Fixed Income Securities | Corporate Bond | Level 2 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	8,741	7,489
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	25.70%	22.20%
Fixed Income Securities | Mutual Funds | Level 2 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	3,464	2,678
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	10.20%	8.00%
Equity Securities | Mutual Funds | Level 1 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$21,501	$22,968
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	63.10%	68.20%

Funded_Status_of_Defined_Benef

Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$34,054	$33,695
Non-US Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation	12,912	12,227
Fair value of plan assets	7,790	7,440
Funded status of the plans (underfunded)	($5,122)	($4,787)

Income_Tax_Expense_from_Contin

Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Currently payable:
Currently payable, Federal	$24,809	$22,078	($78)
Currently payable, Foreign	13,335	10,396	20,903
Currently payable, State	902	1,534	586
Currently payable	39,046	34,008	21,411
Deferred:
Deferred, Federal	-13,514	-495	14,948
Deferred, Foreign	-9,942	-4,598	-4,223
Deferred, State	-218	439	-4,303
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	-23,674	-4,654	6,422
Income tax expense (benefit)	$15,372	$29,354	$27,833

Reconciliation_of_Income_Taxes

Reconciliation of Income Taxes at Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013		Aug. 31, 2012		Aug. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate	35.00%		35.00%		35.00%
State income taxes, net of Federal effect	0.90%		1.20%		0.40%
Net effect of foreign tax rates and credits	-8.80%		-14.60%		-14.00%
NOL utilization and changes in valuation allowance	-3.10%		0.10%		-3.00%
Tax contingency reserve	-5.60%		-2.20%		-1.60%
Prior period correction	-6.50%	[1]	0.00%	[1]	0.00%	[1]
Other items	-2.50%		-0.50%		3.40%
Effective income tax rate	9.40%		19.00%		20.20%
[1]	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded a $10.6 million adjustment to properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs. The correction is not material to current or previously issued financial statements.

Temporary_Differences_and_Carr

Temporary Differences and Carryforwards of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred income tax assets:
Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	$35,071	$16,393
Compensation related liabilities	20,812	9,909
Postretirement benefits	7,731	10,679
Inventory reserves	7,049	8,045
Book reserves and other items	11,523	12,781
Total deferred income tax assets	82,186	57,807
Valuation allowance	-22,777	-8,153
Net deferred income tax assets	59,409	49,654
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	-129,498	-156,751
Other items	-1,985	-2,098
Deferred income tax liabilities	-131,483	-158,849
Net deferred income tax liability	($72,074)	($109,195)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013
				properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Prior period reclassification adjustment				$10,600,000
Foreign loss carryforwards expiring at various dates between 2013 and 2021	12,900,000
Recognized interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	2,900,000	4,500,000	5,100,000
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	4,300,000
Undistributed earnings	427,100,000
Additional provision for undistributed earnings	79,800,000
Debt refinancing costs	0	16,830,000	0
Income taxes, net of refunds	$42,100,000	$56,500,000	$23,100,000

Changes_in_Gross_Liability_for

Changes in Gross Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$24,608	$26,179	$28,225
Increase for tax positions taken in a prior period	3,601	3,400	4,026
Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior period	-7,622	-4,579	-6,072
Decrease due to settlements	-2,581	-392	0
Ending balance	$18,006	$24,608	$26,179

Earnings_before_Income_Taxes_I

Earnings before Income Taxes, Including both Continuing and Discontinued Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$67,392	$65,685	$47,445
Foreign	95,557	88,945	90,576
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax	$162,949	$154,630	$138,021

Capital_Stock_Additional_Infor

Capital Stock - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Sep. 28, 2011
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Cumulative Preferred Stock, shares authorized share	160,000
Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value	$1
Cumulative Preferred Stock, issued	0
Shares authorized in buyback program				7,000,000
Shares repurchased	3,983,513	2,658,751
Anti-dilutive securities-equity based compensation plans (excluded from earnings per share calculation)	619,000	2,582,000	2,582,000
Common Class A
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	168,000,000	168,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.20	0.2
Common stock, shares issued	77,001,144	75,519,079
Common stock, shares outstanding	73,017,631
Common Class B
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	1,500,000
Common stock, par value	$0.20
Common stock, shares issued	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	0

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Per

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings	$58,253	($92,983)	$28,435	$36,343	($16,460)	$34,401	$32,175	$37,174	$30,048	$87,290	$111,559
Plus: 2% Convertible Notes financings costs, net of taxes									0	425	1,755
Net earnings for diluted earnings per share									$30,048	$87,715	$113,314
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share									72,979	70,099	68,254
Net effect of dilutive securities-employee stock compensation plans									1,601	1,119	1,089
Net effect of 2% Convertible Notes based on the if-converted method									0	3,722	5,962
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share									74,580	74,940	75,305
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share):	$0.80	($1.27)	$0.39	$0.50	($0.23)	$0.48	$0.47	$0.54	$0.41	$1.25	$1.63
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share):	$0.78	($1.24)	$0.38	$0.49	($0.22)	$0.45	$0.43	$0.50	$0.40	$1.17	$1.50

Basic_and_Diluted_Earnings_Per1

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail) (2% Converitble Notes, Convertible Notes)	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2003
2% Converitble Notes | Convertible Notes
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%

Stocks_Plans_Additional_Inform

Stocks Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Class A Common Stock were authorized for issuance	9,400,000
Shares available for future grants	4,503,394
Exercise price as percentage of fair market value at grant date	100.00%
Unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation for stock options and restricted stock outstanding	$29.80
Unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation for stock options and restricted stock outstanding, recognition period	2 years 10 months 24 days
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance period	3 years
Performance Shares | Free Cash Flow Conversion Target
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance shares, vesting percentage	50.00%
Performance Shares | Total Shareholders Return
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance shares, vesting percentage	50.00%
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of shares vested	$6.20	$3.30
After Three Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding, vesting percentage	50.00%
After Five Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options outstanding, vesting percentage	100.00%
Maximum | Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options term	10 years

Summary_of_Stock_Option_Activi

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013
Number of Stock Option Outstanding
Beginning Balance	5,289,384
Granted	276,136
Exercised	-1,278,626
Forfeited	-107,343
Ending Balance	4,179,551
Options exercisable at end of Period	2,609,876
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning Balance	$22.33
Granted	$28.70
Exercised	$19.48
Forfeited	$22.10
Ending Balance	$23.66
Options exercisable at end of Period	$23.92
Option Outstanding weighted average remaining term	5 years 3 months 18 days
Option exercisable weighted average remaining term	4 years 2 months 12 days
Stock option, aggregate intrinsic Value	$48.80
Stock option, aggregate intrinsic Value	$30.80

Summary_of_WeightedAverage_Gra

Summary of Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value of Options, Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised, and Cash Receipts from Options Exercised (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share)	$10.49	$8.73	$10.74
Intrinsic value gain of options exercised	$15,803	$7,946	$7,540
Cash receipts from exercise of options	$24,840	$6,550	$4,324

Summary_Of_Restricted_Stock_Ac

Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock
Aggregate Number of Restricted Shares
Beginning Balance	1,507,443
Granted	430,793
Forfeited	-131,688
Vested	-212,359
Ending Balance	1,594,189
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Beginning Balance	$23.85
Granted	$29.18
Forfeited	$22.76
Vested	$20.46
Ending Balance	$25.83

WeightedAverage_Assumptions_De

Weighted-Average Assumptions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.14%	0.18%	0.15%
Expected volatility	38.36%	39.97%	39.62%
Risk-free rate of return	0.84%	1.19%	2.53%
Expected forfeiture rate	15.00%	15.00%	15.00%
Expected life	6 years 1 month	6 years 1 month 6 days	6 years 1 month 6 days

Business_Segment_Geographic_an2

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
	Segment	Segment	Segment	Maximum	Maximum	Maximum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3	3	3
Largest customer sales in fiscal year, percent			3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Export sales from domestic operation, as a percentage of total net sales			8.00%	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%

Summary_of_Financial_Informati

Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment and Product Line (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$327,260	$344,205	$300,468	$307,809	$322,368	$343,268	$300,919	$309,966	$1,279,742	$1,276,521	$1,159,310
Operating profit (loss)									190,145	204,514	172,887
Depreciation and amortization									53,902	54,263	52,996
Discontinued Operations									7,804	10,667	9,694
Capital Expenditure									23,668	22,740	23,096
Assets	2,119,332				2,007,119				2,119,332	2,007,119
Industrial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									422,620	419,295	393,013
Operating profit (loss)									117,644	114,777	98,415
Depreciation and amortization									8,553	8,358	8,655
Capital Expenditure									3,524	5,333	3,590
Assets	280,110				268,735				280,110	268,735
Energy
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									363,372	349,163	293,060
Operating profit (loss)									63,280	62,205	49,345
Depreciation and amortization									18,451	18,115	18,152
Capital Expenditure									9,417	8,962	8,978
Assets	817,547				540,409				817,547	540,409
Electrical
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	0				437,914				0	437,914
Engineered Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									493,750	508,063	473,237
Operating profit (loss)									40,328	60,851	63,612
Depreciation and amortization									16,949	15,093	13,916
Capital Expenditure									7,001	3,463	5,966
Assets	652,581				667,550				652,581	667,550
General Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)									-31,107	-33,319	-38,485
Depreciation and amortization									2,145	2,030	2,579
Capital Expenditure									867	1,905	1,902
Assets	96,488				92,511				96,488	92,511
Vehicle Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									253,073	279,549	328,763
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									240,677	228,514	144,474
Discontinued Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital Expenditure									$2,859	$3,077	$2,660

Financial_Information_from_Con

Financial Information from Continuing Operations By Geographic Region (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation	$272,606				$0				$272,606	$0
Net sales	327,260	344,205	300,468	307,809	322,368	343,268	300,919	309,966	1,279,742	1,276,521	1,159,310
Long-Lived Assets	205,181				119,620				205,181	119,620
United States
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									549,057	599,831	479,070
Long-Lived Assets	41,161				50,950				41,161	50,950
Norway
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	59,557				941				59,557	941
Netherlands
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									159,396	185,112	207,787
Long-Lived Assets	10,418				12,166				10,418	12,166
United Kingdom
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									144,131	141,037	116,935
Long-Lived Assets	54,136				17,672				54,136	17,672
Australia
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									68,255	47,472	27,854
France
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									52,806	48,681	49,971
China
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	19,551				20,166				19,551	20,166
All other
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									306,097	254,388	277,693
Long-Lived Assets	$20,358				$17,725				$20,358	$17,725

Contingencies_and_Litigation_A

Contingencies and Litigation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding letters of credit	$10.70	$8.50
Discounted present value of future minimum lease payments	$10.90

Guarantor_Subsidiaries_Additio

Guarantor Subsidiaries - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2003	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Apr. 16, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Apr. 16, 2012
	Convertible Notes	Convertible Notes	Convertible Notes	Senior Notes	Senior Notes	Senior Notes	Senior Notes	Senior Notes
	2% Converitble Notes	2% Converitble Notes	2% Converitble Notes	5.625% Senior Notes	5.625% Senior Notes	5.625% Senior Notes	6.875% Senior Notes	6.875% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt			$150,000,000	$300,000,000		$300,000,000		$250,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	2.00%	2.00%	2.00%	5.63%	5.63%	5.63%	6.88%	6.88%

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$327,260	$344,205	$300,468	$307,809	$322,368	$343,268	$300,919	$309,966	$1,279,742	$1,276,521	$1,159,310
Cost of products sold									772,792	765,061	694,508
Gross profit	129,500	136,904	116,178	124,368	129,608	138,754	116,083	127,015	506,950	511,460	464,802
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									293,866	284,920	270,392
Amortization of intangible assets									22,939	22,026	21,523
Operating profit									190,145	204,514	172,887
Financing costs, net									24,837	29,561	32,119
Debt refinancing costs									0	16,830	0
Intercompany expense (income), net									0	0	0
Other expense (income), net									2,359	3,493	2,747
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									162,949	154,630	138,021
Income tax expense									15,372	29,354	27,833
Net earnings before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									147,577	125,276	110,188
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Earnings from continuing operations	45,115	46,077	25,834	30,551	35,916	27,737	27,653	33,970	147,577	125,276	110,188
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	13,138	-139,060	2,601	5,792	-52,376	6,664	4,522	3,204	-117,529	-37,986	1,371
Net earnings	58,253	-92,983	28,435	36,343	-16,460	34,401	32,175	37,174	30,048	87,290	111,559
Comprehensive income (loss)									30,860	35,497	160,985
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									196,531	206,894	170,094
Cost of products sold									65,178	69,902	55,256
Gross profit									131,353	136,992	114,838
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									69,734	79,742	87,333
Amortization of intangible assets									1,276	1,341	335
Operating profit									60,343	55,909	27,170
Financing costs, net									25,270	29,983	31,912
Debt refinancing costs										16,830
Intercompany expense (income), net									-21,041	-32,185	-16,924
Other expense (income), net									-2,105	1,351	-4,519
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									58,219	39,930	16,701
Income tax expense									-798	6,700	4,148
Net earnings before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									59,017	33,230	12,553
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									-26,527	56,407	112,364
Earnings from continuing operations									32,490	89,637	124,917
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									-2,442	-2,347	-13,358
Net earnings									30,048	87,290	111,559
Comprehensive income (loss)									30,860	35,497	160,985
Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									293,884	328,295	302,911
Cost of products sold									201,704	220,271	200,332
Gross profit									92,180	108,024	102,579
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									59,358	61,113	57,288
Amortization of intangible assets									10,481	10,515	12,060
Operating profit									22,341	36,396	33,231
Financing costs, net									9	-14	-1
Debt refinancing costs										0
Intercompany expense (income), net									1,082	6,281	14,670
Other expense (income), net									-571	1,992	112
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									21,821	28,137	18,450
Income tax expense									2,009	4,677	2,680
Net earnings before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									19,812	23,460	15,770
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									7,822	14,373	77,395
Earnings from continuing operations									27,634	37,833	93,165
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									-76,634	11,373	8,881
Net earnings									-49,000	49,206	102,046
Comprehensive income (loss)									-48,416	24,934	130,503
Non-Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									789,327	741,332	686,305
Cost of products sold									505,910	474,888	438,920
Gross profit									283,417	266,444	247,385
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									164,774	144,065	125,771
Amortization of intangible assets									11,182	10,170	9,128
Operating profit									107,461	112,209	112,486
Financing costs, net									-442	-408	208
Debt refinancing costs										0
Intercompany expense (income), net									19,959	25,904	2,254
Other expense (income), net									5,035	150	7,154
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									82,909	86,563	102,870
Income tax expense									14,161	17,977	21,005
Net earnings before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									68,748	68,586	81,865
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									2,173	1,649	6,261
Earnings from continuing operations									70,921	70,235	88,126
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									-38,453	-47,012	5,848
Net earnings									32,468	23,223	93,974
Comprehensive income (loss)									31,099	6,064	106,875
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0	0
Cost of products sold									0	0	0
Gross profit									0	0	0
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses									0	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets									0	0	0
Operating profit									0	0	0
Financing costs, net									0	0	0
Debt refinancing costs										0
Intercompany expense (income), net									0	0	0
Other expense (income), net									0	0	0
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax									0	0	0
Income tax expense									0	0	0
Net earnings before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									0	0	0
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries									16,532	-72,429	-196,020
Earnings from continuing operations									16,532	-72,429	-196,020
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes									0	0	0
Net earnings									16,532	-72,429	-196,020
Comprehensive income (loss)									$17,317	($30,998)	($237,378)

Condensed_Consolidating_Balanc

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$103,986	$68,184	$44,221	$40,222
Accounts receivable, net	219,075	234,756
Inventories, net	142,549	211,690
Deferred income taxes	18,796	22,583
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	28,228	24,068
Assets of discontinued operations	272,606	0
Total current assets	785,240	561,281
Property, plant & equipment, net	201,496	115,884
Goodwill	734,952	866,412	888,466
Other intangibles, net	376,692	445,884
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Other long-term assets	20,952	17,658
Total assets	2,119,332	2,007,119
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	154,049	174,746
Accrued compensation and benefits	43,800	58,817
Income taxes payable	14,014	5,778
Current maturities of debt	0	7,500
Other current liabilities	56,899	72,165
Liabilities of discontinued operations	53,080	0
Total current liabilities	321,842	319,006
Long-term debt	515,000	390,000
Deferred income taxes	115,865	132,653
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	20,698	26,442
Other long-term liabilities	65,660	87,182
Intercompany payable	0	0
Shareholders’ equity	1,080,267	1,051,836	919,013	739,721
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,119,332	2,007,119
Parent
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	16,122	12,401	872	5,055
Accounts receivable, net	20,471	20,401
Inventories, net	27,343	29,658
Deferred income taxes	13,002	17,942
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,454	8,157
Assets of discontinued operations	0
Total current assets	84,392	88,559
Property, plant & equipment, net	7,050	6,944
Goodwill	62,543	62,543
Other intangibles, net	13,247	14,522
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	2,086,534	1,886,478
Other long-term assets	12,654	12,297
Total assets	2,266,420	2,071,343
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	22,194	21,722
Accrued compensation and benefits	13,835	23,459
Income taxes payable	8,135	3,129
Current maturities of debt		7,500
Other current liabilities	21,268	20,876
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0
Total current liabilities	65,432	76,686
Long-term debt	515,000	390,000
Deferred income taxes	64,358	91,604
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	16,267	22,500
Other long-term liabilities	51,479	59,929
Intercompany payable	473,617	378,788
Shareholders’ equity	1,080,267	1,051,836
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,266,420	2,071,343
Guarantors
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	91	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	40,343	74,006
Inventories, net	38,948	75,905
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	963	1,166
Assets of discontinued operations	192,129
Total current assets	272,383	151,168
Property, plant & equipment, net	22,801	31,818
Goodwill	264,502	433,193
Other intangibles, net	141,258	206,194
Intercompany receivable	480,633	418,253
Investment in subsidiaries	201,779	250,738
Other long-term assets	22	22
Total assets	1,383,378	1,491,386
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	30,637	44,893
Accrued compensation and benefits	2,716	6,646
Income taxes payable	0	0
Current maturities of debt		0
Other current liabilities	4,630	11,566
Liabilities of discontinued operations	23,466
Total current liabilities	61,449	63,105
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	390	620
Intercompany payable	0	0
Shareholders’ equity	1,321,539	1,427,661
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,383,378	1,491,386
Non-Guarantors
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	87,864	55,692	43,349	35,167
Accounts receivable, net	158,261	140,349
Inventories, net	76,258	106,127
Deferred income taxes	5,794	4,641
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,811	14,745
Assets of discontinued operations	80,477
Total current assets	428,465	321,554
Property, plant & equipment, net	171,645	77,122
Goodwill	407,907	370,676
Other intangibles, net	222,187	225,168
Intercompany receivable	360,620	307,282
Investment in subsidiaries	96,333	90,770
Other long-term assets	8,276	5,339
Total assets	1,695,433	1,397,911
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	101,218	108,131
Accrued compensation and benefits	27,249	28,712
Income taxes payable	5,879	2,649
Current maturities of debt		0
Other current liabilities	31,001	39,723
Liabilities of discontinued operations	29,614
Total current liabilities	194,961	179,215
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income taxes	51,507	41,049
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	4,431	3,942
Other long-term liabilities	13,791	26,633
Intercompany payable	367,636	346,747
Shareholders’ equity	1,063,107	800,325
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,695,433	1,397,911
Eliminations
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Assets of discontinued operations	0
Total current assets	0	0
Property, plant & equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangibles, net	0	0
Intercompany receivable	-841,253	-725,535
Investment in subsidiaries	-2,384,646	-2,227,986
Other long-term assets	0	0
Total assets	-3,225,899	-2,953,521
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	0	0
Accrued compensation and benefits	0	0
Income taxes payable	0	0
Current maturities of debt		0
Other current liabilities	0	0
Liabilities of discontinued operations	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Intercompany payable	-841,253	-725,535
Shareholders’ equity	-2,384,646	-2,227,986
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	($3,225,899)	($2,953,521)

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem1

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	$193,789	$182,329	$171,566
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,621	8,501	1,779
Proceeds from sale of business	4,854	0	3,463
Capital expenditures	-23,668	-22,740	-23,096
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-235,489	-69,309	-313,106
Cash used in investing activities	-252,682	-83,548	-330,960
Financing activities
Net borrowings on revolving credit facilities	125,000	-58,167	58,204
Proceeds from issuance of term loans	0	0	100,000
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	0
Repayment Of Term Loan	7,500	2,500	0
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes	0	-102	-34
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes	0	300,000	0
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes	0	-250,000	0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	-5,378	-958	-350
Debt issuance costs	-2,035	-5,490	-5,197
Purchase of treasury shares	-41,832	-63,083	0
Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	33,261	10,913	8,235
Cash dividend	-2,911	-2,748	-2,716
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	98,605	-72,135	158,142
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-3,910	-2,683	5,251
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	35,802	23,963	3,999
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	68,184	44,221	40,222
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	103,986	68,184	44,221
Parent
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	81,597	97,454	92,573
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	563	1,909	103
Proceeds from sale of business	0		0
Capital expenditures	-2,022	-5,062	-5,284
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	-153,409
Cash used in investing activities	-1,459	-3,153	-158,590
Financing activities
Net borrowings on revolving credit facilities	125,000	-57,990	58,000
Proceeds from issuance of term loans			100,000
Intercompany loan activity	-179,050	-11,482	-96,454
Repayment Of Term Loan	7,500	2,500
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes		-102	-34
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes		300,000
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes		-250,000
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	-1,350	-290	0
Debt issuance costs	-2,035	-5,490	-5,197
Purchase of treasury shares	-41,832	-63,083
Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	33,261	10,913	8,235
Cash dividend	-2,911	-2,748	-2,716
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-76,417	-82,772	61,834
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	3,721	11,529	-4,183
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	12,401	872	5,055
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	16,122	12,401	872
Guarantors
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	26,095	20,363	3,122
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	206	353	313
Proceeds from sale of business	0		0
Capital expenditures	-4,021	-4,069	-4,740
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Cash used in investing activities	-3,815	-3,716	-4,427
Financing activities
Net borrowings on revolving credit facilities	0	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of term loans			0
Intercompany loan activity	-22,371	-16,556	1,655
Repayment Of Term Loan	0	0
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes		0	0
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes		0
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes		0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	0	0	-350
Debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0
Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	0	0	0
Cash dividend	0	0	0
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-22,371	-16,556	1,305
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-91	91	0
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	91	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	0	91	0
Non-Guarantors
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	86,097	64,512	77,404
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	852	6,239	1,363
Proceeds from sale of business	4,854		3,463
Capital expenditures	-17,625	-13,609	-13,072
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-235,489	-69,309	-159,697
Cash used in investing activities	-247,408	-76,679	-167,943
Financing activities
Net borrowings on revolving credit facilities	0	-177	204
Proceeds from issuance of term loans			0
Intercompany loan activity	201,421	28,038	94,799
Repayment Of Term Loan	0	0
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes		0	0
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes		0
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes		0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	-4,028	-668	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0
Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	0	0	0
Cash dividend	0	0	-1,533
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	197,393	27,193	93,470
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-3,910	-2,683	5,251
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	32,172	12,343	8,182
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	55,692	43,349	35,167
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	87,864	55,692	43,349
Eliminations
Operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0	-1,533
Investing activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of business	0		0
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Cash used in investing activities	0	0	0
Financing activities
Net borrowings on revolving credit facilities	0	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of term loans			0
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	0
Repayment Of Term Loan	0	0
Repurchases of 2% Convertible Notes		0	0
Proceeds from issuance of 5.625% Senior Notes		0
Redemption of 6.875% Senior Notes		0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0
Stock option exercises and related tax benefits	0	0	0
Cash dividend	0	0	1,533
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0	1,533
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents—end of year	$0	$0	$0

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Feb. 28, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	31-May-12	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$327,260	$344,205	$300,468	$307,809	$322,368	$343,268	$300,919	$309,966	$1,279,742	$1,276,521	$1,159,310
Gross profit	129,500	136,904	116,178	124,368	129,608	138,754	116,083	127,015	506,950	511,460	464,802
Earnings from continuing operations	45,115	46,077	25,834	30,551	35,916	27,737	27,653	33,970	147,577	125,276	110,188
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	13,138	-139,060	2,601	5,792	-52,376	6,664	4,522	3,204	-117,529	-37,986	1,371
Net earnings	$58,253	($92,983)	$28,435	$36,343	($16,460)	$34,401	$32,175	$37,174	$30,048	$87,290	$111,559
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.62	$0.63	$0.35	$0.42	$0.49	$0.39	$0.41	$0.50	$2.02	$1.79	$1.61
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.60	$0.62	$0.35	$0.41	$0.48	$0.36	$0.37	$0.46	$1.98	$1.68	$1.49
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share:
Basic	$0.18	($1.90)	$0.04	$0.08	($0.72)	$0.09	$0.06	$0.04	($1.61)	($0.54)
Diluted	$0.18	($1.86)	$0.03	$0.08	($0.70)	$0.09	$0.06	$0.04	($1.58)	($0.51)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.80	($1.27)	$0.39	$0.50	($0.23)	$0.48	$0.47	$0.54	$0.41	$1.25	$1.63
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.78	($1.24)	$0.38	$0.49	($0.22)	$0.45	$0.43	$0.50	$0.40	$1.17	$1.50

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Addit

Quarterly Financial Data - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	31-May-13	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Impairment charges	($11,200,000)	$170,000,000	$62,500,000	$158,817,000	$62,464,000	$0
properly state deferred income tax balances associated with its equity compensation programs
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements [Line Items]
Prior period reclassification adjustment	$10,600,000

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Allowance for losses -Trade accounts receivable
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$4,375	$7,173	$7,680
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	584	107	1,021
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	-437	96	939
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	-787	-2,740	-3,048
Other	-34	-261	581
Ending Balance	3,701	4,375	7,173
Valuation allowance - Income taxes
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	8,153	7,260	8,542
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	4,527	2,954	4,498
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	11,281	0	0
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	-1,184	-2,061	-5,831
Other	0	0	51
Ending Balance	$22,777	$8,153	$7,260