Enerpac Tool (EPAC) 10-K 28 Oct 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	ATU
Entity Registrant Name	ACTUANT CORP
Entity Central Index Key	6,955
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
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		59,691,611
Entity Public Float			$ 1,517

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,249,254	$ 1,399,862	$ 1,279,742
Cost of products sold	787,413	852,990	772,792
Gross profit	461,841	546,872	506,950
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	299,601	332,093	293,866
Gain on product line divestiture	0	(13,495)	0
Amortization of intangible assets	24,333	25,166	22,939
Impairment charge	84,353	0	0
Operating profit	53,554	203,108	190,145
Financing costs, net	28,057	25,045	24,837
Other expense, net	106	4,037	2,359
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	25,391	174,026	162,949
Income tax expense	5,519	32,573	15,372
Earnings from continuing operations	19,872	141,453	147,577
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	22,120	(117,529)
Net earnings	$ 19,872	$ 163,573	$ 30,048
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 1.99	$ 2.02
Diluted (in dollars per share)	0.32	1.95	1.98
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	0.32	2.31	0.41
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.32	$ 2.26	$ 0.40
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	61,262	70,942	72,979
Diluted (in shares)	62,055	72,486	74,580

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 19,872	$ 163,573	$ 30,048
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(143,703)	3,344	(2,918)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	(1,506)	(3,159)	3,927
Cash flow hedges	(23)	67	(197)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(145,232)	252	812
Total comprehensive income	$ (125,360)	$ 163,825	$ 30,860

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 168,846	$ 109,012
Accounts receivable, net	193,081	227,008
Inventories, net	142,752	162,620
Deferred income taxes	12,922	11,050
Other current assets	42,788	33,300
Total current assets	560,389	542,990
Property, plant and equipment
Land, buildings, and improvements	48,515	52,989
Machinery and equipment	269,983	281,763
Gross property, plant and equipment	318,498	334,752
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(176,040)	(165,651)
Property, plant and equipment, net	142,458	169,101
Goodwill	608,256	742,770
Other intangibles, net	308,762	365,177
Other long-term assets	17,052	36,841
Total assets	1,636,917	1,856,879
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	118,115	145,798
Accrued compensation and benefits	43,707	52,964
Current maturities of debt and short-term borrowings	3,969	4,500
Income taxes payable	14,805	38,347
Other current liabilities	54,460	57,512
Total current liabilities	235,056	299,121
Long-term debt	584,309	385,500
Deferred income taxes	72,941	96,970
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	17,828	15,699
Other long-term liabilities	53,782	57,878
Total liabilities	963,916	855,168
Shareholders’ equity
Class A common stock, $0.20 par value per share, authorized 168,000,000 shares, issued 78,932,533 and 78,480,780 shares, respectively	15,787	15,695
Additional paid-in capital	104,308	93,449
Treasury stock, at cost, 19,726,479 shares and 12,195,359 shares, respectively	(600,630)	(388,627)
Retained earnings	1,367,176	1,349,602
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(213,640)	(68,408)
Stock held in trust	(4,292)	(4,083)
Deferred compensation liability	4,292	4,083
Total shareholders’ equity	673,001	1,001,711
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 1,636,917	$ 1,856,879

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Treasury stock, shares	19,726,479	12,195,359
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	78,932,533	78,480,780

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 19,872	$ 163,573	$ 30,048
Non-cash items:
Depreciation and amortization	53,239	60,635	53,902
Net gain on disposal of businesses	0	(29,152)	0
Stock-based compensation expense	12,046	17,115	13,440
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	(13,939)	40	(44,265)
Impairment charge including Discontinued Operations	84,353	0	158,817
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs	1,897	1,829	1,940
Other non-cash adjustments	805	(168)	328
Changes in components of working capital and other:
Accounts receivable	12,827	1,336	(10,925)
Inventories	6,608	(21,915)	13,714
Other assets	(8,761)	4,276	(4,603)
Trade accounts payable	(19,801)	(19,832)	(9,279)
Income taxes payable	(11,629)	(46,133)	594
Accrued compensation and benefits	(8,944)	11,779	(14,256)
Other accrued liabilities	395	(18,149)	4,334
Cash provided by operating activities	128,968	125,234	193,789
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(22,516)	(41,857)	(23,668)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,244	44,274	1,621
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs	0	289,590	4,854
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(30,500)	(235,489)
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	(21,272)	261,507	(252,682)
Financing Activities
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	0	(1,585)	(5,378)
Debt issuance costs	(2,025)	0	(2,035)
Purchase of treasury shares	(212,003)	(283,712)	(41,832)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	5,396	32,224	33,261
Cash dividend	(2,598)	(2,919)	(2,911)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(12,951)	(380,992)	98,605
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(34,911)	(723)	(3,910)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	59,834	5,026	35,802
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	109,012	103,986	68,184
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	168,846	109,012	103,986
Senior Credit Facility | Senior Credit Facility - Revolver
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	220	(125,000)	125,000
Senior Credit Facility | Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	(3,375)	0	(7,500)
Proceeds from term loan	213,375	0	0
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Notes
Financing Activities
Redemption of 5.625% Senior Notes	$ (11,941)	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAS7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2013	Apr. 16, 2012
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Notes
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Stock Held in Trust	Deferred Compensation Liability
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2012		75,519
Beginning Balance at Aug. 31, 2012	$ 1,051,836	$ 15,102	$ 7,725	$ (63,083)	$ 1,161,564	$ (69,472)	$ 2,689	$ 2,689
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	30,048				30,048
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	812					812
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other (in shares)		21
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	597	$ 5	592
Restricted stock awards, vesting and withhold to cover (in shares)		169
Restricted stock awards issuance and vesting	0	$ 34	(34)
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	(2,927)				(2,927)
Treasury stock repurchases	(41,832)			(41,832)
Stock based compensation expense	13,440		13,440
Stock option exercises (in shares)		1,276
Stock option exercises	24,840	$ 255	24,585
Excess tax benefit (shortfall) on stock option exercises	2,954		2,954
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust (in shares)		16
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	499	$ 3	496				435	435
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2013		77,001
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	1,080,267	$ 15,399	49,758	(104,915)	1,188,685	(68,660)	3,124	3,124
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	163,573				163,573
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	252					252
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other (in shares)		16
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	553	$ 3	550
Restricted stock awards, vesting and withhold to cover (in shares)		389
Restricted stock awards issuance and vesting	0	$ 78	(78)
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	(2,656)				(2,656)
Treasury stock repurchases	(283,712)			(283,712)
Stock based compensation expense	17,115		17,115
Stock option exercises (in shares)		1,065
Stock option exercises	22,423	$ 213	22,210
Excess tax benefit (shortfall) on stock option exercises	3,509		3,509
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust (in shares)		10
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	387	$ 2	385				959	959
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2014		78,481
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2014	1,001,711	$ 15,695	93,449	(388,627)	1,349,602	(68,408)	4,083	4,083
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	19,872				19,872
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(145,232)					(145,232)
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other (in shares)		12
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	463	$ 4	459
Restricted stock awards, vesting and withhold to cover (in shares)		365
Restricted stock awards issuance and vesting	0	$ 73	(73)
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	(2,298)				(2,298)
Treasury stock repurchases	(212,003)			(212,003)
Stock based compensation expense	12,046		12,046
Stock option exercises (in shares)		65
Stock option exercises	1,147	$ 13	1,134
Excess tax benefit (shortfall) on stock option exercises	(2,955)		(2,955)
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust (in shares)		10
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	250	$ 2	248				209	209
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2015		78,933
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2015	$ 673,001	$ 15,787	$ 104,308	$ (600,630)	$ 1,367,176	$ (213,640)	$ 4,292	$ 4,292

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHA9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend, per share	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
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 engaged 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 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 agriculture markets. Consolidation and Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. The results of companies acquired or disposed of during the 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 22.6% and 20.6% of total inventories in both 2015 and 2014 , 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 $5.6 million and $5.7 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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. Equipment includes assets (marine mooring equipment and joint integrity tools) which are rented to customers and asset owners in the Energy segment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related asset or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Other intangible assets with definite lives, consisting primarily of purchased customer relationships, patents, trademarks and non-compete agreements, are amortized over periods from two to twenty-five years. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are subject to annual impairment testing. The Company’s goodwill is tested for impairment annually, during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions. In estimating the fair value, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model, which is dependent on a number of assumptions including estimated future revenues and expenses, weighted average cost of capital, capital expenditures and other variables. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill is potentially impaired and the Company then determines the implied fair value of goodwill, which is compared to the carrying value to determine if impairment exists. Indefinite lived intangible assets are also subject to an annual impairment test. On an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible assets are evaluated by the Company to determine if an impairment charge is required. A considerable amount of management judgment is required in performing the impairment tests, principally in determining the fair value of each reporting unit and the indefinite lived intangible assets. Product Warranty Costs : The Company generally offers its customers a warranty on products sold, although warranty periods may vary by product type and application. 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 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 4,056 $ 7,413 Warranty reserve of acquired business — 44 Product line divestiture — (699 ) Provision for warranties 4,929 2,769 Warranty payments and costs incurred (5,009 ) (5,477 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (257 ) 6 Ending balance $ 3,719 $ 4,056 Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability 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 and rental contracts are recognized when the services are provided or ratably over the contract term. Unearned revenue related to long-term customer contracts was $8.3 million and $5.0 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 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 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 $4.0 million and $6.0 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company records costs associated with shipping its products in cost of products sold. Restructuring: The Company has committed to various restructuring initiatives including workforce reductions, plant consolidations to reduce manufacturing overhead, the continued movement of production and product sourcing to low cost countries and the centralization of certain selling and administrative functions. Total restructuring charges for these activities were $5.9 million in fiscal 2015 and impacted all segments. The Company expects to incur an additional $25.0 million of restructuring charges in fiscal 2016 and 2017. 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 $17.7 million , $20.0 million and $21.0 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company also incurs significant costs in connection with fulfilling custom orders and developing 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 gains and losses of $0.1 million , $4.2 million and $2.7 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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.” Use of Estimates: The Company has recorded reserves, asset write downs 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. New Accounting Pronouncements: In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity , which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. It also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which includes amendments that require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Under the new guidance, the recognition and measurement of debt issuance costs is not affected. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for changes to provisional amounts initially recorded in a business acquisition opening balance sheet. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within fiscal years. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions The Company completed two business acquisitions during the last three years. These acquisitions resulted in the recognition of goodwill in the Company’s consolidated financial statements because the purchase prices reflected 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 $0.1 million , $0.5 million and $3.7 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 2015 , goodwill related to prior year acquisitions decreased by $3.2 million , the net result of purchase accounting adjustments to the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The Company acquired Hayes Industries Ltd. ("Hayes") on May 23, 2014 for $30.5 million . This Industrial segment acquisition is headquartered in Sugarland, Texas and maintains a leading position in the concrete tensioning market. Its products include patented encapsulated anchor systems, wedges and customized extruded cables. The purchase price allocation resulted in the recognition of $14.3 million of goodwill (which is deductible for tax purposes) and $10.6 million of intangible assets, including $5.0 million of patents, $3.3 million of customer relationships, $2.0 million of tradenames and $0.3 million for non-compete agreements. The Company acquired Viking SeaTech (“Viking”) for $235.5 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 provides marine mooring equipment and services to the offshore oil & gas industry. Viking serves customers globally with primary markets in the North Sea (the United Kingdom and Norway), Australia and Southeast Asia. The majority of Viking's revenue is derived from offshore vessel mooring solutions which include design, rental, installation and inspection. The purchase price allocation for this acquisition resulted in the recognition of $86.9 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 unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company give effect to all acquisitions completed in the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 as though the transactions and related financing activities had occurred on September 1, 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts). 2014 2013 Net Sales As reported $ 1,399,862 $ 1,279,742 Pro Forma 1,419,915 1,390,251 Earnings from continuing operations As reported $ 141,453 $ 147,577 Pro Forma 142,589 156,353 Basic earnings per share from continuing operations As reported $ 1.99 $ 2.02 Pro Forma 2.01 2.14 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations As reported $ 1.95 $ 1.98 Pro Forma 1.97 2.10

Discontinued Operations and Div

Discontinued Operations and Divestitures	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations and Divestitures On June 13, 2014 , the Company completed the divestiture of its Recreational Vehicle ("RV") business for $36.5 million in cash. This product line divestiture resulted in a $13.5 million pre-tax gain on sale ( $2.8 million net of tax). The results of the RV business (which had sales of $22.0 million in fiscal 2014) are not material to the consolidated financial results and are included in continuing operations. The former Electrical segment designed, manufactured and distributed a broad range of electrical products to the retail DIY, wholesale, OEM, solar, utility and marine markets. The Company committed to a plan to divest the former Electrical segment during fiscal 2013, and recognized a non-cash impairment charge of $159.1 million , including a write-down of $137.8 million of goodwill and $21.3 million of indefinite lived intangible assets (tradenames). The impairment charge represented the excess of the net book value of the assets held for sale over the estimated fair value, less selling costs. On December 13, 2013 , the Company completed the sale of the Electrical segment for net cash proceeds of $252.4 million , which resulted in a pre-tax gain on disposal of $34.5 million ( $26.3 million net of tax). The following table summarizes the results of the Electrical segment, which is reported as a discontinued operation, for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2014 2013 Net sales $ 72,139 $ 286,308 Operating profit (loss) (4,873 ) 34,536 Impairment charge — (159,104 ) Gain on disposal 34,459 — Income tax benefit (expense) (7,466 ) 7,039 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes $ 22,120 $ (117,529 )

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The Energy segment provides products and services to the global energy markets, where safety, reliability, up-time and productivity are key value drivers. The dramatic decline in oil prices in fiscal 2015 caused customers to reduce the scope of maintenance activities or extend intervals between scheduled maintenance and significantly cut back capital spending. While the Company believes in the long-term growth prospects of the global energy markets, it has taken several actions to adjust the cost structure of the Energy segment in response to current unfavorable market demand. The Energy segment contains three reporting units for goodwill impairment testing (Hydratight, Cortland and Viking). The Hydratight business is primarily tied to downstream production and maintenance activities and therefore is less impacted by changes in customer capital spending patterns or oil & gas prices. However, customer demand at the more recent Cortland and Viking acquisitions is more susceptible to changes in oil & gas prices and capital spending reductions. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a $84.4 million non-cash pre-tax impairment charge related to the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets of the Cortland and Viking businesses. The impairment charge (as a result of lower projected near-term sales and profits) consisted of a $78.0 million write-down of goodwill and $6.4 million impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets (tradenames). Changes in the gross carrying value of intangible assets and goodwill result from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, business acquisitions, divestitures and impairment charges. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): Industrial Energy Engineered Solutions Total Balance as of August 31, 2013 $ 82,611 $ 341,903 $ 310,438 $ 734,952 Business acquired (Hayes) 17,536 — — 17,536 Purchase accounting adjustments — (835 ) — (835 ) Divestiture of RV business — — (17,843 ) (17,843 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 119 9,559 (718 ) 8,960 Balance as of August 31, 2014 100,266 350,627 291,877 742,770 Purchase accounting adjustments (3,244 ) — — (3,244 ) Impairment charge — (78,530 ) — (78,530 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (4,915 ) (35,647 ) (12,178 ) (52,740 ) Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ 92,107 $ 236,450 $ 279,699 $ 608,256 The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows (in thousands): Weighted Average Amortization Period (Year) August 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 15 $ 302,518 $ 132,007 $ 170,511 $ 325,164 $ 117,706 $ 207,458 Patents 10 30,899 19,928 10,971 31,678 17,494 14,184 Trademarks and tradenames 18 21,604 7,055 14,549 23,241 6,201 17,040 Non-compete agreements & other 3 6,790 6,496 294 7,373 6,783 590 Indefinite lived intangible assets: Tradenames N/A 112,437 — 112,437 125,905 — 125,905 $ 474,248 $ 165,486 $ 308,762 $ 513,361 $ 148,184 $ 365,177 Amortization expense for future years is estimated to be: $23.5 million in fiscal year 2016 , $22.5 million in fiscal 2017 , $22.2 million in fiscal 2018 , $22.0 million in fiscal 2019 , $21.4 million in fiscal 2020 and $84.7 million in aggregate thereafter. The future amortization expense amounts represent estimates and may be impacted by potential future acquisitions, divestitures or changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt The following is a summary of the Company’s long-term indebtedness (in thousands): August 31, 2015 2014 Senior Credit Facility Revolver $ — $ — Term Loan 300,000 90,000 300,000 90,000 5.625% Senior Notes 288,059 300,000 Total Senior Indebtedness 588,059 390,000 Less: current maturities of long-term debt (3,750 ) (4,500 ) Total long-term debt, less current maturities $ 584,309 $ 385,500 The Company’s Senior Credit Facility, which was amended and extended during the third quarter of fiscal 2015, matures on May 8, 2020 , provides a $600.0 million revolver, a $300.0 million term loan and a $450.0 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 2.25% in the case of loans bearing interest at LIBOR and from 0.00% to 1.25% in the case of loans bearing interest at the base rate. As of August 31, 2015 , the borrowing spread on LIBOR based borrowings was 1.75% (aggregating to a 2.00% variable rate borrowing cost). In addition, a non-use fee is payable quarterly on the average unused credit line under the revolver ranging from 0.15% to 0.35% per annum. As of August 31, 2015 , the unused credit line under the revolver was $589.0 million , of which $176.0 million was available for borrowings. Quarterly term loan principal payments of $3.8 million begin on June 30, 2016 , increase to $7.5 million per quarter on June 30, 2017 , 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 all financial covenants at August 31, 2015 . 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 Senior Notes include a call feature that allows the Company to repurchase them anytime on or after June 15, 2017 at stated redemption prices (ranging from 100.0% to 102.8% ), plus accrued and unpaid interest. As required under the indenture governing the Senior Notes, on June 19, 2015 , the Company initiated an offer to repurchase, at par value, up to $165.0 million of Senior Notes representing the non-reinvested proceeds from the fiscal 2014 business divestitures. Prior to its expiration, the Company repurchased $11.9 million of Senior Notes pursuant to this tender offer in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. The Company made cash interest payments of $24.8 million , $21.0 million and $21.0 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
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 fair value of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, foreign currency derivatives, accounts receivable, accounts payable and its variable rate long-term debt approximated book value at August 31, 2015 and 2014 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 5.625% Senior Notes was $287.3 million ( $288.1 million outstanding) and $315.8 million ( $300.0 million outstanding) at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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, 2015
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 a liability of $0.2 million and $1.0 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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 and other cash flows that are denominated in non-functional currencies (cash flow hedges). The U.S. dollar equivalent notional value of these foreign currency forward contracts was $0.5 million and $1.0 million , at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. 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 $170.7 million and $219.9 million , at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Net foreign currency losses related to these derivative instruments are as follows (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2015 2014 Foreign currency loss $ (95 ) $ (13,465 ) These derivative gains and losses offset foreign currency gains and losses from the related revaluation of non-functional currency assets and liabilities (amounts included in other expense in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings).

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
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, 2015 , future obligations under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows: $29.5 million in fiscal 2016 ; $24.9 million in fiscal 2017 ; $20.9 million in fiscal 2018 ; $17.8 million in fiscal 2019 ; $15.1 million in fiscal 2020 ; and $31.5 million in aggregate thereafter. Total related rental expense under operating leases was $35.7 million , $31.6 million and $26.0 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. In fiscal 2014 , the Company completed the sale leaseback ( seven year term ) of certain rental assets of the Viking business for proceeds of $41.0 million . As discussed in Note 14, “Contingencies and Litigation” the Company remains contingently liable for lease payments under leases of businesses that it previously divested or spun off.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company has several defined benefit pension plans covering 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 international subsidiaries. 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): 2015 2014 Reconciliation of benefit obligations: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 47,545 $ 45,046 Interest cost 1,920 2,146 Actuarial (gain) loss (170 ) 3,769 Benefits paid (3,683 ) (3,416 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 45,612 $ 47,545 Reconciliation of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 44,642 $ 34,054 Actual return on plan assets (2,088 ) 5,180 Company contributions 310 8,824 Benefits paid from plan assets (3,683 ) (3,416 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 39,181 44,642 Funded status of the plans (underfunded) $ (6,431 ) $ (2,903 ) The following table provides detail on the Company’s net periodic benefit costs (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest cost $ 1,920 $ 2,146 $ 1,928 Expected return on assets (3,143 ) (2,959 ) (2,468 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 828 667 878 Net benefit cost (income) $ (395 ) $ (146 ) $ 338 At August 31, 2015 and 2014 , $15.2 million and $12.6 million , respectively, of pension plan actuarial 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 2016 , $0.5 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: 2015 2014 2013 Assumptions for benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.45 % 4.15 % 4.90 % Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 4.15 % 4.90 % 3.90 % Expected return on plan assets 7.50 % 7.65 % 7.75 % 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 is 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, 2015 , Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return for assets in U.S. pension plans was 7.4% . 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, 2015 % 2014 % Cash and cash equivalents $ 314 0.8 % $ — — % Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds 9,481 24.2 9,749 21.8 Mutual funds 3,100 7.9 4,474 10.0 12,581 32.1 14,223 31.8 Equity securities: Mutual funds 26,286 67.1 30,419 68.2 Total plan assets $ 39,181 100.0 % $ 44,642 100.0 % Projected benefit payments from plan assets to participants in the Company’s U.S. pension plans are approximately $2.8 million per year for fiscal 2016 through 2020 and $15.0 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 participants in 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, 2015 2014 Benefit obligation $ 14,255 $ 18,599 Fair value of plan assets 8,675 10,312 Funded status of plans (underfunded) $ (5,580 ) $ (8,287 ) Net periodic benefit cost for these non-U.S. plans was $1.0 million , $1.3 million and $0.8 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The weighted average discount rate utilized for determining the benefit obligation at August 31, 2015 and 2014 was 3.1% and 3.2% , respectively. The plan assets of these non-U.S. pension plans consist primarily of participating units in fixed income securities and insurance contracts. The Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return on these investments is 3.9% . During fiscal 2016 , the Company anticipates contributing $0.4 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 $3.5 million and $3.1 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These obligations are determined utilizing assumptions consistent with those used for U.S. pension plans and a health care cost trend rate of 7.8% , trending downward to 5.0% by the year 2022, and remaining level thereafter. Net periodic benefit costs for the other postretirement benefits was a benefit of approximately $0.1 million for each of the years ended August 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Benefit payments from the plan are funded through participant contributions and Company contributions, which are projected to be $0.3 million in fiscal 2016 . 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. In addition, the Company matches approximately 25% of each employee’s contribution up to 6% of the employee’s eligible compensation. 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. Expense recognized related to the 401(k) plan totaled $4.3 million , $4.5 million and $4.5 million for the years ended August 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. In addition to the 401(k) Plan, the Company sponsors a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan (“the SERP Plan”). The unfunded SERP Plan covers certain executive 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). This unfunded plan had a $2.0 million benefit obligation at both August 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Expense recognized in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 for the SERP Plan was $0.3 million , $0.4 million , and $0.6 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 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 $22.7 million and $22.8 million are included in the consolidated balance sheets at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, to reflect the unfunded portion of the deferred compensation liability. The Company recorded expense of $1.8 million , $1.7 million and $1.6 million for the years ended August 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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 $3.7 million and $2.9 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income tax expense from continuing operations is summarized as follows (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2015 2014 2013 Currently payable: Federal $ (126 ) $ 23,211 $ 24,809 Foreign 21,200 9,059 13,335 State (1,616 ) (657 ) 902 19,458 31,613 39,046 Deferred: Federal (4,416 ) 4,224 (13,514 ) Foreign (9,199 ) (4,130 ) (9,942 ) State (324 ) 866 (218 ) (13,939 ) 960 (23,674 ) $ 5,519 $ 32,573 $ 15,372 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, 2015 2014 2013 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal effect (0.2 ) 0.8 0.9 Net effects of foreign tax rate differential and credits (1) (58.4 ) (10.5 ) (8.8 ) Domestic manufacturing deduction (5.1 ) (1.0 ) (1.0 ) Goodwill impairment (2) 78.6 — — Valuation allowance additions and releases (3) 15.5 (8.0 ) (3.1 ) Changes in liability for unrecognized tax benefits (4) (42.1 ) 3.2 (5.6 ) Change in income tax accounting method, net — (5.6 ) — Business (RV) divestiture — 3.0 — Prior period correction (5) — — (6.5 ) Other items (1.6 ) 1.8 (1.5 ) Effective income tax rate 21.7 % 18.7 % 9.4 % (1) During fiscal 2015, the Company generated significant foreign tax credits and approximately 68% of pre-tax earnings (excluding the impairment charge) were generated in foreign jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the U.S. federal income tax rate. (2) Fiscal 2015 net earnings includes an $84.4 million impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, of which $6.3 million is deductible for income tax purposes. (3) Additional valuation allowances of $5.7 million , were established in fiscal 2015 due to uncertainty regarding utilization of foreign operating loss carryforwards, which were partially offset by the reversal of $2.3 million of previously established reserves. (4) The liability for unrecognized tax benefits decreased $9.5 million in fiscal 2015 primarily due to settlements and lapsing of tax audit statutes. (5) During 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 was 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, 2015 2014 Deferred income tax assets: Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards $ 19,419 $ 18,062 Compensation related liabilities 27,047 23,496 Postretirement benefits 5,462 5,082 Inventory 3,253 2,775 Book reserves and other items 11,976 12,214 Total deferred income tax assets 67,157 61,629 Valuation allowance (8,053 ) (5,608 ) Net deferred income tax assets 59,104 56,021 Deferred income tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization (109,447 ) (124,688 ) Other items (4,539 ) (5,728 ) Deferred income tax liabilities (113,986 ) (130,416 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (54,882 ) $ (74,395 ) The Company has $50.5 million of state net operating loss carryforwards, which are available to reduce future state tax liabilities. These state net operating carryforwards expire at various times through 2035. The Company also has $66.1 million of foreign loss carryforwards which are available to reduce certain future foreign tax liabilities. Approximately half of the foreign loss carryforwards are not subject to any expiration dates, while the balance expire at various times through 2025. The valuation allowance represents a reserve for deferred tax assets, including net 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): 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance $ 39,509 $ 18,006 $ 24,608 Increases based on tax positions related to the current year 2,183 28,053 3,601 Increase for tax positions taken in a prior period 8,935 — — Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior period (633 ) — (100 ) Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations (4,464 ) (7,030 ) (7,522 ) Decrease due to settlements (14,180 ) — (2,581 ) Changes in foreign currency exchange rates (1,426 ) 480 — Ending balance $ 29,924 $ 39,509 $ 18,006 Substantially all of these unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate. As of August 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recognized $1.8 million , $2.0 million and $2.9 million , respectively for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to underpayment of income taxes as a component of income tax expense. The previously reported August 31, 2014 reserve for unrecognized tax benefits increased by $7.2 million the result of an adjustment to reclassify amounts previously reported as a valuation allowance reserve. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state 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 by $1.6 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 U.S.. Accordingly, the Company does not currently provide for the additional U.S. 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 $384.5 million at August 31, 2015. If all such undistributed earnings were remitted, an additional income tax provision of $70.9 million would have been necessary as of August 31, 2015. The percentage of incremental U.S. taxes on unremitted earnings as of August 31, 2015 was 18.4% . Earnings before income taxes, for continuing operations, are summarized as follows (in thousands): Year Ended August 31, 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 14,593 $ 84,854 $ 67,392 Foreign 10,798 89,172 95,557 $ 25,391 $ 174,026 $ 162,949 Both domestic and foreign pre-tax earnings are impacted by changes in sales levels, acquisition and divestiture activities, restructuring costs and the related benefits, growth investments, debt levels and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In fiscal 2015, domestic and foreign earnings included goodwill impairment charges of $20.3 million and $64.1 million , respectively, while, fiscal 2014 domestic earnings included a $13.5 million gain on the RV divestiture. Cash paid for income taxes (including tax due on divestitures), net of refunds was $26.4 million , $57.2 million and $42.1 million during the years ended August 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Capital Stock and Share Repurch

Capital Stock and Share Repurchases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Capital Stock and Share Repurchases	Capital Stock and Share Repurchases The authorized common stock of the Company as of August 31, 2015 consisted of 168,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, 0.20 par value, of which 78,932,533 shares were issued and 59,206,054 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 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. The Company's Board of Directors authorized four separate authorizations (September 2011, March 2014, October 2014 and March 2015) to repurchase up to 7,000,000 shares each of the Company’s outstanding common stock. At August 31, 2015 , total shares repurchased totaled 19,726,479 and an additional 8,273,521 shares have been authorized to be repurchased under the existing share repurchase programs. 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, 2015 2014 2013 Numerator: Net earnings $ 19,872 $ 163,573 $ 30,048 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 61,262 70,942 72,979 Net effect of dilutive securities - stock based compensation plans 793 1,544 1,601 Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 62,055 72,486 74,580 Basic Earnings Per Share: $ 0.32 $ 2.31 $ 0.41 Diluted Earnings Per Share: $ 0.32 $ 2.26 $ 0.40 At August 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , outstanding share based awards to acquire 2,056,000 , 522,000 and 619,000 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, 2015
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, 2015 , 9,400,000 shares of Class A common stock were authorized for issuance under the Plan, of which 2,700,793 shares were available for future award grants. The Plan permits the Company to grant share-based awards, including stock options, restricted stock and Performance Shares 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. 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 2015 is as follows: Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate Outstanding on September 1, 2014 3,250,401 $ 25.24 Granted 777,238 21.41 Exercised (70,581 ) 19.99 Forfeited (104,395 ) 28.50 Outstanding on August 31, 2015 3,852,663 $ 24.47 4.9 $ 2.9 million Exercisable on August 31, 2015 2,551,341 $ 24.29 3.0 $ 2.3 million Intrinsic value is the difference between the market value of the stock at August 31, 2015 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, 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share) $ 8.35 $ 14.46 $ 10.49 Intrinsic value of options exercised 366 16,380 15,803 Cash receipts from exercise of options 1,147 21,995 24,840 A summary of restricted stock activity (including Performance Shares) during fiscal 2015 is as follows: Number of Weighted-Average Fair Value at Grant Date (Per Share) Outstanding on August 31, 2014 1,326,460 $28.27 Granted 579,980 23.96 Forfeited (295,400 ) 27.58 Vested (413,772 ) 23.85 Outstanding on August 31, 2015 1,197,268 28.13 As of August 31, 2015 , there was $23.8 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 3.1 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015 and 2014 was $14.2 million and $17.9 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, 2015 2014 2013 Dividend yield 0.15 % 0.11 % 0.14 % Expected volatility 37.80 % 38.30 % 38.36 % Risk-free rate of return 1.19 % 0.70 % 0.84 % Expected forfeiture rate 14 % 14 % 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, 2015
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 engaged 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 original equipment manufacturers (“OEM”) in various on and off-highway 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, 2015 2014 2013 Net Sales by Segment: Industrial $ 402,464 $ 413,902 $ 422,620 Energy 411,875 462,368 363,372 Engineered Solutions 434,915 523,592 493,750 $ 1,249,254 $ 1,399,862 $ 1,279,742 Net Sales by Reportable Product Line: Industrial $ 402,464 $ 413,902 $ 422,620 Energy 411,875 462,368 363,372 Vehicle Systems 220,889 272,201 253,073 Other 214,026 251,391 240,677 $ 1,249,254 $ 1,399,862 $ 1,279,742 Operating Profit (Loss): Industrial $ 105,652 $ 120,250 $ 117,644 Energy (41,351 ) 56,412 63,280 Engineered Solutions 19,789 55,430 40,328 General Corporate (30,536 ) (28,984 ) (31,107 ) $ 53,554 $ 203,108 $ 190,145 Depreciation and Amortization: Industrial $ 8,257 $ 7,597 $ 8,553 Energy 26,532 33,983 18,451 Engineered Solutions 16,652 17,602 16,949 General Corporate 1,798 1,453 2,145 Discontinued Operations — — 7,804 $ 53,239 $ 60,635 $ 53,902 Capital Expenditures Industrial $ 1,249 $ 3,349 $ 3,524 Energy 11,864 26,787 9,417 Engineered Solutions 8,472 8,763 7,001 General Corporate 931 2,956 867 Discontinued Operations — 2 2,859 $ 22,516 $ 41,857 $ 23,668 August 31, 2015 2014 Assets: Industrial $ 293,738 $ 307,058 Energy 601,521 788,915 Engineered Solutions 588,200 643,323 General Corporate 153,458 117,583 $ 1,636,917 $ 1,856,879 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, impairment charges, 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 sales and long-lived assets (fixed assets, deposits and other long-term assets) by geographic region (in thousands): Year Ended August 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net Sales: United States $ 526,061 $ 573,590 $ 549,057 Netherlands 139,432 151,549 159,396 United Kingdom 113,743 162,508 144,131 Australia 94,319 82,778 68,255 China 46,702 47,844 43,302 United Arab Emirates 44,211 18,101 10,429 France 43,068 53,542 52,806 All other 241,718 279,530 252,366 $ 1,249,254 $ 1,399,862 $ 1,279,742 August 31, 2015 2014 Long-lived Assets: United States $ 41,645 $ 44,971 Norway 20,297 29,715 United Kingdom 21,704 28,364 Australia 15,227 20,431 China 18,199 19,166 All other 27,990 42,317 $ 145,062 $ 184,964 The Company’s largest customer accounted for less than 2% of sales in each of the last three fiscal years. Export sales from domestic operations were approximately 6.6% of total net sales in each of the periods presented.

Contingencies and Litigation

Contingencies and Litigation	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies and Litigation	Contingencies and Litigation The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $18.1 million and $14.0 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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 other disputes. Fiscal 2015 financial results include a $4.3 million charge for adverse litigation matters. 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 and can be reasonably estimated. 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 $17.9 million at August 31, 2015 (including $13.2 million related to the divested Electrical segment). 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, 2015
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, of which $288.1 million remains outstanding as of August 31, 2015 . All of our material domestic wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) fully and unconditionally guarantee 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, investments 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, non-cash intercompany dividends and the impact of foreign currency rate changes. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 158,836 $ 268,070 $ 822,348 $ — $ 1,249,254 Cost of products sold 40,858 189,251 557,304 — 787,413 Gross profit 117,978 78,819 265,044 — 461,841 Selling, administrative and engineering expenses 74,588 56,054 168,959 — 299,601 Impairment charge — 20,249 64,104 — 84,353 Amortization of intangible assets 1,272 10,594 12,467 — 24,333 Operating profit (loss) 42,118 (8,078 ) 19,514 — 53,554 Financing costs, net 29,295 — (1,238 ) — 28,057 Intercompany expense (income), net (19,727 ) 1,432 18,295 — — Intercompany dividends (212 ) (243 ) (31 ) 486 — Other expense (income), net 160 (71 ) 17 — 106 Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) 32,602 (9,196 ) 2,471 (486 ) 25,391 Income tax expense (benefit) (8,218 ) 1,702 12,119 (84 ) 5,519 Net earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries 40,820 (10,898 ) (9,648 ) (402 ) 19,872 Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries (20,948 ) 8,466 31 12,451 — Net earnings (loss) $ 19,872 $ (2,432 ) $ (9,617 ) $ 12,049 $ 19,872 Comprehensive loss $ (125,360 ) $ (19,551 ) $ (85,374 ) $ 104,925 $ (125,360 ) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 195,573 $ 315,715 $ 888,574 $ — $ 1,399,862 Cost of products sold 57,464 219,750 575,776 — 852,990 Gross profit 138,109 95,965 312,798 — 546,872 Selling, administrative and engineering expenses 96,220 44,102 191,771 — 332,093 Loss (gain) on product line divestiture 1,200 (14,695 ) — — (13,495 ) Amortization of intangible assets 1,272 10,520 13,374 — 25,166 Operating profit 39,417 56,038 107,653 — 203,108 Financing costs, net 25,611 3 (569 ) — 25,045 Intercompany expense (income), net (27,601 ) 5,520 22,081 — — Other expense (income), net 12,716 153 (8,832 ) — 4,037 Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit) 28,691 50,362 94,973 — 174,026 Income tax expense (benefit) (16,529 ) 30,793 18,309 — 32,573 Net earnings from continuing operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries 45,220 19,569 76,664 — 141,453 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 139,865 33,061 6,160 (179,086 ) — Earnings from continuing operations 185,085 52,630 82,824 (179,086 ) 141,453 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (21,512 ) 56,494 (12,862 ) — 22,120 Net earnings $ 163,573 $ 109,124 $ 69,962 $ (179,086 ) $ 163,573 Comprehensive income $ 163,825 $ 123,148 $ 55,990 $ (179,138 ) $ 163,825 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (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 (benefit) 58,219 21,821 82,909 — 162,949 Income tax expense (benefit) (798 ) 2,009 14,161 — 15,372 Net earnings from continuing operations 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 BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 18,688 $ 523 $ 149,635 $ — $ 168,846 Accounts receivable, net 16,135 33,748 143,198 — 193,081 Inventories, net 23,074 33,480 86,198 — 142,752 Deferred income taxes 9,256 — 3,666 — 12,922 Other current assets 18,020 2,967 21,801 — 42,788 Total current assets 85,173 70,718 404,498 — 560,389 Property, plant & equipment, net 6,363 23,691 112,404 — 142,458 Goodwill 38,847 189,337 380,072 — 608,256 Other intangibles, net 10,702 109,665 188,395 — 308,762 Investment in subsidiaries 2,067,438 1,017,418 27,552 (3,112,408 ) — Intercompany receivable — 619,198 565,968 (1,185,166 ) — Other long-term assets 10,694 — 6,358 — 17,052 Total assets $ 2,219,217 $ 2,030,027 $ 1,685,247 $ (4,297,574 ) $ 1,636,917 LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Trade accounts payable $ 14,700 $ 19,213 $ 84,202 $ — $ 118,115 Accrued compensation and benefits 16,479 2,952 24,276 — 43,707 Current maturities of debt and other short-term borrowings 3,750 — 219 — 3,969 Income taxes payable 10,947 — 3,858 — 14,805 Other current liabilities 19,817 4,783 29,860 — 54,460 Total current liabilities 65,693 26,948 142,415 — 235,056 Long-term debt 584,309 — — — 584,309 Deferred income taxes 43,210 — 29,731 — 72,941 Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities 11,712 — 6,116 — 17,828 Other long-term liabilities 46,407 400 6,975 — 53,782 Intercompany payable 794,885 — 390,281 (1,185,166 ) — Shareholders’ equity 673,001 2,002,679 1,109,729 (3,112,408 ) 673,001 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,219,217 $ 2,030,027 $ 1,685,247 $ (4,297,574 ) $ 1,636,917 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) August 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,931 $ 3,325 $ 77,756 $ — $ 109,012 Accounts receivable, net 22,811 38,511 165,686 — 227,008 Inventories, net 31,024 38,860 92,736 — 162,620 Deferred income taxes 7,503 — 3,547 — 11,050 Other current assets 3,871 1,057 28,372 — 33,300 Total current assets 93,140 81,753 368,097 — 542,990 Property, plant & equipment, net 9,096 22,879 137,126 — 169,101 Goodwill 44,700 280,693 417,377 — 742,770 Other intangibles, net 11,974 140,400 212,803 — 365,177 Investment in subsidiaries 2,286,068 806,414 237,207 (3,329,689 ) — Intercompany receivable — 678,073 622,818 (1,300,891 ) — Other long-term assets 23,432 — 13,409 — 36,841 Total assets $ 2,468,410 $ 2,010,212 $ 2,008,837 $ (4,630,580 ) $ 1,856,879 LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Trade accounts payable $ 20,014 $ 25,673 $ 100,111 $ — $ 145,798 Accrued compensation and benefits 15,135 3,293 34,536 — 52,964 Current maturities of debt 4,500 — — — 4,500 Income taxes payable 31,582 — 6,765 — 38,347 Other current liabilities 19,081 3,989 34,442 — 57,512 Total current liabilities 90,312 32,955 175,854 — 299,121 Long-term debt 385,500 — — — 385,500 Deferred income taxes 47,543 — 49,427 — 96,970 Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities 8,668 — 7,031 — 15,699 Other long-term liabilities 42,647 4,138 11,093 — 57,878 Intercompany payable 892,029 — 408,861 (1,300,890 ) — Shareholders’ equity 1,001,711 1,973,119 1,356,571 (3,329,690 ) 1,001,711 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,468,410 $ 2,010,212 $ 2,008,837 $ (4,630,580 ) $ 1,856,879 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 88,166 $ (33,047 ) $ 73,849 $ — $ 128,968 Investing Activities Capital expenditures (1,086 ) (4,094 ) (17,336 ) — (22,516 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment — 258 986 — 1,244 Intercompany investment (3,727 ) — — 3,727 — Cash used in investing activities (4,813 ) (3,836 ) (16,350 ) 3,727 (21,272 ) Financing Activities Net borrowings on revolver and other debt — — 220 — 220 Principal repayment on term loan (3,375 ) — — — (3,375 ) Proceeds from term loans 213,375 — — — 213,375 Redemption on 5.625% Senior Notes (11,941 ) — — — (11,941 ) Debt issuance costs (2,025 ) — — — (2,025 ) Purchase of treasury shares (212,003 ) — — — (212,003 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 5,396 — — — 5,396 Cash dividend (2,598 ) — — — (2,598 ) Intercompany loan activity (79,425 ) 34,081 45,344 — — Intercompany capital contributions — — 3,727 (3,727 ) — Cash provided by (used in) financing activities (92,596 ) 34,081 49,291 (3,727 ) (12,951 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (34,911 ) — (34,911 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (9,243 ) (2,802 ) 71,879 — 59,834 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 27,931 3,325 77,756 — 109,012 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 18,688 $ 523 $ 149,635 $ — $ 168,846 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 75,924 $ (20,966 ) $ 84,992 $ (14,716 ) $ 125,234 Investing Activities Capital expenditures (4,498 ) (4,675 ) (32,684 ) — (41,857 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 85 484 43,705 — 44,274 Proceeds from sale of businesses (4,586 ) 250,748 43,428 — 289,590 Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (30,500 ) — — — (30,500 ) Intercompany investment — (99,963 ) — 99,963 — Cash (used in) provided by investing activities (39,499 ) 146,594 54,449 99,963 261,507 Financing Activities Net repayments on revolver (125,000 ) — — — (125,000 ) Payment of deferred acquisition consideration — — (1,585 ) — (1,585 ) Purchase of treasury shares (283,712 ) — — — (283,712 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 32,224 — — — 32,224 Cash dividend (2,919 ) — (14,716 ) 14,716 (2,919 ) Intercompany loan activity 354,791 (122,303 ) (232,488 ) — — Intercompany capital contribution — — 99,963 (99,963 ) — Cash used financing activities (24,616 ) (122,303 ) (148,826 ) (85,247 ) (380,992 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (723 ) — (723 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 11,809 3,325 (10,108 ) — 5,026 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 16,122 — 87,864 — 103,986 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 27,931 $ 3,325 $ 77,756 $ — $ 109,012 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 Capital expenditures (2,022 ) (4,021 ) (17,625 ) — (23,668 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 563 206 852 — 1,621 Proceeds from sale of business — — 4,854 — 4,854 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 repayments on revolver 125,000 — — — 125,000 Principal repayment on term loans (7,500 ) — — — (7,500 ) Payment of deferred acquisition consideration (1,350 ) — (4,028 ) — (5,378 ) Debt issuance cost (2,035 ) — — — (2,035 ) Purchase of treasury shares (41,832 ) — — — (41,832 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 33,261 — — — 33,261 Cash dividend (2,911 ) — — — (2,911 ) Intercompany loan activity (179,050 ) (22,371 ) 201,421 — — Cash provided by (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 in cash and cash equivalents 3,721 (91 ) 32,172 — 35,802 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 12,401 91 55,692 — 68,184 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 16,122 $ — $ 87,864 $ — $ 103,986

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly financial data for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2015 First Second Third Fourth Total Net sales $ 327,765 $ 301,005 $ 320,100 $ 300,384 $ 1,249,254 Gross profit 126,976 109,763 118,560 106,542 461,841 Net earnings (loss) 24,674 (64,838 ) 37,958 22,078 19,872 Net earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 0.38 $ (1.05 ) $ 0.64 $ 0.37 $ 0.32 Diluted 0.38 (1.05 ) 0.63 0.37 0.32 Year Ended August 31, 2014 First Second Third Fourth Total Net sales $ 339,556 $ 327,770 $ 378,187 $ 354,349 $ 1,399,862 Gross profit 131,780 124,447 148,550 142,095 546,872 Earnings from continuing operations 33,005 22,304 50,557 35,587 141,453 Earnings from discontinued operations 3,032 19,088 — — 22,120 Net earnings 36,037 41,392 50,557 35,587 163,573 Earnings from continuing operations per share: Basic $ 0.45 $ 0.31 $ 0.72 $ 0.52 $ 1.99 Diluted 0.44 0.30 0.70 0.51 1.95 Earnings from discontinued operations per share: Basic $ 0.04 $ 0.26 $ — $ — $ 0.32 Diluted 0.04 0.26 — — 0.32 Net earnings per share: Basic $ 0.49 $ 0.57 $ 0.72 $ 0.52 $ 2.31 Diluted 0.48 0.56 0.70 0.51 2.26 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 second quarter of fiscal 2015 the Company recognized a $84.4 million non-cash impairment charge related to the goodwill and intangible assets of the Energy segment (see Note 4, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets").

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (in thousands) Additions Deductions Description Balance at Charged to Acquisition/ (Divestiture) Accounts Other Balance at Allowance for losses—Trade accounts receivable August 31, 2015 $ 6,034 $ 1,633 $ — $ (2,742 ) $ (955 ) $ 3,970 August 31, 2014 3,701 2,447 440 (664 ) 110 6,034 August 31, 2013 4,375 584 (437 ) (787 ) (34 ) 3,701 Valuation allowance—Income taxes August 31, 2015 $ 5,608 $ 5,694 $ — $ (2,254 ) $ (995 ) $ 8,053 August 31, 2014 17,268 1,243 (5,487 ) (6,936 ) (480 ) 5,608 August 31, 2013 8,153 4,527 5,772 (1,184 ) — 17,268

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
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 engaged 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 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 agriculture markets.
Consolidation and Presentation	Consolidation and Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. The results of companies acquired or disposed of during the 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 22.6% and 20.6% of total inventories in both 2015 and 2014 , 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 $5.6 million and $5.7 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , 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. Equipment includes assets (marine mooring equipment and joint integrity tools) which are rented to customers and asset owners in the Energy segment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the related asset or the term of the lease, whichever is shorter.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Other intangible assets with definite lives, consisting primarily of purchased customer relationships, patents, trademarks and non-compete agreements, are amortized over periods from two to twenty-five years. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are subject to annual impairment testing. The Company’s goodwill is tested for impairment annually, during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill might be impaired. The Company performs impairment reviews for its reporting units using a fair value method based on management’s judgments and assumptions. In estimating the fair value, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model, which is dependent on a number of assumptions including estimated future revenues and expenses, weighted average cost of capital, capital expenditures and other variables. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill is potentially impaired and the Company then determines the implied fair value of goodwill, which is compared to the carrying value to determine if impairment exists. Indefinite lived intangible assets are also subject to an annual impairment test. On an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired, the fair value of the indefinite lived intangible assets are evaluated by the Company to determine if an impairment charge is required. A considerable amount of management judgment is required in performing the impairment tests, principally in determining the fair value of each reporting unit and the indefinite lived intangible assets.
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. 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 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 4,056 $ 7,413 Warranty reserve of acquired business — 44 Product line divestiture — (699 ) Provision for warranties 4,929 2,769 Warranty payments and costs incurred (5,009 ) (5,477 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (257 ) 6 Ending balance $ 3,719 $ 4,056
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition: The Company recognizes revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability 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 and rental contracts are recognized when the services are provided or ratably over the contract term. Unearned revenue related to long-term customer contracts was $8.3 million and $5.0 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 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 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 $4.0 million and $6.0 million at August 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company records costs associated with shipping its products in cost of products sold.
Restructuring	Restructuring: The Company has committed to various restructuring initiatives including workforce reductions, plant consolidations to reduce manufacturing overhead, the continued movement of production and product sourcing to low cost countries and the centralization of certain selling and administrative functions. Total restructuring charges for these activities were $5.9 million in fiscal 2015 and impacted all segments. The Company expects to incur an additional $25.0 million of restructuring charges in fiscal 2016 and 2017.
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 $17.7 million , $20.0 million and $21.0 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company also incurs significant costs in connection with fulfilling custom orders and developing 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 gains and losses of $0.1 million , $4.2 million and $2.7 million in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 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, asset write downs 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.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements: In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity , which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. It also requires more detailed disclosures to enable users of financial statements to understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which includes amendments that require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Under the new guidance, the recognition and measurement of debt issuance costs is not affected. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which eliminates the requirement to retrospectively account for changes to provisional amounts initially recorded in a business acquisition opening balance sheet. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within fiscal years. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company.

Summary of Significant Accoun28

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
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 2015 and 2014 (in thousands): 2015 2014 Beginning balance $ 4,056 $ 7,413 Warranty reserve of acquired business — 44 Product line divestiture — (699 ) Provision for warranties 4,929 2,769 Warranty payments and costs incurred (5,009 ) (5,477 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (257 ) 6 Ending balance $ 3,719 $ 4,056

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Proforma Results of Operations	The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company give effect to all acquisitions completed in the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 as though the transactions and related financing activities had occurred on September 1, 2012 (in thousands, except per share amounts). 2014 2013 Net Sales As reported $ 1,399,862 $ 1,279,742 Pro Forma 1,419,915 1,390,251 Earnings from continuing operations As reported $ 141,453 $ 147,577 Pro Forma 142,589 156,353 Basic earnings per share from continuing operations As reported $ 1.99 $ 2.02 Pro Forma 2.01 2.14 Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations As reported $ 1.95 $ 1.98 Pro Forma 1.97 2.10

Discontinued Operations and D30

Discontinued Operations and Divestitures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures	The following table summarizes the results of the Electrical segment, which is reported as a discontinued operation, for the years ended August 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands): 2014 2013 Net sales $ 72,139 $ 286,308 Operating profit (loss) (4,873 ) 34,536 Impairment charge — (159,104 ) Gain on disposal 34,459 — Income tax benefit (expense) (7,466 ) 7,039 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes $ 22,120 $ (117,529 )

Goodwill and Other Intangible31

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands): Industrial Energy Engineered Solutions Total Balance as of August 31, 2013 $ 82,611 $ 341,903 $ 310,438 $ 734,952 Business acquired (Hayes) 17,536 — — 17,536 Purchase accounting adjustments — (835 ) — (835 ) Divestiture of RV business — — (17,843 ) (17,843 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 119 9,559 (718 ) 8,960 Balance as of August 31, 2014 100,266 350,627 291,877 742,770 Purchase accounting adjustments (3,244 ) — — (3,244 ) Impairment charge — (78,530 ) — (78,530 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (4,915 ) (35,647 ) (12,178 ) (52,740 ) Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ 92,107 $ 236,450 $ 279,699 $ 608,256
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 Average Amortization Period (Year) August 31, 2015 August 31, 2014 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 15 $ 302,518 $ 132,007 $ 170,511 $ 325,164 $ 117,706 $ 207,458 Patents 10 30,899 19,928 10,971 31,678 17,494 14,184 Trademarks and tradenames 18 21,604 7,055 14,549 23,241 6,201 17,040 Non-compete agreements & other 3 6,790 6,496 294 7,373 6,783 590 Indefinite lived intangible assets: Tradenames N/A 112,437 — 112,437 125,905 — 125,905 $ 474,248 $ 165,486 $ 308,762 $ 513,361 $ 148,184 $ 365,177

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Indebtedness	The following is a summary of the Company’s long-term indebtedness (in thousands): August 31, 2015 2014 Senior Credit Facility Revolver $ — $ — Term Loan 300,000 90,000 300,000 90,000 5.625% Senior Notes 288,059 300,000 Total Senior Indebtedness 588,059 390,000 Less: current maturities of long-term debt (3,750 ) (4,500 ) Total long-term debt, less current maturities $ 584,309 $ 385,500

Derivatives Gain (Loss) (Tables

Derivatives Gain (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments Gain (Loss) [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Net foreign currency losses related to these derivative instruments are as follows (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2015 2014 Foreign currency loss $ (95 ) $ (13,465 )

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
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): 2015 2014 Reconciliation of benefit obligations: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 47,545 $ 45,046 Interest cost 1,920 2,146 Actuarial (gain) loss (170 ) 3,769 Benefits paid (3,683 ) (3,416 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 45,612 $ 47,545 Reconciliation of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 44,642 $ 34,054 Actual return on plan assets (2,088 ) 5,180 Company contributions 310 8,824 Benefits paid from plan assets (3,683 ) (3,416 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 39,181 44,642 Funded status of the plans (underfunded) $ (6,431 ) $ (2,903 )
Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The following table provides detail on the Company’s net periodic benefit costs (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2015 2014 2013 Interest cost $ 1,920 $ 2,146 $ 1,928 Expected return on assets (3,143 ) (2,959 ) (2,468 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 828 667 878 Net benefit cost (income) $ (395 ) $ (146 ) $ 338
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: 2015 2014 2013 Assumptions for benefit obligations: Discount rate 4.45 % 4.15 % 4.90 % Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 4.15 % 4.90 % 3.90 % Expected return on plan assets 7.50 % 7.65 % 7.75 %
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, 2015 % 2014 % Cash and cash equivalents $ 314 0.8 % $ — — % Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds 9,481 24.2 9,749 21.8 Mutual funds 3,100 7.9 4,474 10.0 12,581 32.1 14,223 31.8 Equity securities: Mutual funds 26,286 67.1 30,419 68.2 Total plan assets $ 39,181 100.0 % $ 44,642 100.0 %
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 participants in 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, 2015 2014 Benefit obligation $ 14,255 $ 18,599 Fair value of plan assets 8,675 10,312 Funded status of plans (underfunded) $ (5,580 ) $ (8,287 )

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 Currently payable: Federal $ (126 ) $ 23,211 $ 24,809 Foreign 21,200 9,059 13,335 State (1,616 ) (657 ) 902 19,458 31,613 39,046 Deferred: Federal (4,416 ) 4,224 (13,514 ) Foreign (9,199 ) (4,130 ) (9,942 ) State (324 ) 866 (218 ) (13,939 ) 960 (23,674 ) $ 5,519 $ 32,573 $ 15,372
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, 2015 2014 2013 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal effect (0.2 ) 0.8 0.9 Net effects of foreign tax rate differential and credits (1) (58.4 ) (10.5 ) (8.8 ) Domestic manufacturing deduction (5.1 ) (1.0 ) (1.0 ) Goodwill impairment (2) 78.6 — — Valuation allowance additions and releases (3) 15.5 (8.0 ) (3.1 ) Changes in liability for unrecognized tax benefits (4) (42.1 ) 3.2 (5.6 ) Change in income tax accounting method, net — (5.6 ) — Business (RV) divestiture — 3.0 — Prior period correction (5) — — (6.5 ) Other items (1.6 ) 1.8 (1.5 ) Effective income tax rate 21.7 % 18.7 % 9.4 % (1) During fiscal 2015, the Company generated significant foreign tax credits and approximately 68% of pre-tax earnings (excluding the impairment charge) were generated in foreign jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the U.S. federal income tax rate. (2) Fiscal 2015 net earnings includes an $84.4 million impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, of which $6.3 million is deductible for income tax purposes. (3) Additional valuation allowances of $5.7 million , were established in fiscal 2015 due to uncertainty regarding utilization of foreign operating loss carryforwards, which were partially offset by the reversal of $2.3 million of previously established reserves. (4) The liability for unrecognized tax benefits decreased $9.5 million in fiscal 2015 primarily due to settlements and lapsing of tax audit statutes. (5) During 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 was 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, 2015 2014 Deferred income tax assets: Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards $ 19,419 $ 18,062 Compensation related liabilities 27,047 23,496 Postretirement benefits 5,462 5,082 Inventory 3,253 2,775 Book reserves and other items 11,976 12,214 Total deferred income tax assets 67,157 61,629 Valuation allowance (8,053 ) (5,608 ) Net deferred income tax assets 59,104 56,021 Deferred income tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization (109,447 ) (124,688 ) Other items (4,539 ) (5,728 ) Deferred income tax liabilities (113,986 ) (130,416 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (54,882 ) $ (74,395 )
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): 2015 2014 2013 Beginning balance $ 39,509 $ 18,006 $ 24,608 Increases based on tax positions related to the current year 2,183 28,053 3,601 Increase for tax positions taken in a prior period 8,935 — — Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior period (633 ) — (100 ) Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations (4,464 ) (7,030 ) (7,522 ) Decrease due to settlements (14,180 ) — (2,581 ) Changes in foreign currency exchange rates (1,426 ) 480 — Ending balance $ 29,924 $ 39,509 $ 18,006
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, 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 14,593 $ 84,854 $ 67,392 Foreign 10,798 89,172 95,557 $ 25,391 $ 174,026 $ 162,949

Capital Stock (Tables)

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 Numerator: Net earnings $ 19,872 $ 163,573 $ 30,048 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 61,262 70,942 72,979 Net effect of dilutive securities - stock based compensation plans 793 1,544 1,601 Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 62,055 72,486 74,580 Basic Earnings Per Share: $ 0.32 $ 2.31 $ 0.41 Diluted Earnings Per Share: $ 0.32 $ 2.26 $ 0.40

Stock Plans (Tables)

Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary Stock option Activity	A summary of stock option activity during fiscal 2015 is as follows: Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate Outstanding on September 1, 2014 3,250,401 $ 25.24 Granted 777,238 21.41 Exercised (70,581 ) 19.99 Forfeited (104,395 ) 28.50 Outstanding on August 31, 2015 3,852,663 $ 24.47 4.9 $ 2.9 million Exercisable on August 31, 2015 2,551,341 $ 24.29 3.0 $ 2.3 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, 2015 2014 2013 Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share) $ 8.35 $ 14.46 $ 10.49 Intrinsic value of options exercised 366 16,380 15,803 Cash receipts from exercise of options 1,147 21,995 24,840
Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity	A summary of restricted stock activity (including Performance Shares) during fiscal 2015 is as follows: Number of Weighted-Average Fair Value at Grant Date (Per Share) Outstanding on August 31, 2014 1,326,460 $28.27 Granted 579,980 23.96 Forfeited (295,400 ) 27.58 Vested (413,772 ) 23.85 Outstanding on August 31, 2015 1,197,268 28.13
Weighted Average Assumptions	The following weighted-average assumptions were used in each fiscal year: Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2015 2014 2013 Dividend yield 0.15 % 0.11 % 0.14 % Expected volatility 37.80 % 38.30 % 38.36 % Risk-free rate of return 1.19 % 0.70 % 0.84 % Expected forfeiture rate 14 % 14 % 15 % Expected life 6.1 years 6.1 years 6.1 years

Business Segment, Geographic 38

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
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, 2015 2014 2013 Net Sales by Segment: Industrial $ 402,464 $ 413,902 $ 422,620 Energy 411,875 462,368 363,372 Engineered Solutions 434,915 523,592 493,750 $ 1,249,254 $ 1,399,862 $ 1,279,742 Net Sales by Reportable Product Line: Industrial $ 402,464 $ 413,902 $ 422,620 Energy 411,875 462,368 363,372 Vehicle Systems 220,889 272,201 253,073 Other 214,026 251,391 240,677 $ 1,249,254 $ 1,399,862 $ 1,279,742 Operating Profit (Loss): Industrial $ 105,652 $ 120,250 $ 117,644 Energy (41,351 ) 56,412 63,280 Engineered Solutions 19,789 55,430 40,328 General Corporate (30,536 ) (28,984 ) (31,107 ) $ 53,554 $ 203,108 $ 190,145 Depreciation and Amortization: Industrial $ 8,257 $ 7,597 $ 8,553 Energy 26,532 33,983 18,451 Engineered Solutions 16,652 17,602 16,949 General Corporate 1,798 1,453 2,145 Discontinued Operations — — 7,804 $ 53,239 $ 60,635 $ 53,902 Capital Expenditures Industrial $ 1,249 $ 3,349 $ 3,524 Energy 11,864 26,787 9,417 Engineered Solutions 8,472 8,763 7,001 General Corporate 931 2,956 867 Discontinued Operations — 2 2,859 $ 22,516 $ 41,857 $ 23,668 August 31, 2015 2014 Assets: Industrial $ 293,738 $ 307,058 Energy 601,521 788,915 Engineered Solutions 588,200 643,323 General Corporate 153,458 117,583 $ 1,636,917 $ 1,856,879
Financial Information From Continuing Operations By Geographic Region	The following tables summarize sales and long-lived assets (fixed assets, deposits and other long-term assets) by geographic region (in thousands): Year Ended August 31, 2015 2014 2013 Net Sales: United States $ 526,061 $ 573,590 $ 549,057 Netherlands 139,432 151,549 159,396 United Kingdom 113,743 162,508 144,131 Australia 94,319 82,778 68,255 China 46,702 47,844 43,302 United Arab Emirates 44,211 18,101 10,429 France 43,068 53,542 52,806 All other 241,718 279,530 252,366 $ 1,249,254 $ 1,399,862 $ 1,279,742 August 31, 2015 2014 Long-lived Assets: United States $ 41,645 $ 44,971 Norway 20,297 29,715 United Kingdom 21,704 28,364 Australia 15,227 20,431 China 18,199 19,166 All other 27,990 42,317 $ 145,062 $ 184,964

Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)

Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 158,836 $ 268,070 $ 822,348 $ — $ 1,249,254 Cost of products sold 40,858 189,251 557,304 — 787,413 Gross profit 117,978 78,819 265,044 — 461,841 Selling, administrative and engineering expenses 74,588 56,054 168,959 — 299,601 Impairment charge — 20,249 64,104 — 84,353 Amortization of intangible assets 1,272 10,594 12,467 — 24,333 Operating profit (loss) 42,118 (8,078 ) 19,514 — 53,554 Financing costs, net 29,295 — (1,238 ) — 28,057 Intercompany expense (income), net (19,727 ) 1,432 18,295 — — Intercompany dividends (212 ) (243 ) (31 ) 486 — Other expense (income), net 160 (71 ) 17 — 106 Earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) 32,602 (9,196 ) 2,471 (486 ) 25,391 Income tax expense (benefit) (8,218 ) 1,702 12,119 (84 ) 5,519 Net earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries 40,820 (10,898 ) (9,648 ) (402 ) 19,872 Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries (20,948 ) 8,466 31 12,451 — Net earnings (loss) $ 19,872 $ (2,432 ) $ (9,617 ) $ 12,049 $ 19,872 Comprehensive loss $ (125,360 ) $ (19,551 ) $ (85,374 ) $ 104,925 $ (125,360 ) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 195,573 $ 315,715 $ 888,574 $ — $ 1,399,862 Cost of products sold 57,464 219,750 575,776 — 852,990 Gross profit 138,109 95,965 312,798 — 546,872 Selling, administrative and engineering expenses 96,220 44,102 191,771 — 332,093 Loss (gain) on product line divestiture 1,200 (14,695 ) — — (13,495 ) Amortization of intangible assets 1,272 10,520 13,374 — 25,166 Operating profit 39,417 56,038 107,653 — 203,108 Financing costs, net 25,611 3 (569 ) — 25,045 Intercompany expense (income), net (27,601 ) 5,520 22,081 — — Other expense (income), net 12,716 153 (8,832 ) — 4,037 Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit) 28,691 50,362 94,973 — 174,026 Income tax expense (benefit) (16,529 ) 30,793 18,309 — 32,573 Net earnings from continuing operations before equity in earnings of subsidiaries 45,220 19,569 76,664 — 141,453 Equity in earnings of subsidiaries 139,865 33,061 6,160 (179,086 ) — Earnings from continuing operations 185,085 52,630 82,824 (179,086 ) 141,453 Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations (21,512 ) 56,494 (12,862 ) — 22,120 Net earnings $ 163,573 $ 109,124 $ 69,962 $ (179,086 ) $ 163,573 Comprehensive income $ 163,825 $ 123,148 $ 55,990 $ (179,138 ) $ 163,825 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (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 (benefit) 58,219 21,821 82,909 — 162,949 Income tax expense (benefit) (798 ) 2,009 14,161 — 15,372 Net earnings from continuing operations 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 Balance Sheets	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 18,688 $ 523 $ 149,635 $ — $ 168,846 Accounts receivable, net 16,135 33,748 143,198 — 193,081 Inventories, net 23,074 33,480 86,198 — 142,752 Deferred income taxes 9,256 — 3,666 — 12,922 Other current assets 18,020 2,967 21,801 — 42,788 Total current assets 85,173 70,718 404,498 — 560,389 Property, plant & equipment, net 6,363 23,691 112,404 — 142,458 Goodwill 38,847 189,337 380,072 — 608,256 Other intangibles, net 10,702 109,665 188,395 — 308,762 Investment in subsidiaries 2,067,438 1,017,418 27,552 (3,112,408 ) — Intercompany receivable — 619,198 565,968 (1,185,166 ) — Other long-term assets 10,694 — 6,358 — 17,052 Total assets $ 2,219,217 $ 2,030,027 $ 1,685,247 $ (4,297,574 ) $ 1,636,917 LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Trade accounts payable $ 14,700 $ 19,213 $ 84,202 $ — $ 118,115 Accrued compensation and benefits 16,479 2,952 24,276 — 43,707 Current maturities of debt and other short-term borrowings 3,750 — 219 — 3,969 Income taxes payable 10,947 — 3,858 — 14,805 Other current liabilities 19,817 4,783 29,860 — 54,460 Total current liabilities 65,693 26,948 142,415 — 235,056 Long-term debt 584,309 — — — 584,309 Deferred income taxes 43,210 — 29,731 — 72,941 Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities 11,712 — 6,116 — 17,828 Other long-term liabilities 46,407 400 6,975 — 53,782 Intercompany payable 794,885 — 390,281 (1,185,166 ) — Shareholders’ equity 673,001 2,002,679 1,109,729 (3,112,408 ) 673,001 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,219,217 $ 2,030,027 $ 1,685,247 $ (4,297,574 ) $ 1,636,917 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) August 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,931 $ 3,325 $ 77,756 $ — $ 109,012 Accounts receivable, net 22,811 38,511 165,686 — 227,008 Inventories, net 31,024 38,860 92,736 — 162,620 Deferred income taxes 7,503 — 3,547 — 11,050 Other current assets 3,871 1,057 28,372 — 33,300 Total current assets 93,140 81,753 368,097 — 542,990 Property, plant & equipment, net 9,096 22,879 137,126 — 169,101 Goodwill 44,700 280,693 417,377 — 742,770 Other intangibles, net 11,974 140,400 212,803 — 365,177 Investment in subsidiaries 2,286,068 806,414 237,207 (3,329,689 ) — Intercompany receivable — 678,073 622,818 (1,300,891 ) — Other long-term assets 23,432 — 13,409 — 36,841 Total assets $ 2,468,410 $ 2,010,212 $ 2,008,837 $ (4,630,580 ) $ 1,856,879 LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Trade accounts payable $ 20,014 $ 25,673 $ 100,111 $ — $ 145,798 Accrued compensation and benefits 15,135 3,293 34,536 — 52,964 Current maturities of debt 4,500 — — — 4,500 Income taxes payable 31,582 — 6,765 — 38,347 Other current liabilities 19,081 3,989 34,442 — 57,512 Total current liabilities 90,312 32,955 175,854 — 299,121 Long-term debt 385,500 — — — 385,500 Deferred income taxes 47,543 — 49,427 — 96,970 Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities 8,668 — 7,031 — 15,699 Other long-term liabilities 42,647 4,138 11,093 — 57,878 Intercompany payable 892,029 — 408,861 (1,300,890 ) — Shareholders’ equity 1,001,711 1,973,119 1,356,571 (3,329,690 ) 1,001,711 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,468,410 $ 2,010,212 $ 2,008,837 $ (4,630,580 ) $ 1,856,879
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 88,166 $ (33,047 ) $ 73,849 $ — $ 128,968 Investing Activities Capital expenditures (1,086 ) (4,094 ) (17,336 ) — (22,516 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment — 258 986 — 1,244 Intercompany investment (3,727 ) — — 3,727 — Cash used in investing activities (4,813 ) (3,836 ) (16,350 ) 3,727 (21,272 ) Financing Activities Net borrowings on revolver and other debt — — 220 — 220 Principal repayment on term loan (3,375 ) — — — (3,375 ) Proceeds from term loans 213,375 — — — 213,375 Redemption on 5.625% Senior Notes (11,941 ) — — — (11,941 ) Debt issuance costs (2,025 ) — — — (2,025 ) Purchase of treasury shares (212,003 ) — — — (212,003 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 5,396 — — — 5,396 Cash dividend (2,598 ) — — — (2,598 ) Intercompany loan activity (79,425 ) 34,081 45,344 — — Intercompany capital contributions — — 3,727 (3,727 ) — Cash provided by (used in) financing activities (92,596 ) 34,081 49,291 (3,727 ) (12,951 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (34,911 ) — (34,911 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (9,243 ) (2,802 ) 71,879 — 59,834 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 27,931 3,325 77,756 — 109,012 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 18,688 $ 523 $ 149,635 $ — $ 168,846 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 75,924 $ (20,966 ) $ 84,992 $ (14,716 ) $ 125,234 Investing Activities Capital expenditures (4,498 ) (4,675 ) (32,684 ) — (41,857 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 85 484 43,705 — 44,274 Proceeds from sale of businesses (4,586 ) 250,748 43,428 — 289,590 Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (30,500 ) — — — (30,500 ) Intercompany investment — (99,963 ) — 99,963 — Cash (used in) provided by investing activities (39,499 ) 146,594 54,449 99,963 261,507 Financing Activities Net repayments on revolver (125,000 ) — — — (125,000 ) Payment of deferred acquisition consideration — — (1,585 ) — (1,585 ) Purchase of treasury shares (283,712 ) — — — (283,712 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 32,224 — — — 32,224 Cash dividend (2,919 ) — (14,716 ) 14,716 (2,919 ) Intercompany loan activity 354,791 (122,303 ) (232,488 ) — — Intercompany capital contribution — — 99,963 (99,963 ) — Cash used financing activities (24,616 ) (122,303 ) (148,826 ) (85,247 ) (380,992 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (723 ) — (723 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 11,809 3,325 (10,108 ) — 5,026 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 16,122 — 87,864 — 103,986 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 27,931 $ 3,325 $ 77,756 $ — $ 109,012 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 Capital expenditures (2,022 ) (4,021 ) (17,625 ) — (23,668 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 563 206 852 — 1,621 Proceeds from sale of business — — 4,854 — 4,854 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 repayments on revolver 125,000 — — — 125,000 Principal repayment on term loans (7,500 ) — — — (7,500 ) Payment of deferred acquisition consideration (1,350 ) — (4,028 ) — (5,378 ) Debt issuance cost (2,035 ) — — — (2,035 ) Purchase of treasury shares (41,832 ) — — — (41,832 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 33,261 — — — 33,261 Cash dividend (2,911 ) — — — (2,911 ) Intercompany loan activity (179,050 ) (22,371 ) 201,421 — — Cash provided by (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 in cash and cash equivalents 3,721 (91 ) 32,172 — 35,802 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 12,401 91 55,692 — 68,184 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 16,122 $ — $ 87,864 $ — $ 103,986

Quarterly Financial Data (Una40

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	Quarterly financial data for fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2014 is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2015 First Second Third Fourth Total Net sales $ 327,765 $ 301,005 $ 320,100 $ 300,384 $ 1,249,254 Gross profit 126,976 109,763 118,560 106,542 461,841 Net earnings (loss) 24,674 (64,838 ) 37,958 22,078 19,872 Net earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 0.38 $ (1.05 ) $ 0.64 $ 0.37 $ 0.32 Diluted 0.38 (1.05 ) 0.63 0.37 0.32 Year Ended August 31, 2014 First Second Third Fourth Total Net sales $ 339,556 $ 327,770 $ 378,187 $ 354,349 $ 1,399,862 Gross profit 131,780 124,447 148,550 142,095 546,872 Earnings from continuing operations 33,005 22,304 50,557 35,587 141,453 Earnings from discontinued operations 3,032 19,088 — — 22,120 Net earnings 36,037 41,392 50,557 35,587 163,573 Earnings from continuing operations per share: Basic $ 0.45 $ 0.31 $ 0.72 $ 0.52 $ 1.99 Diluted 0.44 0.30 0.70 0.51 1.95 Earnings from discontinued operations per share: Basic $ 0.04 $ 0.26 $ — $ — $ 0.32 Diluted 0.04 0.26 — — 0.32 Net earnings per share: Basic $ 0.49 $ 0.57 $ 0.72 $ 0.52 $ 2.31 Diluted 0.48 0.56 0.70 0.51 2.26

Reconciliation of Changes in Ac

Reconciliation of Changes in Accrued Product Warranty (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 4,056	$ 7,413
Warranty reserve of acquired business	0	44
Product line divestiture	0	(699)
Provision for warranties	4,929	2,769
Warranty payments and costs incurred	(5,009)	(5,477)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates	(257)	6
Ending balance	$ 3,719	$ 4,056

Summary of Significant Accoun42

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended			24 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)Segment	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	3
Portion of inventory determined using last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method	22.60%	20.60%
Inventory LIFO reserve	$ 5.6	$ 5.7
Unearned Revenue	8.3	5
Accounts Receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	4	6
Restructuring Charges	5.9
Research and development costs	17.7	20	$ 21
Foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses	$ 0.1	$ 4.2	$ 2.7
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
Scenario, Forecast
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Restructuring charges in future periods				$ 25

Proforma Results of Operations

Proforma Results of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Net sales, As reported	$ 1,249,254	$ 1,399,862	$ 1,279,742
Net sales, Pro forma		1,419,915	1,390,251
Earnings from continuing operations, As reported	$ 19,872	141,453	147,577
Earnings from continuing operations, Pro forma		$ 142,589	$ 156,353
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations, As reported	$ 0.32	$ 1.99	$ 2.02
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations, Pro forma		2.01	2.14
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, As reported	$ 0.32	1.95	1.98
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, Pro forma		$ 1.97	$ 2.10

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	May. 23, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 27, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Transaction costs related to business acquisition activities			$ 100	$ 500	$ 3,700
Reductions in goodwill due to purchase price			3,244	835
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired			$ 0	30,500	$ 235,489
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired				$ 17,536
Number of businesses acquired			0	1	1
Viking
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement		Aug. 27, 2013
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		$ 235,500
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired		86,900
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill		65,400
Hayes Industries
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement	May 23, 2014
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 30,500
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired	14,292
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	10,550
Customer Relationships | Viking
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill		40,500
Customer Relationships | Hayes Industries
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	3,300
Non-compete Agreements | Hayes Industries
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	250
Patents | Hayes Industries
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	5,000
Trade Names | Hayes Industries
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill	$ 2,000
Trade Names | Viking
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill		$ 24,900

Discontinued Operations Income

Discontinued Operations Income Statement and Balance Sheet Summary (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 72,139	$ 286,308
Operating profit (loss)	(4,873)	34,536
Impairment charge	0	(159,104)
Gain on disposal	34,459	0
Income tax benefit (expense)	(7,466)	7,039
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$ 22,120	$ (117,529)

Discontinued Operations - Addit

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 13, 2014	Dec. 13, 2013	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs				$ 0	$ 289,590	$ 4,854
Net gain on disposal of businesses				0	(29,152)	0
Gain on product line divestiture				0	(13,495)	0
Gain on disposal					34,459	0
Impairment charge				84,353	0	0
Goodwill, Impairment Charge			$ 78,000	$ 78,530
Recreational vehicle [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Date	Jun. 13, 2014
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs	$ 36,500
Net gain on disposal of businesses	$ 2,813
Gain on product line divestiture					13,495
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, annual revenue					$ 22,050
Electrical
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Date		Dec. 13, 2013
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs		$ 252,400
Gain on disposal		34,459
Gain on disposal, net of tax		$ 26,339
Impairment charge						159,100
Goodwill, Impairment Charge						137,800
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)						$ 21,300

Changes in Carrying Value of Go

Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ 742,770	$ 734,952
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired			17,536
Purchase accounting adjustments		(3,244)	(835)
Goodwill, Impairment Charge	$ (78,000)	(78,530)
Write off of goodwill related to a business divestiture			(17,843)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates		(52,740)	8,960
Ending Balance		608,256	742,770
Industrial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		100,266	82,611
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired			17,536
Purchase accounting adjustments		(3,244)	0
Goodwill, Impairment Charge		0
Write off of goodwill related to a business divestiture			0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates		(4,915)	119
Ending Balance		92,107	100,266
Energy
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		350,627	341,903
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired			0
Purchase accounting adjustments		0	(835)
Goodwill, Impairment Charge		(78,530)
Write off of goodwill related to a business divestiture			0
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates		(35,647)	9,559
Ending Balance		236,450	350,627
Engineered Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		291,877	310,438
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired			0
Purchase accounting adjustments		0	0
Goodwill, Impairment Charge		0
Write off of goodwill related to a business divestiture			(17,843)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates		(12,178)	(718)
Ending Balance		$ 279,699	$ 291,877

Gross Carrying Value and Accumu

Gross Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Accumulated Amortization	$ 165,486	$ 148,184
Intangible assets, gross	474,248	513,361
Intangible assets, net	308,762	365,177
Trade Names
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	112,437	125,905
Customer Relationships
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	302,518	325,164
Finite-Lived Accumulated Amortization	132,007	117,706
Net Book Value	$ 170,511	207,458
Weighted Average Amortization Period	15 years
Patents
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 30,899	31,678
Finite-Lived Accumulated Amortization	19,928	17,494
Net Book Value	$ 10,971	14,184
Weighted Average Amortization Period	10 years
Trademarks and Tradenames
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 21,604	23,241
Finite-Lived Accumulated Amortization	7,055	6,201
Net Book Value	$ 14,549	17,040
Weighted Average Amortization Period	18 years
Non-Compete Agreements and Other
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 6,790	7,373
Finite-Lived Accumulated Amortization	6,496	6,783
Net Book Value	$ 294	$ 590
Weighted Average Amortization Period	3 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible49

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information(Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charge		$ 84,353	$ 0	$ 0
Goodwill, Impairment Charge	$ 78,000	78,530
Future amortization expense, 2016		23,500
Future amortization expense, 2017		22,500
Future amortization expense, 2018		22,200
Future amortization expense, 2019		22,000
Future amortization expense, 2020		21,400
Future amortization expense, thereafter		84,700
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss		$ (78,530)
Trade Names
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 6,400

Long-Term Indebtedness (Detail)

Long-Term Indebtedness (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	$ 588,059	$ 390,000
Less: current maturities of long-term debt	(3,750)	(4,500)
Total long-term debt, less current maturities	584,309	385,500
Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	300,000	90,000
Senior Credit Facility | Senior Credit Facility - Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	0	0
Senior Credit Facility | Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	300,000	90,000
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
5.625% Senior Notes Carrying Value	$ 288,059	$ 300,000

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)covenant	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)	Jul. 19, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 19, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 16, 2012USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Cash interest payments				$ 24.8	$ 21	$ 21
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Jun. 15, 2022
Face amount									$ 300
Debt instrument, interest rate			5.625%	5.625%		5.625%			5.625%
Minimum | 5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Redemption Price As Percentage Of Principal									100.00%
Maximum | 5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Redemption Price As Percentage Of Principal									102.80%
Debt Instrument, Call Date, Earliest			Jun. 19, 2015
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Available								$ 165
Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount							$ 11.9
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 300	$ 300
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				May 8, 2020
Maximum borrowing capacity			600	$ 600
Unused credit line			589	589
Unused Borrowing Capacity Available for Borrowing			$ 176	176
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of non-use fee, annually			0.15%
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of non-use fee, annually			0.35%
Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior credit facility expansion option, available			$ 450	$ 450
Number of financial covenants | covenant				2
Senior Credit Facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio			3.50	3.50
Senior Credit Facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio			3.75	3.75
Senior Credit Facility | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate over variable rate				1.75%
Debt instrument actual interest rate			2.00%	2.00%
Senior Credit Facility | LIBOR | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate over variable rate				1.00%
Senior Credit Facility | LIBOR | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate over variable rate				2.25%
Senior Credit Facility | Base Rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate over variable rate				0.00%
Senior Credit Facility | Base Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate over variable rate				1.25%
Scenario, Forecast | Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Starting on June 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly installments, payable on term loan		$ 3.8
Scenario, Forecast | Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Starting on June 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly installments, payable on term loan	$ 7.5

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - 5.625% Senior Notes - Senior Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Apr. 16, 2012
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.625%		5.625%	5.625%
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 287,300	$ 315,800
5.625% Senior Notes Carrying Value	$ 288,059	$ 300,000

Derivatives - Additional Inform

Derivatives - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Net foreign currency gains (losses)	$ (95)	$ (13,465)
Level 2 Valuation
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contracts Net Assets (Liabilities) Fair Value Disclosure	(234)	(966)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	500	1,000
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 170,700	$ 219,900

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Due in 2016	$ 29.5
Due in 2017	24.9
Due in 2018	20.9
Due in 2019	17.8
Due in 2020	15.1
Due thereafter	31.5
Operating lease, rental expense	$ 35.7	$ 31.6	$ 26
Minimum
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Lease agreements period	1 year
Maximum
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Lease agreements period	20 years
Viking
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Lease Terms		seven year term
Sale Leaseback Transaction, Gross Proceeds, Investing Activities		$ 41

Changes in Projected Benefit Ob

Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets and Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 44,642
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	39,181	$ 44,642
United States Pension Plan of US Entity
Reconciliation of benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	47,545	45,046
Interest cost	1,920	2,146	$ 1,928
Actuarial (gain) loss	(170)	3,769
Benefits paid	(3,683)	(3,416)
Benefit obligation at end of year	45,612	47,545	45,046
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	44,642	34,054
Actual return on plan assets	(2,088)	5,180
Company contributions	310	8,824
Benefits paid from plan assets	(3,683)	(3,416)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	39,181	44,642	$ 34,054
Funded status of the plans (underfunded)	$ (6,431)	$ (2,903)

Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Det

Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) - United States Pension Plan of US Entity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 1,920	$ 2,146	$ 1,928
Expected return on assets	(3,143)	(2,959)	(2,468)
Amortization of actuarial loss	828	667	878
Net benefit cost (income)	$ (395)	$ (146)	$ 338

Weighted Average Assumptions Us

Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations and Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - United States Pension Plan of US Entity	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Assumptions for benefit obligations:
Discount rate	4.45%	4.15%	4.90%
Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost:
Discount rate	4.15%	4.90%	3.90%
Expected return on plan assets	7.50%	7.65%	7.75%

U.S. Pension Plan Investment Al

U.S. Pension Plan Investment Allocations by Asset Category (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$ 39,181	$ 44,642
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	$ 314	$ 0
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	0.80%	0.00%
Fixed Income Securities | Level 2 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$ 12,581	$ 14,223
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	32.10%	31.80%
Fixed Income Securities | Corporate Bond | Level 2 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$ 9,481	$ 9,749
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	24.20%	21.80%
Fixed Income Securities | Mutual Funds | Level 2 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$ 3,100	$ 4,474
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	7.90%	10.00%
Equity Securities | Mutual Funds | Level 1 Valuation
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of pension plan assets	$ 26,286	$ 30,419
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	67.10%	68.20%

Funded Status of Defined Benefi

Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 39,181	$ 44,642
Non-US Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation	14,255	18,599
Fair value of plan assets	8,675	10,312
Funded status of the plans (underfunded)	$ (5,580)	$ (8,287)

Employee Benefit Plans - Additi

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expense on participant deferrals in fixed income investment option	$ 1,800	$ 1,700	$ 1,600
Cost of stock held in trust for deferred compensation plan	3,700	2,900
Other Current Liabilities and Other Long-term Liabilities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred compensation liability	22,700	22,800
United States Pension Plan of US Entity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension plan actuarial gain losses, not yet recognized in net periodic benefit cost	(15,200)	(12,600)
Pension plan actuarial gain losses, expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost in 2015	$ 500
Expected long term rate of return for assets	7.40%
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2016	$ 2,800
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2017	2,800
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2018	2,800
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in, fiscal 2019	2,800
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in, fiscal 2020	2,800
Amount of benefits expected to be paid fiscal 2021 through fiscal 2025	15,000
Net periodic benefit costs (credit)	$ 395	$ 146	$ (338)
Weighted average discount rate for determining benefit obligation	4.45%	4.15%	4.90%
Benefit obligation	$ 45,612	$ 47,545	$ 45,046
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit costs (credit)	100	146	146
Define benefit plan Company contributions, year 2016	300
Benefit obligation	$ 3,500	3,100
Health care cost trend rate	7.80%
Health care cost trending downward rate by 2022	5.00%
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset allocation in equity securities minimum	60.00%
Asset allocation in equity securities maximum	80.00%
Non-US Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long term rate of return for assets	3.90%
Net periodic benefit costs (credit)	$ (1,000)	$ (1,300)	(800)
Weighted average discount rate for determining benefit obligation	3.10%	3.20%
Define benefit plan Company contributions, year 2016	$ 400
Benefit obligation	$ 14,255	$ 18,599
401(k)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
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	$ 4,300	4,500	4,500
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation	2,000
Expense recognized related to defined contribution plan	$ 300	$ 400	$ 600
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contribution to defined contribution benefit plans	3.00%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contribution to defined contribution benefit plans	6.00%

Income Tax Expense from Continu

Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Currently payable:
Currently payable, Federal	$ (126)	$ 23,211	$ 24,809
Currently payable, Foreign	21,200	9,059	13,335
Currently payable, State	(1,616)	(657)	902
Currently payable	19,458	31,613	39,046
Deferred:
Deferred, Federal	(4,416)	4,224	(13,514)
Deferred, Foreign	(9,199)	(4,130)	(9,942)
Deferred, State	(324)	866	(218)
Benefit for deferred income taxes	(13,939)	960	(23,674)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ 5,519	$ 32,573	$ 15,372

Reconciliation of Income Taxes

Reconciliation of Income Taxes at Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal effect	(0.20%)	0.80%	0.90%
Net effects of foreign tax rate differential and credits	(58.40%)	(10.50%)	(8.80%)
Domestic manufacturing deduction	(5.10%)	(1.00%)	(1.00%)
Goodwill impairment	78.60%	0.00%	0.00%
Valuation allowance additions and releases	15.50%	(8.00%)	(3.10%)
Changes in liability for unrecognized tax benefits	(42.10%)	3.20%	(5.60%)
Change in income tax accounting method, net	0.00%	(5.60%)	0.00%
Business (RV) divestiture	0.00%	3.00%	0.00%
Prior period correction	0.00%	0.00%	(6.50%)
Other items	(1.60%)	1.80%	(1.50%)
Effective income tax rate	21.70%	18.70%	9.40%

Temporary Differences and Carry

Temporary Differences and Carryforwards of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Deferred income tax assets:
Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	$ 19,419	$ 18,062
Compensation related liabilities	27,047	23,496
Postretirement benefits	5,462	5,082
Inventory	3,253	2,775
Book reserves and other items	11,976	12,214
Total deferred income tax assets	67,157	61,629
Valuation allowance	(8,053)	(5,608)
Net deferred income tax assets	59,104	56,021
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(109,447)	(124,688)
Other items	(4,539)	(5,728)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(113,986)	(130,416)
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (54,882)	$ (74,395)

Changes in Gross Liability for

Changes in Gross Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 39,509	$ 18,006	$ 24,608
Increases based on tax positions related to the current year	2,183	28,053	3,601
Increase for tax positions taken in a prior period	8,935	0	0
Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior period	(633)	0	(100)
Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations	(4,464)	(7,030)	(7,522)
Decrease due to settlements	(14,180)	0	(2,581)
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates	(1,426)	480	0
Ending balance	$ 29,924	$ 39,509	$ 18,006

Earnings before Income Taxes, I

Earnings before Income Taxes, Including both Continuing and Discontinued Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 14,593	$ 84,854	$ 67,392
Foreign	10,798	89,172	95,557
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	$ 25,391	$ 174,026	$ 162,949

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure Additional Details [Table] [Line Items]
Percent of Revenue (excluding impairment charge) from foreign jurisdictions	68.00%
Impairment charge	$ 84,353	$ 0	$ 0
Asset Impairment Charge Income Tax Benefit	6,300
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Recoveries	2,300
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)	9,500
Recognized interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	1,800	2,000	2,900
Valuation Allowance, Prior Period Reserve Reclassified		7,200
Undistributed earnings	384,500
Additional provision for undistributed earnings	$ 70,900
Incremental U.S taxes on unremitted earnings	18.00%
Gain on product line divestiture	$ 0	(13,495)	0
Income taxes, net of refunds	26,400	$ 57,200	42,100
Properly State Deferred Income Tax Balances Associated With Its Equity Compensation Programs
Income Tax Disclosure Additional Details [Table] [Line Items]
Prior period reclassification adjustment			$ 10,600
Foreign Tax Authority
Income Tax Disclosure Additional Details [Table] [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Valuation Allowance	5,700
Operating Loss Carryforward	66,100
State and Local Jurisdiction
Income Tax Disclosure Additional Details [Table] [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforward	50,500
Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit	1,600
Domestic Destination
Income Tax Disclosure Additional Details [Table] [Line Items]
Impairment charge	20,300
Foreign Destination
Income Tax Disclosure Additional Details [Table] [Line Items]
Impairment charge	$ 64,100

Capital Stock(Detail)

Capital Stock(Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 19,872	$ 163,573	$ 30,048
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	61,262	70,942	72,979
Net effect of dilutive securities-employee stock compensation plans	793	1,544	1,601
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	62,055	72,486	74,580
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share):	$ 0.32	$ 2.31	$ 0.41
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share):	$ 0.32	$ 2.26	$ 0.40

Share Repurchases - Additional

Share Repurchases - Additional Information (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 16, 2015	Oct. 01, 2014	Mar. 19, 2014	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	7,000,000	7,000,000	7,000,000
Treasury stock, shares	19,726,479	12,195,359
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	8,273,521
Anti-dilutive securities-equity based compensation plans (excluded from earnings per share calculation)	2,056,000	522,000	619,000
Common Class A
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	168,000,000	168,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.2	$ 0.2
Common stock, shares issued	78,932,533	78,480,780
Common stock, shares outstanding	59,206,054
Common Class B
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	1,500,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.2
Common stock, shares issued	0
Common stock, shares outstanding		0

Summary of Stock Option Activit

Summary of Stock Option Activity (Detail) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Number of Stock Option Outstanding
Beginning Balance | shares	3,250,401
Granted | shares	777,238
Exercised | shares	(70,581)
Forfeited | shares	(104,395)
Ending Balance | shares	3,852,663
Options exercisable at end of Period | shares	2,551,341
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning Balance	$ 25.24
Granted	21.41
Exercised	19.99
Forfeited	28.50
Ending Balance	24.47
Options exercisable at end of Period	$ 24.29
Option Outstanding weighted average remaining term	4 years 11 months
Option exercisable weighted average remaining term	3 years
Stock option, aggregate intrinsic Value | $	$ 2.9
Stock option, aggregate intrinsic Value | $	$ 2.3

Summary of Weighted-Average 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 ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share)	$ 8.35	$ 14.46	$ 10.49
Intrinsic value gain of options exercised	$ 366	$ 16,380	$ 15,803
Cash receipts from exercise of options	$ 1,147	$ 21,995	$ 24,840

Summary Of Restricted Stock Act

Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Aggregate Number of Restricted Shares
Beginning Balance | shares	1,326,460
Granted | shares	579,980
Forfeited | shares	(295,400)
Vested | shares	(413,772)
Ending Balance | shares	1,197,268
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Beginning Balance	$ 28.27
Granted	23.96
Forfeited	27.58
Vested	23.85
Ending Balance	$ 28.13

Weighted-Average Assumptions (D

Weighted-Average Assumptions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.15%	0.11%	0.14%
Expected volatility	37.80%	38.30%	38.36%
Risk-free rate of return	1.19%	0.70%	0.84%
Expected forfeiture rate	13.73%	14.18%	15.00%
Expected life	6 years 1 month	6 years 1 month	6 years 1 month

Stocks Plans - Additional Infor

Stocks Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
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	2,700,793
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	$ 23.8
Unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation for stock options and restricted stock outstanding, recognition period	3 years 22 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]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	50.00%
Performance Shares | Total Shareholders Return
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	50.00%
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of shares vested	$ 14.2	$ 17.9
After Three Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	50.00%
After Five Years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	100.00%
Maximum | Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options term	10 years

Summary of Financial Informatio

Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment and Product Line (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,249,254	$ 1,399,862	$ 1,279,742
Operating profit (loss)	53,554	203,108	190,145
Depreciation and amortization	53,239	60,635	53,902
Capital Expenditure	22,516	41,857	23,668
Assets	1,636,917	1,856,879
Industrial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	402,464	413,902	422,620
Operating profit (loss)	105,652	120,250	117,644
Depreciation and amortization	8,257	7,597	8,553
Capital Expenditure	1,249	3,349	3,524
Assets	293,738	307,058
Energy
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	411,875	462,368	363,372
Operating profit (loss)	(41,351)	56,412	63,280
Depreciation and amortization	26,532	33,983	18,451
Capital Expenditure	11,864	26,787	9,417
Assets	601,521	788,915
Engineered Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	434,915	523,592	493,750
Operating profit (loss)	19,789	55,430	40,328
Depreciation and amortization	16,652	17,602	16,949
Capital Expenditure	8,472	8,763	7,001
Assets	588,200	643,323
General Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)	(30,536)	(28,984)	(31,107)
Depreciation and amortization	1,798	1,453	2,145
Capital Expenditure	931	2,956	867
Assets	153,458	117,583
Vehicle Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	220,889	272,201	253,073
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	214,026	251,391	240,677
Discontinued Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and Amortization, Discontinued Operations	0	0	7,804
Capital Expenditure	$ 0	$ 2	$ 2,859

Financial Information from Cont

Financial Information from Continuing Operations By Geographic Region (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,249,254	$ 1,399,862	$ 1,279,742
Long-Lived Assets	145,062	184,964
United States
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	526,061	573,590	549,057
Long-Lived Assets	41,645	44,971
Netherlands
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	139,432	151,549	159,396
United Kingdom
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	113,743	162,508	144,131
Long-Lived Assets	21,704	28,364
Norway
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	20,297	29,715
Australia
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	94,319	82,778	68,255
Long-Lived Assets	15,227	20,431
France
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	43,068	53,542	52,806
China
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	46,702	47,844	43,302
Long-Lived Assets	18,199	19,166
United Arab Emirates
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	44,211	18,101	10,429
All other
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	241,718	279,530	$ 252,366
Long-Lived Assets	$ 27,990	$ 42,317

Business Segment, Geographic 76

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3
Largest customer sales in fiscal year, percent	2.00%
Export sales from domestic operation, as a percentage of total net sales	6.60%

Contingencies and Litigation -

Contingencies and Litigation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 18.1	$ 14
Litigation Settlement, Expense	4.3
Discounted present value of future minimum lease payments	17.9
Electrical
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Discounted present value of future minimum lease payments	$ 13.2

Condensed Consolidating Stateme

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,249,254	$ 1,399,862	$ 1,279,742
Cost of products sold	787,413	852,990	772,792
Gross profit	461,841	546,872	506,950
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	299,601	332,093	293,866
Impairment charge	84,353	0	0
Gain on product line divestiture	0	(13,495)	0
Amortization of intangible assets	24,333	25,166	22,939
Operating profit	53,554	203,108	190,145
Financing costs, net	28,057	25,045	24,837
Intercompany Dividend	0
Intercompany expense (income), net	0	0	0
Other expense (income), net	106	4,037	2,359
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	25,391	174,026	162,949
Income tax expense	5,519	32,573	15,372
Net earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	19,872	141,453	147,577
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	0	0	0
Earnings from continuing operations	19,872	141,453	147,577
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	0	22,120	(117,529)
Net earnings	19,872	163,573	30,048
Comprehensive loss	(125,360)	163,825	30,860
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	158,836	195,573	196,531
Cost of products sold	40,858	57,464	65,178
Gross profit	117,978	138,109	131,353
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	74,588	96,220	69,734
Impairment charge	0
Gain on product line divestiture		1,200
Amortization of intangible assets	1,272	1,272	1,276
Operating profit	42,118	39,417	60,343
Financing costs, net	29,295	25,611	25,270
Intercompany Dividend	(212)
Intercompany expense (income), net	(19,727)	(27,601)	(21,041)
Other expense (income), net	160	12,716	(2,105)
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	32,602	28,691	58,219
Income tax expense	(8,218)	(16,529)	(798)
Net earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	40,820	45,220	59,017
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(20,948)	139,865	(26,527)
Earnings from continuing operations		185,085	32,490
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		(21,512)	(2,442)
Net earnings	19,872	163,573	30,048
Comprehensive loss	(125,360)	163,825	30,860
Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	268,070	315,715	293,884
Cost of products sold	189,251	219,750	201,704
Gross profit	78,819	95,965	92,180
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	56,054	44,102	59,358
Impairment charge	20,249
Gain on product line divestiture		(14,695)
Amortization of intangible assets	10,594	10,520	10,481
Operating profit	(8,078)	56,038	22,341
Financing costs, net	0	3	9
Intercompany Dividend	(243)
Intercompany expense (income), net	1,432	5,520	1,082
Other expense (income), net	(71)	153	(571)
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	(9,196)	50,362	21,821
Income tax expense	1,702	30,793	2,009
Net earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(10,898)	19,569	19,812
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	8,466	33,061	7,822
Earnings from continuing operations		52,630	27,634
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		56,494	(76,634)
Net earnings	(2,432)	109,124	(49,000)
Comprehensive loss	(19,551)	123,148	(48,416)
Non-Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	822,348	888,574	789,327
Cost of products sold	557,304	575,776	505,910
Gross profit	265,044	312,798	283,417
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses	168,959	191,771	164,774
Impairment charge	64,104
Gain on product line divestiture		0
Amortization of intangible assets	12,467	13,374	11,182
Operating profit	19,514	107,653	107,461
Financing costs, net	(1,238)	(569)	(442)
Intercompany Dividend	(31)
Intercompany expense (income), net	18,295	22,081	19,959
Other expense (income), net	17	(8,832)	5,035
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	2,471	94,973	82,909
Income tax expense	12,119	18,309	14,161
Net earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(9,648)	76,664	68,748
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	31	6,160	2,173
Earnings from continuing operations		82,824	70,921
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		(12,862)	(38,453)
Net earnings	(9,617)	69,962	32,468
Comprehensive loss	(85,374)	55,990	31,099
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
Impairment charge	0
Gain on product line divestiture		0
Amortization of intangible assets	0	0	0
Operating profit	0	0	0
Financing costs, net	0	0	0
Intercompany Dividend	486
Intercompany expense (income), net	0	0	0
Other expense (income), net	0	0	0
Earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	(486)	0	0
Income tax expense	(84)	0	0
Net earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	(402)	0	0
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries	12,451	(179,086)	16,532
Earnings from continuing operations		(179,086)	16,532
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		0	0
Net earnings	12,049	(179,086)	16,532
Comprehensive loss	$ 104,925	$ (179,138)	$ 17,317

Condensed Consolidating Balance

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 168,846	$ 109,012	$ 103,986	$ 68,184
Accounts receivable, net	193,081	227,008
Inventories, net	142,752	162,620
Deferred income taxes	12,922	11,050
Other current assets	42,788	33,300
Total current assets	560,389	542,990
Property, plant & equipment, net	142,458	169,101
Goodwill	608,256	742,770	734,952
Other intangibles, net	308,762	365,177
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Other long-term assets	17,052	36,841
Total assets	1,636,917	1,856,879
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	118,115	145,798
Accrued compensation and benefits	43,707	52,964
Current maturities of debt and short-term borrowings	3,969	4,500
Income taxes payable	14,805	38,347
Other current liabilities	54,460	57,512
Total current liabilities	235,056	299,121
Long-term debt	584,309	385,500
Deferred income taxes	72,941	96,970
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	17,828	15,699
Other long-term liabilities	53,782	57,878
Intercompany payable	0	0
Shareholders’ equity	673,001	1,001,711	1,080,267	1,051,836
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,636,917	1,856,879
Parent
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	18,688	27,931	16,122	12,401
Accounts receivable, net	16,135	22,811
Inventories, net	23,074	31,024
Deferred income taxes	9,256	7,503
Other current assets	18,020	3,871
Total current assets	85,173	93,140
Property, plant & equipment, net	6,363	9,096
Goodwill	38,847	44,700
Other intangibles, net	10,702	11,974
Investment in subsidiaries	2,067,438	2,286,068
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Other long-term assets	10,694	23,432
Total assets	2,219,217	2,468,410
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	14,700	20,014
Accrued compensation and benefits	16,479	15,135
Current maturities of debt and short-term borrowings	3,750	4,500
Income taxes payable	10,947	31,582
Other current liabilities	19,817	19,081
Total current liabilities	65,693	90,312
Long-term debt	584,309	385,500
Deferred income taxes	43,210	47,543
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	11,712	8,668
Other long-term liabilities	46,407	42,647
Intercompany payable	794,885	892,029
Shareholders’ equity	673,001	1,001,711
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,219,217	2,468,410
Guarantors
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	523	3,325	0	91
Accounts receivable, net	33,748	38,511
Inventories, net	33,480	38,860
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other current assets	2,967	1,057
Total current assets	70,718	81,753
Property, plant & equipment, net	23,691	22,879
Goodwill	189,337	280,693
Other intangibles, net	109,665	140,400
Investment in subsidiaries	1,017,418	806,414
Intercompany receivable	619,198	678,073
Other long-term assets	0	0
Total assets	2,030,027	2,010,212
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	19,213	25,673
Accrued compensation and benefits	2,952	3,293
Current maturities of debt and short-term borrowings	0	0
Income taxes payable	0	0
Other current liabilities	4,783	3,989
Total current liabilities	26,948	32,955
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	400	4,138
Intercompany payable	0	0
Shareholders’ equity	2,002,679	1,973,119
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,030,027	2,010,212
Non-Guarantors
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	149,635	77,756	87,864	55,692
Accounts receivable, net	143,198	165,686
Inventories, net	86,198	92,736
Deferred income taxes	3,666	3,547
Other current assets	21,801	28,372
Total current assets	404,498	368,097
Property, plant & equipment, net	112,404	137,126
Goodwill	380,072	417,377
Other intangibles, net	188,395	212,803
Investment in subsidiaries	27,552	237,207
Intercompany receivable	565,968	622,818
Other long-term assets	6,358	13,409
Total assets	1,685,247	2,008,837
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	84,202	100,111
Accrued compensation and benefits	24,276	34,536
Current maturities of debt and short-term borrowings	219	0
Income taxes payable	3,858	6,765
Other current liabilities	29,860	34,442
Total current liabilities	142,415	175,854
Long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income taxes	29,731	49,427
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	6,116	7,031
Other long-term liabilities	6,975	11,093
Intercompany payable	390,281	408,861
Shareholders’ equity	1,109,729	1,356,571
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,685,247	2,008,837
Eliminations
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total current assets	0	0
Property, plant & equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangibles, net	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	(3,112,408)	(3,329,689)
Intercompany receivable	(1,185,166)	(1,300,891)
Other long-term assets	0	0
Total assets	(4,297,574)	(4,630,580)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	0	0
Accrued compensation and benefits	0	0
Current maturities of debt and short-term borrowings	0	0
Income taxes payable	0	0
Other current liabilities	0	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	(1,185,166)	(1,300,890)
Shareholders’ equity	(3,112,408)	(3,329,690)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ (4,297,574)	$ (4,630,580)

Condensed Consolidating State80

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 128,968	$ 125,234	$ 193,789
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(22,516)	(41,857)	(23,668)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	1,244	44,274	1,621
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs	0	289,590	4,854
Intercompany investment	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(30,500)	(235,489)
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	(21,272)	261,507	(252,682)
Financing Activities
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	0
Intercompany capital contributions	0	0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	0	(1,585)	(5,378)
Debt issuance costs	(2,025)	0	(2,035)
Purchase of treasury shares	(212,003)	(283,712)	(41,832)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	5,396	32,224	33,261
Cash dividend	(2,598)	(2,919)	(2,911)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(12,951)	(380,992)	98,605
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(34,911)	(723)	(3,910)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	59,834	5,026	35,802
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	109,012	103,986	68,184
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	168,846	109,012	103,986
Parent
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	88,166	75,924	81,597
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(1,086)	(4,498)	(2,022)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	0	85	563
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs		(4,586)	0
Intercompany investment	(3,727)	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(30,500)	0
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	(4,813)	(39,499)	(1,459)
Financing Activities
Intercompany loan activity	(79,425)	354,791	(179,050)
Intercompany capital contributions	0	0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration		0	(1,350)
Debt issuance costs	(2,025)		(2,035)
Purchase of treasury shares	(212,003)	(283,712)	(41,832)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	5,396	32,224	33,261
Cash dividend	(2,598)	(2,919)	(2,911)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(92,596)	(24,616)	(76,417)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	(9,243)	11,809	3,721
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	27,931	16,122	12,401
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	18,688	27,931	16,122
Guarantors
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(33,047)	(20,966)	26,095
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(4,094)	(4,675)	(4,021)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	258	484	206
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs		250,748	0
Intercompany investment	0	(99,963)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0	0
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	(3,836)	146,594	(3,815)
Financing Activities
Intercompany loan activity	34,081	(122,303)	(22,371)
Intercompany capital contributions	0	0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration		0	0
Debt issuance costs	0		0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0	0
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	0	0	0
Cash dividend	0	0	0
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	34,081	(122,303)	(22,371)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	(2,802)	3,325	(91)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	3,325	0	91
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	523	3,325	0
Non-Guarantors
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	73,849	84,992	86,097
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(17,336)	(32,684)	(17,625)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	986	43,705	852
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs		43,428	4,854
Intercompany investment	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0	(235,489)
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	(16,350)	54,449	(247,408)
Financing Activities
Intercompany loan activity	45,344	(232,488)	201,421
Intercompany capital contributions	3,727	99,963
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration		(1,585)	(4,028)
Debt issuance costs	0		0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0	0
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	0	0	0
Cash dividend	0	(14,716)	0
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	49,291	(148,826)	197,393
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(34,911)	(723)	(3,910)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	71,879	(10,108)	32,172
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	77,756	87,864	55,692
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	149,635	77,756	87,864
Eliminations
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	0	(14,716)	0
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs		0	0
Intercompany investment	3,727	99,963
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0	0
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	3,727	99,963	0
Financing Activities
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	0
Intercompany capital contributions	(3,727)	(99,963)
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration		0	0
Debt issuance costs	0		0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0	0
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	0	0	0
Cash dividend	0	14,716	0
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(3,727)	(85,247)	0
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 period	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	0	0	0
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Senior Credit Facility
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	220	(125,000)	125,000
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Senior Credit Facility | Parent
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0	(125,000)	125,000
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Senior Credit Facility | Guarantors
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0	0	0
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Senior Credit Facility | Non-Guarantors
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	220	0	0
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Senior Credit Facility | Eliminations
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0	0	0
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	(3,375)	0	(7,500)
Proceeds from term loan	213,375	0	0
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility | Parent
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	(3,375)		(7,500)
Proceeds from term loan	213,375
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility | Guarantors
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0		0
Proceeds from term loan	0
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility | Non-Guarantors
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0		0
Proceeds from term loan	0
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility | Eliminations
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0
Proceeds from term loan	0
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Financing Activities
Redemption of 5.625% Senior Notes	(11,941)	$ 0	$ 0
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes | Parent
Financing Activities
Redemption of 5.625% Senior Notes	(11,941)
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes | Guarantors
Financing Activities
Redemption of 5.625% Senior Notes	0
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes | Non-Guarantors
Financing Activities
Redemption of 5.625% Senior Notes	0
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes | Eliminations
Financing Activities
Redemption of 5.625% Senior Notes	$ 0

Guarantor Subsidiaries - Additi

Guarantor Subsidiaries - Additional Information (Detail) - Senior Notes - 5.625% Senior Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Apr. 16, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 300,000
5.625% Senior Notes Carrying Value	$ 288,059	$ 300,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.625%		5.625%	5.625%

Quarterly Financial Data (Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 1,249,254	$ 1,399,862	$ 1,279,742
Gross profit									461,841	546,872	506,950
Earnings from continuing operations									19,872	141,453	147,577
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations									0	22,120	(117,529)
Net earnings									$ 19,872	$ 163,573	$ 30,048
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)									$ 0.32	$ 1.99	$ 2.02
Diluted (in dollars per share)									0.32	1.95	1.98
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share:
Basic										0.32
Diluted										0.32
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)									0.32	2.31	0.41
Diluted (in dollars per share)									$ 0.32	$ 2.26	$ 0.40
Quarterly unaudited data [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 300,384	$ 320,100	$ 301,005	$ 327,765	$ 354,349	$ 378,187	$ 327,770	$ 339,556
Gross profit	106,542	118,560	109,763	126,976	142,095	148,550	124,447	131,780
Earnings from continuing operations					35,587	50,557	22,304	33,005
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations					0	0	19,088	3,032
Net earnings	$ 22,078	$ 37,958	$ (64,838)	$ 24,674	$ 35,587	$ 50,557	$ 41,392	$ 36,037
Earnings from continuing operations per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)					$ 0.52	$ 0.72	$ 0.31	$ 0.45
Diluted (in dollars per share)					0.51	0.70	0.30	0.44
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations per share:
Basic					0	0	0.26	0.04
Diluted					0	0	0.26	0.04
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.64	$ (1.05)	$ 0.38	0.52	0.72	0.57	0.49
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 0.63	$ (1.05)	$ 0.38	$ 0.51	$ 0.70	$ 0.56	$ 0.48

Quarterly Financial Data - Addi

Quarterly Financial Data - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment charge	$ 84,353	$ 0	$ 0

Valuation and Qualifying Acco84

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Allowance for losses -Trade accounts receivable
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 6,034	$ 3,701	$ 4,375
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	1,633	2,447	584
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	0	440	(437)
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	(2,742)	664	(787)
Other	(955)	110	(34)
Ending Balance	3,970	6,034	3,701
Valuation allowance - Income taxes
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	5,608	17,268	8,153
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	5,694	1,243	4,527
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	0	(5,487)	5,772
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	(2,254)	(6,936)	(1,184)
Other	(995)	(480)	0
Ending Balance	$ 8,053	$ 5,608	$ 17,268