Enerpac Tool (EPAC) 10-K 26 Oct 17 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Aug. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
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		59,820,308
Entity Public Float			$ 1,572,321,612

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales		$ 1,095,784	$ 1,149,410	$ 1,249,254
Cost of products sold		716,067	746,013	787,413
Gross profit		379,717	403,397	461,841
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses		277,488	274,497	299,601
Amortization of intangible assets		20,474	22,943	24,333
Loss on product line divestiture		0	5,092	0
Director & officer transition charges		7,784	0	0
Restructuring charges		7,228	14,571	0
Impairment and other divestiture charges		116,979
Impairment charge	$ 186,511		186,511	84,353
Operating profit (loss)		(50,236)	(100,217)	53,554
Financing costs, net		29,703	28,768	28,057
Other expense, net		2,752	1,359	106
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense		(82,691)	(130,344)	25,391
Income tax expense		(16,478)	(25,170)	5,519
Net earnings		$ (66,213)	$ (105,174)	$ 19,872
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)		$ (1.11)	$ (1.78)	$ 0.32
Diluted (in dollars per share)		$ (1.11)	$ (1.78)	$ 0.32
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)		59,436	59,010	61,262
Diluted (in shares)		59,436	59,010	62,055

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ (66,213)	$ (105,174)	$ 19,872
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	20,470	(32,203)	(143,703)
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans	4,092	(6,003)	(1,506)
Cash flow hedges	0	23	(23)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	24,562	(38,183)	(145,232)
Comprehensive loss	$ (41,651)	$ (143,357)	$ (125,360)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 229,571	$ 179,604
Accounts receivable, net	190,206	186,829
Inventories, net	143,651	130,756
Assets held-for-sale	21,835	0
Other current assets	61,663	45,463
Total current assets	646,926	542,652
Property, plant and equipment
Land, buildings and improvements	43,737	41,504
Machinery and equipment	227,535	268,362
Gross property, plant and equipment	271,272	309,866
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(176,751)	(195,851)
Property, plant and equipment, net	94,521	114,015
Goodwill	530,081	519,276
Other intangibles, net	220,489	239,475
Other long-term assets	24,938	23,242
Total assets	1,516,955	1,438,660
Current liabilities
Trade accounts payable	133,387	115,051
Accrued compensation and benefits	50,939	46,901
Current maturities of debt and short-term borrowings	30,000	18,750
Income taxes payable	6,080	9,254
Liabilities Held-for-sale	101,083	0
Other current liabilities	57,445	51,956
Total current liabilities	378,934	241,912
Long-term Debt, net	531,940	561,681
Deferred income taxes	29,859	31,356
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	19,862	25,667
Other long-term liabilities	55,821	57,094
Total liabilities	1,016,416	917,710
Shareholders’ equity
Class A common stock, $0.20 par value per share, authorized 168,000,000 shares, issued 80,200,110 and 79,393,393 shares, respectively	16,040	15,879
Additional paid-in capital	138,449	114,980
Treasury stock, at cost, 20,439,434 shares	(617,731)	(617,731)
Retained earnings	1,191,042	1,259,645
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(227,261)	(251,823)
Stock held in trust	(2,696)	(2,646)
Deferred compensation liability	2,696	2,646
Total shareholders’ equity	500,539	520,950
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 1,516,955	$ 1,438,660

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Treasury stock, shares	20,439,434	20,439,434
Common stock, par value	$ 0.20
Common stock, shares authorized	168,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	80,200,110	79,393,393
Common Class A
Common stock, par value	$ 0.2
Common stock, shares authorized	168,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	80,200,110

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ (66,213)	$ (105,174)	$ 19,872
Non-cash items:
Impairment and other divestiture charges	108,860
Asset Impairment Charges, Net of Tax		169,056	82,635
Depreciation and amortization	43,110	47,777	53,239
Stock-based compensation expense	16,733	10,442	12,046
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes	(8,956)	(17,403)	(12,221)
Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs	1,657	1,652	1,897
Other non-cash adjustments	1,202	(517)	805
Net gain on disposal of businesses	0	(1,557)	0
Changes in components of working capital and other:
Accounts receivable	(3,475)	20,261	12,827
Inventories	(11,277)	10,202	6,608
Trade accounts payable	18,117	(7,727)	(19,801)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(5,367)	(3,291)	(8,761)
Income taxes payable	(11,298)	(7,916)	(11,629)
Accrued compensation and benefits	3,752	3,912	(6,478)
Other accrued liabilities	1,002	(2,020)	395
Cash provided by operating activities	87,847	117,697	131,434
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(28,195)	(20,209)	(22,516)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	570	9,296	1,244
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(81,916)	0
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs	0	9,695	0
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	(27,625)	(83,134)	(21,272)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	(18,750)
Redemption of 5.625% Senior Notes	(500)
Purchase of treasury shares	0	(17,101)	(212,003)
Debt issuance costs	0	0	(2,025)
Taxes paid related to the net share settlement of equity awards	(1,065)	(1,409)	(2,466)
Stock Option Exercises Related Tax Benefits And Other	8,917	6,416	5,396
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(742)	0	0
Cash dividend	(2,358)	(2,376)	(2,598)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(14,498)	(18,430)	(15,417)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	4,243	(5,375)	(34,911)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	49,967	10,758	59,834
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	179,604	168,846	109,012
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	229,571	179,604	168,846
Senior Credit Facility | Senior Credit Facility - Revolver
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0	(210)	220
Senior Credit Facility | Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	(18,750)	(3,750)	(3,375)
Proceeds from term loan	0	0	213,375
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Notes
Financing Activities
Redemption of 5.625% Senior Notes	$ (500)	$ 0	$ (11,941)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAS7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical)	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Apr. 16, 2012
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Notes
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.625%	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, 2014		78,481
Beginning 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
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, 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
Cash receipts from exercise of options	1,147
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	366
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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	(105,174)				(105,174)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(38,183)					(38,183)
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other (in shares)		20
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	453	$ 4	449
Restricted stock awards, vesting and withhold to cover (in shares)		235
Restricted stock awards issuance and vesting	0	$ 47	(47)
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	(2,357)				(2,357)
Treasury stock repurchases	(17,101)			(17,101)
Stock based compensation expense	10,442		10,442
Stock option exercises (in shares)		175
Stock option exercises	3,564	$ 35	3,529
Cash receipts from exercise of options	3,564
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	989
Excess tax benefit (shortfall) on stock option exercises	(3,943)		(3,943)
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust (in shares)		30
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	248	$ 6	242				1,646	(1,646)
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2016		79,393
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2016	520,950	$ 15,879	114,980	(617,731)	1,259,645	(251,823)	(2,646)	2,646
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings	(66,213)				(66,213)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	24,562					24,562
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other (in shares)		17
Company stock contribution to employee benefit plans and other	893	$ 3	890
Restricted stock awards, vesting and withhold to cover (in shares)		397
Restricted stock awards issuance and vesting	0	$ 79	(79)
Cash dividend ($0.04 per share)	(2,390)				(2,390)
Stock based compensation expense	16,733		16,733
Stock option exercises (in shares)		374
Stock option exercises		$ 75	7,687
Cash receipts from exercise of options	7,762
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	2,208
Excess tax benefit (shortfall) on stock option exercises	(2,042)		(2,042)
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust (in shares)		19
Stock issued to, acquired for and distributed from rabbi trust	284	$ 4	280				(50)	50
Shares, Issued at Aug. 31, 2017		80,200
Ending Balance at Aug. 31, 2017	$ 500,539	$ 16,040	$ 138,449	$ (617,731)	$ 1,191,042	$ (227,261)	$ (2,696)	$ 2,696

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHA9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividend, per share	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	New Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, 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 was adopted on September 1, 2016. As a result of adoption, debt issuance costs of $3.9 million were reclassified from other long-term assets to long-term debt, net (contra liability) on the balance sheet as of August 31, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements , further clarifying that ASU 2015-03 relates only to the presentation of debt issuance costs related to term loans and does not relate to lines-of-credit or revolvers. As such, the debt issuance costs related to the Company's revolver remain classified in other long-term assets. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, 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 was adopted on September 1, 2016. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory , which amends the existing guidance to prohibit immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax impacts of intra-entity asset transfers. The ASU eliminates this prohibition for all intra-entity asset transfers, except inventory. This guidance was adopted, on a modified retrospective basis, at September 1, 2016. The adoption did not have a material impact on the cumulative retained earnings or on the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under the ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the impairment loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance was adopted in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 in connection with our annual impairment testing, though no impairment charges resulted from our 2017 impairment testing. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which changes how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans present the net periodic benefit cost in the income statement. The new guidance requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be presented in the same income statement line items as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. Other components of the net periodic benefit cost are to be stated separately from service cost and outside of operating income. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019 for the Company) and interim periods within those annual periods. The amendment is to be applied retrospectively. Due to a majority of the Company's retirement benefit plans being frozen and the net periodic pension cost not being significant, the Company does not believe that adoption of this guidance will have a significant impact on the financial statements of the Company. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which will simplify several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions. The guidance will require, among other items, that all excess tax deficiencies or benefits be recorded as income tax expense or benefit in the statement of earnings and not in additional paid-in capital (shareholder's equity). This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (fiscal 2018 for the Company) and interim periods within those annual periods. The impact of the adoption of this guidance will have the following effects: • add additional income tax expense (benefit) in the statement of operations which will create volatility in the Company's effective tax rate; • the Company will no longer reclassify the excess tax benefit from operating activities to financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows; • impact our computation of diluted earnings per share as the Company will exclude the excess tax benefit from the assumed proceeds available to repurchase shares. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under ASU 2014-09 and subsequent updates included in ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2017-13, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects to receive 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 fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019 for the Company). The Company has begun assessing its various revenue streams to identify performance obligations under these ASUs and the key aspects of the standard that will impact the Company's revenue recognition process. Based upon our preliminary assessments, these standards may impact our allocation of contract revenue between various products and services and the timing of when those revenues are recognized, but do not expect a material or significant impact to amounts recognized. Given the diversity of its commercial arrangements, the Company is continuing to assess the impact these standards may have on its consolidated results of operation, financial position, cash flows and financial statement disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing all lease transactions (with terms in excess of 12 months) on the balance sheet as a lease liability and a right-of-use asset. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2020 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Upon adoption, the lessee will apply the new standard retrospectively to all periods presented or retrospectively using a cumulative effect adjustment in the year of adoption. The Company is currently gathering, documenting and analyzing lease agreements related this ASU and anticipates material additions to the balance sheet upon adoption of right-of-use assets, offset by the associated liabilities, due to our routine use of operating leases over time. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016‑15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , to address how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years. This update will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply. The Company does not believe that this guidance will have a significant impact on its presentation of the statement of cash flows.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 1. 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, energy and other 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 ( 18.0% and 21.0% of total inventories in 2017 and 2016 , 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 reported amounts in the consolidated balance sheets by $3.9 million and $3.7 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016 , 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 (joint integrity tools) which are rented to customers of our Energy segment businesses. 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 one 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, an impairment loss is recorded. 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 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 rollforward of the changes in product warranty reserves for fiscal years 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 2017 2016 Beginning balance $ 5,592 $ 3,719 Provision for warranties 5,608 5,985 Warranty payments and costs incurred (4,714 ) (4,058 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 130 (57 ) Warranty reserve of acquired business — 3 Ending balance $ 6,616 $ 5,592 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. Revenue for highly custom product sales with a project duration greater than three months and exceeding a value of approximately $0.5 million is generally recognized under the percentage-of-completion method utilizing efforts expended or cost-to-cost input measures. Revenues for long-term contracts that do not meet these criteria are recognized under the completed contract method once delivery has occurred and passage of title and risk of loss have transfered to the customer. Unearned revenue related to long-term customer contracts was $10.1 million and $7.7 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016, 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 $11.2 million and $7.8 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company records costs associated with shipping its products in cost of products sold. Research and Development Costs: Research and development costs consist primarily of an allocation of overall engineering and development resources and are expensed as incurred. Such costs incurred in the development of new products or significant improvements to existing products were $21.9 million , $18.3 million and $17.7 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , 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 net foreign currency exchange transaction losses of $3.1 million , $1.3 million and $0.1 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Financing Costs: Financing costs represent interest expense, financing fees and amortization of debt issuance costs, net of interest income. Interest income was $1.2 million , $1.7 million and $1.9 million for fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. 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.” Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: The following is a summary of the Company's accumulated other comprehensive loss (in thousands): August 31, 2017 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 207,804 $ 228,274 Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax 19,457 23,549 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 227,261 $ 251,823 Use of Estimates: The Company has recorded reserves 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. New Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, 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 was adopted on September 1, 2016. As a result of adoption, debt issuance costs of $3.9 million were reclassified from other long-term assets to long-term debt, net (contra liability) on the balance sheet as of August 31, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements , further clarifying that ASU 2015-03 relates only to the presentation of debt issuance costs related to term loans and does not relate to lines-of-credit or revolvers. As such, the debt issuance costs related to the Company's revolver remain classified in other long-term assets. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, 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 was adopted on September 1, 2016. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory , which amends the existing guidance to prohibit immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax impacts of intra-entity asset transfers. The ASU eliminates this prohibition for all intra-entity asset transfers, except inventory. This guidance was adopted, on a modified retrospective basis, at September 1, 2016. The adoption did not have a material impact on the cumulative retained earnings or on the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under the ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the impairment loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance was adopted in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 in connection with our annual impairment testing, though no impairment charges resulted from our 2017 impairment testing. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which changes how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans present the net periodic benefit cost in the income statement. The new guidance requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be presented in the same income statement line items as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. Other components of the net periodic benefit cost are to be stated separately from service cost and outside of operating income. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019 for the Company) and interim periods within those annual periods. The amendment is to be applied retrospectively. Due to a majority of the Company's retirement benefit plans being frozen and the net periodic pension cost not being significant, the Company does not believe that adoption of this guidance will have a significant impact on the financial statements of the Company. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which will simplify several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions. The guidance will require, among other items, that all excess tax deficiencies or benefits be recorded as income tax expense or benefit in the statement of earnings and not in additional paid-in capital (shareholder's equity). This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (fiscal 2018 for the Company) and interim periods within those annual periods. The impact of the adoption of this guidance will have the following effects: • add additional income tax expense (benefit) in the statement of operations which will create volatility in the Company's effective tax rate; • the Company will no longer reclassify the excess tax benefit from operating activities to financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows; • impact our computation of diluted earnings per share as the Company will exclude the excess tax benefit from the assumed proceeds available to repurchase shares. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under ASU 2014-09 and subsequent updates included in ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2017-13, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects to receive 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 fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019 for the Company). The Company has begun assessing its various revenue streams to identify performance obligations under these ASUs and the key aspects of the standard that will impact the Company's revenue recognition process. Based upon our preliminary assessments, these standards may impact our allocation of contract revenue between various products and services and the timing of when those revenues are recognized, but do not expect a material or significant impact to amounts recognized. Given the diversity of its commercial arrangements, the Company is continuing to assess the impact these standards may have on its consolidated results of operation, financial position, cash flows and financial statement disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing all lease transactions (with terms in excess of 12 months) on the balance sheet as a lease liability and a right-of-use asset. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2020 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Upon adoption, the lessee will apply the new standard retrospectively to all periods presented or retrospectively using a cumulative effect adjustment in the year of adoption. The Company is currently gathering, documenting and analyzing lease agreements related this ASU and anticipates material additions to the balance sheet upon adoption of right-of-use assets, offset by the associated liabilities, due to our routine use of operating leases over time. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016‑15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , to address how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years. This update will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply. The Company does not believe that this guidance will have a significant impact on its presentation of the statement of cash flows.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 one 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, an impairment loss is recorded. 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 impairment tests, principally in determining the fair value of each reporting unit and the indefinite lived intangible assets.

Director & Officer Transition C

Director & Officer Transition Charges (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
Compensation Related Costs, General [Text Block]	Note 2. Director & Officer Transition Charges During the year-ended August 31, 2017 , the Company recorded separation and transition charges of $7.8 million in connection with the retirement of one director of the Company's Board of Directors and the transition of the Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer. The charges were mainly comprised of compensation expense for accelerated equity vesting, severance, outplacement, legal, signing bonus and relocation costs.

Restructuring Charges (Notes)

Restructuring Charges (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 3. Restructuring Charges The Company has committed to various restructuring initiatives including workforce reductions, plant consolidations to reduce manufacturing overhead, satellite office closures, the continued movement of production and product sourcing to low cost alternatives and the centralization and standardization of certain administrative functions. Total restructuring charges for these activities were $7.2 million and $14.6 million for the year-ended August 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively and impacted all segments. Liabilities for severance will generally be paid during the next twelve months, while future lease payments related to facilities vacated as a result of restructuring will be paid over the underlying remaining lease terms. The following rollforwards summarize restructuring reserve activity by segment (in thousands): Year Ended August 31, 2017 Industrial Energy Engineered Solutions Corporate Total Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 1,343 $ 3,021 $ 1,863 $ 46 $ 6,273 Restructuring charges 1,687 1,942 3,488 111 7,228 Cash payments (2,384 ) (1,460 ) (3,582 ) (83 ) (7,509 ) Other non-cash uses of reserve (436 ) (41 ) (6 ) (44 ) (527 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (8 ) 151 29 — 172 Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ 202 $ 3,613 $ 1,792 $ 30 $ 5,637 Year Ended August 31, 2016 Industrial Energy Engineered Solutions Corporate Total Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Restructuring charges 3,158 5,544 5,411 458 14,571 Cash payments (1,772 ) (2,345 ) (3,199 ) (203 ) (7,519 ) Other non-cash uses of reserve (54 ) (166 ) (364 ) (209 ) (793 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 11 (12 ) 15 — 14 Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 1,343 $ 3,021 $ 1,863 $ 46 $ 6,273

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Note 4. Acquisitions During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company signed a definitive agreement to purchase Mirage, a manufacturer of industrial and energy maintenance tools, for approximately $16 million , plus potential future performance-based consideration. The acquisition is expected to close in the first half of fiscal 2018, pending pre-close conditions. 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 makes an initial allocation of the purchase price, at the date of acquisition, based upon 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), the Company will refine its estimates of fair value and adjust the purchase price allocation accordingly. Fiscal 2016 Acquisitions: The Company acquired the stock of Larzep, S.A. ("Larzep") on February 17, 2016 for a purchase price of $15.9 million , net of cash acquired. This Industrial segment tuck-in acquisition is headquartered in Mallabia, Spain and is a supplier of hydraulic tools and solutions. The purchase price allocation resulted in $9.7 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $4.8 million of intangible assets, including $3.6 million of customer relationships and $1.2 million of tradenames. The Company also acquired the assets of the Middle East, Caspian and the North African business of FourQuest Energy Inc. ("Pipeline and Process Services") for $65.5 million on March 30, 2016 . This Hydratight tuck-in acquisition was funded with existing cash and expands the geographic presence and service offerings of the Energy segment, including pipeline pre-commissioning, engineering, chemical cleaning and leak testing. The purchase price resulted in $37.4 million of goodwill (which is not deductible for tax purposes) and $8.7 million of intangible assets, including $8.0 million of customer relationships and $0.7 million of non-compete agreements. During fiscal 2017, goodwill related to this acquisition increased by $1.1 million as a result of adjustments to reflect the fair value of acquired accounts receivable and accounts payable. Total sales in fiscal 2017 and 2016 for these two acquired business were $32.8 million and $19.1 million , respectively. The Company incurred acquisition transaction costs of $2.1 million in fiscal 2016 (included in selling, administrative and engineering expenses in the consolidated statement of operations), related to these two acquisitions. The following unaudited pro forma operating results give effect to these two acquisitions as though the transactions and related financing activities had occurred on September 1, 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts). 2016 2015 Net Sales As reported $ 1,149,410 $ 1,249,254 Pro Forma 1,175,304 1,275,965 Net (loss) earnings As reported $ (105,174 ) $ 19,872 Pro Forma (100,927 ) 20,361 Basic (loss) earnings pe r share As reported $ (1.78 ) $ 0.32 Pro Forma (1.71 ) 0.33 Diluted (loss) earnings per share As reported $ (1.78 ) $ 0.32 Pro Forma (1.71 ) 0.33

Divestiture Activities

Divestiture Activities	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Note 5. Divestiture Activities During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 , the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell the Viking business (Energy segment) for $12 million , net of estimated transaction costs and working capital adjustment. The divestiture results in the Company's exit from the offshore mooring market and significantly limits our exposure to upstream, offshore oil & gas. As a result, the Company recognized impairment and other divestiture charges in fiscal 2017 of $117.0 million , comprised of: (i) $28.6 million cash charge related to the operating lease buyout of certain rental assets; (ii) non-cash impairment charge of $85.1 million representing the excess of the net book value of assets held for sale to the anticipated proceeds which includes $ 69.0 million related to the recognition in earnings of the cumulative effect of foreign currency rate changes since acquisition and (iii) $3.3 million of other divestiture charges. The write down of net assets generated an income tax benefit of $8.1 million in fiscal 2017; see Note 12, “Income Taxes” for further discussion. The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities held for sale of the Viking business (in thousands): August 31, 2017 Accounts receivable, net $ 2,426 Inventories, net 190 Property, plant & equipment, net 7,534 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,927 Other long-term assets 9,758 Assets held for sale $ 21,835 Trade accounts payable $ 1,883 Other current liabilities (including divestiture accruals) 1,637 Rental asset lease buyout liability 28,644 Reserve for cumulative translation adjustment 68,919 Liabilities held for sale $ 101,083 The results of the Viking business (which had net sales of $ 18.7 million and operating loss of $ 11.7 million in fiscal 2017 ) are not material to the consolidated financial results and are included in continuing operations. The sale transaction is expected to close in the first half of fiscal 2018 (pending regulatory and governmental approvals) and we anticipate recognizing an additional $15.0 million to $20.0 million in after tax product line disposal charges upon closing. On August 25, 2016 , the Company completed the divestiture of its Sanlo business (Engineered Solutions segment) for $9.7 million in cash, net of transaction costs. This divestiture resulted in a $5.1 million pre-tax loss, but a $1.6 million gain net of tax. The results of the Sanlo business (which had net sales of $10.8 million and $12.4 million in fiscal 2016 and 2015, respectively) are not material to the consolidated financial results and are included in continuing operations.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Note 6. Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets 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, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Industrial Energy Engineered Solutions Total Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ 92,107 $ 236,450 $ 279,699 $ 608,256 Business acquisitions 9,726 36,241 — 45,967 Impairment charge — (73,919 ) (44,543 ) (118,462 ) Business divestiture (Sanlo) — — (3,778 ) (3,778 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (94 ) (11,451 ) (1,162 ) (12,707 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 101,739 187,321 230,216 519,276 Purchase accounting adjustments (59 ) 1,144 — 1,085 Impact of changes in foreign currency rates $ 2,195 $ 365 $ 7,160 $ 9,720 Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ 103,875 $ 188,830 $ 237,376 $ 530,081 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, 2017 August 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 15 $ 263,498 $ 153,003 $ 110,495 $ 292,671 $ 166,252 $ 126,419 Patents 10 30,401 24,027 6,374 30,296 22,233 8,063 Trademarks and tradenames 18 21,498 9,396 12,102 21,283 7,936 13,347 Non-compete agreements & other 3 6,672 6,234 438 6,627 5,890 737 Indefinite lived intangible assets: Tradenames N/A 91,080 — 91,080 90,909 — 90,909 $ 413,149 $ 192,660 $ 220,489 $ 441,786 $ 202,311 $ 239,475 Amortization expense for future years is estimated to be: $20.4 million in fiscal year 2018 , $19.8 million in fiscal 2019 , $19.2 million in fiscal 2020 , $18.3 million in fiscal 2021 , $16.3 million in fiscal 2022 and $35.4 million in aggregate thereafter. The future amortization expense amounts represent estimates and may be impacted by future acquisitions, divestitures or changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Fiscal 2016 Impairment Charge The prolonged unfavorable conditions in the global oil & gas markets, including additional cuts in projected capital spending by energy customers, reduced exploration, drilling and commissioning activities and excess capacity in the industry (given continued low oil & gas prices) were expected to have an adverse impact on the future financial results of the Cortland and Viking businesses. Accordingly, during the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recognized a $140.9 million impairment charge (as a result of lower projected future sales and profits) related to the Cortland and Viking businesses. The maximatecc business (Engineered Solutions segment), manufactures severe-duty electronic instrumentation including displays and clusters, machine controls and sensors. Weakness in off-highway vehicle and agricultural markets, coupled with challenging overall industrial fundamentals, recent reductions in OEM customer build rates and production schedules (in order to reduce inventory levels) and delays in the start of production by certain European OEMs for new or updated design models resulted in reduced sales and profitability of the maximatecc business. As a result of lower projected sales and profits, during the second quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company recognized a $45.7 million impairment charge related to the goodwill and intangible assets of the maximatecc business. A summary of the fiscal 2016 impairment charge by reporting unit is as follows (in thousands): Cortland Viking maximatecc Total Goodwill $ 34,502 $ 39,099 $ 44,521 $ 118,122 Indefinite lived intangible assets 2,211 13,289 1,153 16,653 Amortizable intangible assets — 27,952 — 27,952 Fixed assets — 23,784 — 23,784 $ 36,713 $ 104,124 $ 45,674 $ 186,511 Fiscal 2015 Impairment Charge The dramatic decline in oil prices in 2015 caused a slowdown in upstream oil & gas activity as asset owners hesitated on starting new oil & gas exploration drilling and development projects, while certain existing projects were deferred or canceled and capital spending was reduced. As a result of these unfavorable market conditions, in fiscal 2015 the Company recognized an $84.4 million impairment charge related to the write-down of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets of the Cortland and Viking businesses. The impairment charge consisted of a $78.5 million impairment of goodwill and a $6.4 million impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets (tradenames).

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Note 7. Debt The following is a summary of the Company’s long-term indebtedness (in thousands): August 31, 2017 2016 Senior Credit Facility Revolver $ — $ — Term Loan 277,500 296,250 277,500 296,250 5.625% Senior Notes 287,559 288,059 Total Senior Indebtedness 565,059 584,309 Less: current maturities of long-term debt (30,000 ) (18,750 ) Debt issuance costs (3,119 ) (3,878 ) Total long-term debt, less current maturities $ 531,940 $ 561,681 The Company’s Senior Credit Facility matures on May 8, 2020 , provides a $600 million revolver, a $300 million term loan and a $450 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 a spread of 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, 2017 , the borrowing spread on LIBOR based borrowings was 2.00% (aggregating to a 3.25% variable rate borrowing cost on the outstanding term loan balance). 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, 2017 , the unused credit line under the revolver was $597.0 million , of which $101.5 million was available for borrowings. Quarterly term loan principal payments of $3.8 million began on June 30, 2016 , increased to $7.5 million per quarter on June 30, 2017 and extend through March 31, 2020, 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, 2017 . On April 16, 2012 , the Company issued $300 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. The Company repurchased $0.5 million and $12 million of the Senior Notes during fiscal 2017 and 2015, respectively. The Company made cash interest payments of $27.1 million , $27.2 million and $24.8 million in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 8. 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, accounts receivable, accounts payable and its variable rate long-term debt approximated book value at August 31, 2017 and 2016 due to their short-term nature and the fact that the interest rates approximated year-end market rates. Foreign currency exchange contracts are recorded at fair value. The fair value of the Company's foreign currency exchange contracts was a net liability of $0.2 million and $0.7 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The fair value of the foreign currency exchange contracts was based on quoted inactive market prices and is therefore classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy. The fair value of the Company’s outstanding 5.625% Senior Notes was $295.8 million and $299.6 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016 , 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, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
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 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 historically hedged portions of its forecasted inventory purchases and other cash flows that are denominated in non-functional currencies (cash flow hedges). However, there were no cash flow hedges outstanding at August 31, 2017 and 2016 . 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 (fair value hedges or non-designated hedges) was $22.0 million and $143.4 million , at August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The fair value of outstanding foreign currency exchange contracts was a liability of $0.2 million and $0.7 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Net foreign currency losses related to these derivative instruments are as follows (in thousands): Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Foreign currency losses, net $ (2,962 ) $ (1,520 ) $ (95 )

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Note 10. 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, 2017 , future obligations under non-cancelable operating leases were as follows: $28.0 million in fiscal 2018 ; $22.9 million in fiscal 2019 ; $18.6 million in fiscal 2020 ; $13.3 million in fiscal 2021 ; $10.7 million in fiscal 2022 ; and $12.7 million in aggregate thereafter. Total rental expense under operating leases was $37.4 million , $37.6 million and $35.7 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As discussed in Note 16, “Commitments and Contingencies” 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, 2017
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans U.S. Defined Benefit Pension Plans All of the U.S. defined benefit pension plans are frozen, and as a result, 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 respective August 31 measurement date (in thousands): 2017 2016 Reconciliation of benefit obligations: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 50,409 $ 45,612 Interest cost 1,690 1,970 Actuarial (gain) loss (1,997 ) 5,604 Benefits paid (3,296 ) (2,777 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 46,806 $ 50,409 Reconciliation of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 39,489 $ 39,181 Actual return on plan assets 3,599 2,687 Company contributions 235 398 Benefits paid from plan assets (3,296 ) (2,777 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 40,027 39,489 Funded status of the plans (underfunded) $ (6,779 ) $ (10,920 ) The following table provides detail on the Company’s domestic net periodic benefit income (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Interest cost $ 1,690 $ 1,970 $ 1,920 Expected return on assets (2,867 ) (2,997 ) (3,143 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,141 837 828 Net periodic benefit income $ (36 ) $ (190 ) $ (395 ) At August 31, 2017 and 2016 , $16.0 million and $18.4 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 2018 , $0.7 million of these net of tax 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: 2017 2016 2015 Assumptions for benefit obligations: Discount rate 3.60 % 3.45 % 4.45 % Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 3.45 % 4.45 % 4.15 % Expected return on plan assets 7.15 % 7.40 % 7.50 % 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 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, 2017 , the Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return for assets in U.S. pension plans was 7.00% . 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 is 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 8, “Fair Value Measurements.” The U.S. pension plan investment allocations by asset category were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended August 31, 2017 % 2016 % Cash and cash equivalents $ 395 1.0 % $ 347 0.9 % Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds 8,475 21.2 8,372 21.2 Mutual funds 3,139 7.8 3,351 8.5 11,614 29.0 11,723 29.7 Equity securities: Mutual funds 28,018 70.0 27,419 69.4 Total plan assets $ 40,027 100.0 % $ 39,489 100.0 % Projected benefit payments from plan assets to participants in the Company’s U.S. pension plans are $2.9 million per year for each of the next five years and $14.6 million in aggregate for the following five years. Foreign Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company has ten foreign defined benefit pension plans which cover certain existing and former employees of businesses outside the U.S. Most of the participants in the foreign defined benefit pension plans are current employees and are earning additional benefits. The funded status of these plans is summarized as follows (in thousands): August 31, 2017 2016 Benefit obligation $ 14,645 $ 16,808 Fair value of plan assets 7,950 8,502 Funded status of plans (underfunded) $ (6,695 ) $ (8,306 ) Net periodic benefit cost for these foreign plans was $1.0 million , $0.7 million and $1.0 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The weighted average discount rate utilized for determining the benefit obligation at August 31, 2017 and 2016 was 2.3% and 1.9% , respectively. The plan assets of these foreign pension plans consist primarily of participating units in fixed income and equity securities and insurance contracts. The Company’s overall expected long-term rate of return on these investments is 4.6% . During fiscal 2018 , the Company anticipates contributing $0.4 million to these pension plans. Projected benefit payments from plan assets to participants in the these foreign plans are $0.3 million for fiscal 2018 , $0.3 million for fiscal 2019 , $0.4 million for fiscal 2020 , $0.5 million for fiscal 2021 , $0.6 million for fiscal 2022 and $2.6 million in aggregate for the following five years. 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 $3.8 million and $4.0 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. These obligations are determined utilizing assumptions consistent with those used for our U.S. pension plans and a health care cost trend rate of 7.3% , trending downward to 5.0% by the year 2026, and remaining level thereafter. Net periodic benefit (income) costs for other postretirement benefits was less than $0.2 million for each of the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . Benefit payments from the plan are funded through participant contributions and Company contributions and are projected to be $0.3 million in fiscal 2018 . 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 can fund either cash or issue 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 $4.7 million , $4.4 million and $4.3 million for the years ended August 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In addition to the 401(k) plan, the Company sponsors a non-qualified supplemental executive retirement plan (“the SERP Plan”). The SERP Plan is an unfunded defined contribution plan that covers certain executive employees and has an annual contribution formula based on age and years of service (with Company contributions ranging from 3% to 6% of eligible wages). This unfunded plan had a $1.6 million obligation at both August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Expense recognized for the SERP Plan was $0.3 million per year for fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . 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 $20.9 million and $22.2 million are included in the consolidated balance sheets at August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, to reflect the unfunded portion of the deferred compensation liability. The Company recorded expense in "Financing costs, net" of $1.6 million , $1.6 million and $1.8 million for the years ended August 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , 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.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 12. Income Taxes Income tax (benefit) expense is summarized as follows (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Currently payable: Federal $ (14,769 ) $ 2,205 $ (126 ) Foreign 15,665 11,838 21,200 State (850 ) 912 (1,616 ) 46 14,955 19,458 Deferred: Federal 603 (12,470 ) (4,416 ) Foreign (16,837 ) (23,797 ) (9,199 ) State (290 ) (3,858 ) (324 ) (16,524 ) (40,125 ) (13,939 ) Income tax (benefit) expense $ (16,478 ) $ (25,170 ) $ 5,519 Income tax (benefit) expense recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations differs from the amounts computed by applying the federal income tax rate to (loss) earnings before income tax (benefit) 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, 2017 2016 2015 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of Federal effect 1.1 1.2 (0.2 ) Net effects of foreign tax rate differential and credits (1) (2.7 ) 1.6 (58.4 ) Domestic manufacturing deduction 0.6 0.3 (5.1 ) Foreign branch currency (gains) losses (0.3 ) 4.9 — Impairment and other divestiture charges (2) (11.2 ) (27.0 ) 78.6 Valuation allowance additions and releases (3) (16.2 ) (0.7 ) 15.5 Changes in liability for unrecognized tax benefits (4) (3.7 ) (0.9 ) (42.1 ) Taxable liquidation of foreign subsidiaries (5) 22.1 — — Foreign non-deductible expenses (4.6 ) — — Changes in tax rates (2.1 ) — — Business divestitures — 3.9 — Other items 1.9 1.0 (1.6 ) Effective income tax rate 19.9 % 19.3 % 21.7 % (1) During fiscal 2015, the Company generated $10.0 million of foreign tax credits, the result of a non-recurring non-permanent loan from a foreign subsidiary (which were utilized to reduce fiscal 2015 tax obligations) and had a higher proportion of non-U.S. earnings. (2) Fiscal 2017, 2016 and fiscal 2015 net (loss) earnings include $117.0 million , $186.5 million and $84.4 million , respectively, in impairment and other divestiture charges related to goodwill, intangible assets, tangible assets and the cumulative effect of foreign currency rate changes of which $47.9 million , $68.0 million and $6.3 million , respectively, are deductible for income tax purposes. (3) Incremental valuation allowances of $15.1 million and $5.7 million were recorded in fiscal 2017 and 2015, respectively, due to uncertainty regarding utilization of foreign operating loss carryforwards, which were partially offset by a reduction of $0.6 million and $2.3 million of reserves for fiscal 2017 and 2015, respectively. (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 2017, the Company generated a net benefit of $14.9 million , the result of taxable liquidations of foreign subsidiaries. Temporary differences and carryforwards that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities include the following items (in thousands): August 31, 2017 2016 Deferred income tax assets: Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards $ 41,985 $ 36,761 Compensation related liabilities 17,319 25,086 Postretirement benefits 14,359 8,727 Inventory 2,958 3,044 Book reserves and other items 14,224 8,317 Total deferred income tax assets 90,845 81,935 Valuation allowance (22,671 ) (8,147 ) Net deferred income tax assets 68,174 73,788 Deferred income tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization (77,548 ) (83,020 ) Other items (1,910 ) (5,493 ) Deferred income tax liabilities (79,458 ) (88,513 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (11,284 ) $ (14,725 ) The Company has $62.7 million of state loss carryforwards, which are available to reduce future state tax liabilities. These state net operating loss carryforwards expire at various times through 2037. The Company also has $112.0 million of foreign loss carryforwards which are available to reduce certain future foreign tax liabilities. Approximately one-half of the foreign loss carryforwards are not subject to any expiration dates, while the other balances expire at various times through 2027. The valuation allowance represents a reserve for deferred tax assets, including loss 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): 2017 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 29,174 $ 29,924 $ 39,509 Increases based on tax positions related to the current year 6,057 1,050 2,183 Increase for tax positions taken in a prior period 297 475 8,935 Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior period (627 ) — (633 ) Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations (4,008 ) (1,027 ) (4,464 ) Decrease due to settlements — — (14,180 ) Changes in foreign currency exchange rates 553 (1,248 ) (1,426 ) Ending balance $ 31,446 $ 29,174 $ 29,924 Substantially all of these unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate. As of August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized $2.9 million , $2.3 million and $1.8 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. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities in major tax jurisdictions for years prior to fiscal 2007. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease by up to $4.6 million throughout fiscal 2018. The Company’s policy is to remit earnings from foreign subsidiaries only to the extent the remittance does not result in an incremental U.S. tax liability. 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 $213.7 million at August 31, 2017. If all such undistributed earnings were no longer permanently reinvested, the Company would incur additional tax expense of $21.7 million to record the related deferred tax liability. (Loss) earnings before income taxes, are summarized as follows (in thousands): Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Domestic $ 12,635 $ (19,182 ) $ 14,593 Foreign (95,326 ) (111,162 ) 10,798 $ (82,691 ) $ (130,344 ) $ 25,391 Both domestic and foreign pre-tax earnings are impacted by changes in operating earnings, acquisition and divestiture activities, restructuring charges and the related benefits, growth investments, debt levels and the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In fiscal 2017, domestic earnings included $7.8 million of transition costs while foreign earnings included $117.0 million of impairment and other divestiture charges. In fiscal 2016, domestic earnings included a non-cash impairment charge of $49.0 million and a $5.1 million loss on the Sanlo divestiture while foreign earnings included a $137.5 million non-cash impairment charge. Fiscal 2015 domestic and foreign earnings included a non-cash impairment charge of $20.3 million and $64.1 million , respectively. Approximately 63% , 53% and 68% of pre-tax earnings (excluding impairment and other divestiture charges) were generated in foreign jurisdictions with tax rates lower than the U.S. federal income tax rate during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds totaled $11.8 million , $21.4 million , and $ 26.4 million (including tax due on divestitures) during the years ended August 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Capital Stock and Share Repurch

Capital Stock and Share Repurchases	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Capital Stock and Share Repurchases	Note 13. Capital Stock and Share Repurchases The authorized common stock of the Company as of August 31, 2017 consisted of 168,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, 0.20 par value, of which 80,200,110 shares were issued and 59,760,676 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 approved 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, 2017 , cumulative shares repurchased under these authorizations totaled 20,439,434 , leaving 7,560,566 shares authorized for future buy backs. Earnings Per Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Numerator: Net (loss) earnings $ (66,213 ) $ (105,174 ) $ 19,872 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 59,436 59,010 61,262 Net effect of dilutive securities - stock based compensation plans — — 793 Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 59,436 59,010 62,055 Basic (Loss) Earnings Per Share: $ (1.11 ) $ (1.78 ) $ 0.32 Diluted (Loss) Earnings Per Share: $ (1.11 ) $ (1.78 ) $ 0.32 Anti-dilutive securities- stock based compensation plans (excluding from earnings per share calculation ) (1) 4,482 4,832 2,056 (1) As a result of the impairment and other divestiture charges which caused a net loss in fiscal 2017 and 2016, shares from stock based compensation plans are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share, as the result would be anti-dilutive.

Stock Plans

Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Plans	Note 14. Stock Plans Stock options may be granted to key employees and directors under the Actuant Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). At August 31, 2017 , 4,325,000 shares of Class A common stock were authorized for issuance under the plan plus an additional 1,800,000 shares being registered to cover shares, if any, that become issuable, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, upon the expiration, cancellation or forfeiture of existing awards under our previously registered stock plans, of which 4,524,027 shares were available for future award grants. The Plan permits the Company to grant share-based awards, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares (the "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 prior to 2017 generally have similar vesting provisions as options while grants thereafter generally vest 33% after one year, 66% after two years and 100% after three years. 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 2017 is as follows: Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate Outstanding on September 1, 2016 3,478,062 $ 23.96 Granted 307,390 26.95 Exercised (461,355 ) 21.65 Forfeited (132,467 ) 28.34 Outstanding on August 31, 2017 3,191,630 $ 24.40 4.8 $ 5.6 million Exercisable on August 31, 2017 2,340,204 $ 24.22 3.6 $ 5.0 million Intrinsic value is the difference between the market value of the stock at August 31, 2017 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 summarized below (in thousands, except per share amounts): Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share) $ 11.88 $ 8.63 $ 8.35 Intrinsic value of options exercised 2,208 989 366 Cash receipts from exercise of options 7,762 3,564 1,147 A summary of restricted stock activity (including Performance Shares) during fiscal 2017 is as follows: Number of Weighted-Average Fair Value at Grant Date (Per Share) Outstanding on August 31, 2016 1,353,505 $25.21 Granted 474,071 26.13 Forfeited (76,338 ) 27.01 Vested (460,790 ) 26.65 Outstanding on August 31, 2017 1,290,448 24.95 As of August 31, 2017 , there was $23.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock awards/units, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years. The total fair value of share-based awards that vested during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2017 and 2016 was $16.1 million and $12.4 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, 2017 2016 2015 Dividend yield 0.15 % 0.19 % 0.15 % Expected volatility 38.12 % 38.06 % 37.80 % Risk-free rate of return 2.42 % 2.06 % 1.19 % Expected forfeiture rate 11 % 13 % 14 % Expected life 7.6 years 6.1 years 6.1 years

Business Segment, Geographic an

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information	Note 15. Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information The Company is a global manufacturer of a broad range of industrial products and systems and is organized into three reportable segments: Industrial, Energy and Engineered Solutions. The Industrial segment is primarily involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of branded hydraulic and mechanical tools to the maintenance, industrial, infrastructure and production automation markets. The Energy segment provides joint integrity products and services, customized offshore vessel mooring solutions, as well as rope and cable solutions to the global oil & gas, power generation and other 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, 2017 2016 2015 Net Sales by Reportable Product Line & Segment: Industrial Segment: Industrial Tools $ 335,569 $ 314,832 $ 355,170 Heavy Lifting Technology 44,186 44,985 47,294 379,755 359,817 402,464 Energy Segment: Energy Maintenance & Integrity 225,716 278,881 246,357 Other Energy Services 83,878 113,849 165,518 309,594 392,731 411,875 Engineered Solutions Segment: On-Highway 215,831 209,575 220,889 Agriculture, Off-Highway and Other 190,604 187,287 214,026 406,435 396,862 434,915 $ 1,095,784 $ 1,149,410 $ 1,249,254 Operating (Loss) Profit: Industrial $ 84,936 $ 79,773 $ 105,652 Energy (1) (119,020 ) (107,528 ) (41,351 ) Engineered Solutions (2) 16,883 (42,991 ) 19,789 General Corporate (33,035 ) (29,471 ) (30,536 ) $ (50,236 ) $ (100,217 ) $ 53,554 (1) Energy segment operating (loss) profit includes impairment and other divestiture charges of $117.0 million , $140.9 million and $84.4 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (2) Engineered Solutions segment operating profit (loss) includes an impairment charge of $45.7 million in fiscal 2016 and a $5.1 million loss on the Sanlo divestiture. Depreciation and Amortization: Industrial $ 7,583 $ 8,175 $ 8,257 Energy 18,943 21,944 26,532 Engineered Solutions 14,572 15,910 16,652 General Corporate 2,012 1,749 1,798 $ 43,110 $ 47,777 $ 53,239 Capital Expenditures Industrial $ 6,566 $ 2,570 $ 1,249 Energy 12,076 9,355 11,864 Engineered Solutions 6,857 5,974 8,472 General Corporate 2,696 2,310 931 $ 28,195 $ 20,209 $ 22,516 August 31, 2017 2016 Assets: Industrial $ 329,134 $ 308,222 Energy 482,963 479,169 Engineered Solutions 531,068 493,840 General Corporate 173,790 157,429 $ 1,516,955 $ 1,438,660 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 net sales and long-lived assets (fixed assets and other long-term assets, excluding deferred tax assets and debt issuance cots) by geographic region (in thousands): Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net Sales: United States $ 480,801 $ 477,670 $ 526,061 Netherlands 130,724 143,517 139,432 United Kingdom 84,106 115,183 113,743 Australia 38,924 62,779 94,319 UAE 39,974 55,906 44,211 All other 321,255 294,355 331,489 $ 1,095,784 $ 1,149,410 $ 1,249,254 August 31, 2017 2016 Long-lived Assets: United States $ 36,254 $ 32,205 China 16,332 16,863 Netherlands 9,134 8,027 UAE 8,451 8,399 United Kingdom 5,467 9,914 Australia 1,286 15,399 All other 21,410 34,399 $ 98,334 $ 117,179 The Company’s largest customer accounted for less than 3% of sales in each of the last three fiscal years. Export sales from domestic operations were approximately 6% of total net sales in each of the periods presented. In fiscal 2017, sales of products contributed approximately 82% of consolidated net sales, with the remaining revenue generated from engineering and technical manpower services, rental contracts and other sources. We provide certain Energy segment customers bundled products, services and rental assets. Further, our systems do not allocate costs between these sales categories. As a result, it is neither practical nor cost effective to disaggregate revenue and cost of sales separately for product sales, rental income and service revenue.

Comitments and Contingencies

Comitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies and Litigation	Note 16. Commitments and Contingencies The Company had outstanding letters of credit of $14.5 million and $17.8 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, the majority of which relate to commercial contracts and self-insured workers compensation programs. 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 and other disputes. The Company has recorded reserves for loss contingencies based on the specific circumstances of each case. Such reserves are recorded when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and can be reasonably estimated. In the opinion of management, the resolution of these contingencies are not expected to 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 $13.5 million using a weighted average discount rate of 2.29% at August 31, 2017 (including $10.7 million related to the former 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, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Guarantor Subsidiaries	Note 17. Guarantor Subsidiaries On April 16, 2012, Actuant Corporation (the “Parent”) issued $300.0 million of 5.625% Senior Notes, of which $287.6 million remains outstanding as of August 31, 2017 . 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. 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. 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. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 145,223 $ 355,989 $ 594,572 $ — $ 1,095,784 Cost of products sold 34,300 260,700 421,067 — 716,067 Gross profit 110,923 95,289 173,505 — 379,717 Selling, administrative and engineering expenses 74,996 69,826 132,666 — 277,488 Amortization of intangible assets 1,272 11,715 7,487 — 20,474 Restructuring charges 826 1,359 5,043 — 7,228 Director & officer transition charges 7,784 — — — 7,784 Impairment & other divestiture charges — — 116,979 — 116,979 Operating profit (loss) 26,045 12,389 (88,670 ) — (50,236 ) Financing costs, net 30,005 35 (337 ) — 29,703 Intercompany (income) expense, net (22,941 ) 22,066 875 — — Intercompany dividends 5,353 (59,401 ) (5,353 ) 59,401 — Other expense (income), net 2,690 87 (25 ) — 2,752 Earnings (loss) before income tax benefit 10,938 49,602 (83,830 ) (59,401 ) (82,691 ) Income tax benefit (782 ) (14,574 ) (1,122 ) — (16,478 ) Net earnings (loss) before equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries 11,720 64,176 (82,708 ) (59,401 ) (66,213 ) Equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries (77,933 ) (81,389 ) 3,335 155,987 — Net loss (66,213 ) (17,213 ) (79,373 ) 96,586 (66,213 ) Comprehensive loss $ (41,651 ) $ (35,121 ) $ (39,942 ) $ 75,063 $ (41,651 ) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 135,679 $ 361,209 $ 652,522 $ — $ 1,149,410 Cost of products sold 34,576 263,197 448,240 — 746,013 Gross profit 101,103 98,012 204,282 — 403,397 Selling, administrative and engineering expenses 69,677 69,382 135,438 — 274,497 Restructuring charges 2,426 3,455 8,690 — 14,571 Amortization of intangible assets 1,272 13,287 8,384 — 22,943 Loss on product line divestiture — 5,092 — — 5,092 Impairment charges — 49,012 137,499 — 186,511 Operating profit (loss) 27,728 (42,216 ) (85,729 ) — (100,217 ) Financing costs, net 30,123 — (1,355 ) — 28,768 Intercompany (income) expense, net (20,445 ) (9,999 ) 30,444 — — Intercompany dividends — — (5,338 ) 5,338 — Other expense, net 914 54 391 — 1,359 Earnings (loss) before income taxes 17,136 (32,271 ) (109,871 ) (5,338 ) (130,344 ) Income tax (benefit) expense (8,729 ) 519 (17,046 ) 86 (25,170 ) Net earnings (loss) before equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries 25,865 (32,790 ) (92,825 ) (5,424 ) (105,174 ) Equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries (131,037 ) (83,747 ) 3,024 211,760 — Net loss (105,174 ) (116,537 ) (89,801 ) 206,336 (105,174 ) Comprehensive loss $ (143,357 ) $ (157,344 ) $ (83,802 ) $ 241,146 $ (143,357 ) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 158,836 $ 385,476 $ 704,942 $ — $ 1,249,254 Cost of products sold 40,858 280,081 466,474 — 787,413 Gross profit 117,978 105,395 238,468 — 461,841 Selling, administrative and engineering expenses 74,588 69,041 155,972 — 299,601 Impairment charges — 20,249 64,104 — 84,353 Amortization of intangible assets 1,272 13,061 10,000 — 24,333 Operating profit 42,118 3,044 8,392 — 53,554 Financing costs, net 29,295 — (1,238 ) — 28,057 Intercompany (income) expense, net (19,727 ) (8,835 ) 28,562 — — Intercompany dividends (212 ) (243 ) (10,707 ) 11,162 — Other expense (income), net 160 (84 ) 30 — 106 Earnings (loss) before income taxes 32,602 12,206 (8,255 ) (11,162 ) 25,391 Income tax (benefit) expense (8,218 ) 4,056 10,939 (1,258 ) 5,519 Net earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries 40,820 8,150 (19,194 ) (9,904 ) 19,872 Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries (20,948 ) (1,720 ) 6,520 16,148 — Net earnings (loss) 19,872 6,430 (12,674 ) 6,244 19,872 Comprehensive loss $ (125,360 ) $ (10,689 ) $ (88,431 ) $ 99,120 $ (125,360 ) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 34,715 $ — $ 194,856 $ — $ 229,571 Accounts receivable, net 17,498 50,749 121,959 — 190,206 Inventories, net 23,308 48,492 71,851 — 143,651 Assets held for sale — — 21,835 — 21,835 Other current assets 23,576 3,619 34,468 — 61,663 Total current assets 99,097 102,860 444,969 — 646,926 Property, plant & equipment, net 7,049 26,130 61,342 — 94,521 Goodwill 38,847 200,499 290,735 — 530,081 Other intangible assets, net 8,156 138,042 74,291 — 220,489 Investment in subsidiaries 1,832,472 1,186,715 805,016 (3,824,203 ) — Intercompany receivable — 589,193 205,183 (794,376 ) — Other long-term assets 8,377 812 15,749 — 24,938 Total assets $ 1,993,998 $ 2,244,251 $ 1,897,285 $ (4,618,579 ) $ 1,516,955 LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Trade accounts payable $ 15,412 $ 27,168 $ 90,807 $ — $ 133,387 Accrued compensation and benefits 19,082 7,672 24,185 — 50,939 Current maturities of debt and short-term borrowings 30,000 — — — 30,000 Income taxes payable 153 — 5,927 — 6,080 Liabilities held for sale — — 101,083 — 101,083 Other current liabilities 18,512 7,169 31,764 — 57,445 Total current liabilities 83,159 42,009 253,766 — 378,934 Long-term debt, net 531,940 — — — 531,940 Deferred income taxes 24,164 — 5,695 — 29,859 Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities 12,540 — 7,322 — 19,862 Other long-term liabilities 48,692 352 6,777 — 55,821 Intercompany payable 792,964 — 1,412 (794,376 ) — Shareholders’ equity 500,539 2,201,890 1,622,313 (3,824,203 ) 500,539 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,993,998 $ 2,244,251 $ 1,897,285 $ (4,618,579 ) $ 1,516,955 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,953 $ 71 $ 171,580 $ — $ 179,604 Accounts receivable, net 13,692 41,715 131,422 — 186,829 Inventories, net 19,897 44,283 66,576 — 130,756 Other current assets 7,754 3,858 33,851 — 45,463 Total current assets 49,296 89,927 403,429 — 542,652 Property, plant & equipment, net 5,927 23,511 84,577 — 114,015 Goodwill 38,847 200,499 279,930 — 519,276 Other intangibles, net 9,429 149,757 80,289 — 239,475 Investment in subsidiaries 1,915,367 578,423 465,736 (2,959,526 ) — Intercompany receivable — 1,159,672 — (1,159,672 ) — Other long-term assets 5,702 10 17,530 — 23,242 Total assets $ 2,024,568 $ 2,201,799 $ 1,331,491 $ (4,119,198 ) $ 1,438,660 LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Trade accounts payable $ 11,529 $ 20,669 $ 82,853 $ — $ 115,051 Accrued compensation and benefits 17,506 5,754 23,641 — 46,901 Current maturities of debt and short-term borrowings 18,750 — — — 18,750 Income taxes payable 1,886 — 7,368 — 9,254 Other current liabilities 20,459 6,989 24,508 — 51,956 Total current liabilities 70,130 33,412 138,370 — 241,912 Long-term debt, net 561,681 — — — 561,681 Deferred income taxes 30,666 — 690 — 31,356 Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities 16,803 — 8,864 — 25,667 Other long-term liabilities 47,739 588 8,767 — 57,094 Intercompany payable 776,599 — 383,073 (1,159,672 ) — Shareholders’ equity 520,950 2,167,799 791,727 (2,959,526 ) 520,950 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,024,568 $ 2,201,799 $ 1,331,491 $ (4,119,198 ) $ 1,438,660 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities $ 98,589 $ 14,340 $ 39,672 $ (64,754 ) $ 87,847 Investing Activities Capital expenditures (3,391 ) (9,265 ) (15,539 ) — (28,195 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment — 207 363 — 570 Intercompany investment (6,900 ) — — 6,900 — Cash used in investing activities (10,291 ) (9,058 ) (15,176 ) 6,900 (27,625 ) Financing Activities Principal repayment on term loan (18,750 ) — — — (18,750 ) Redemption on 5.625% Senior Notes (500 ) — — — (500 ) Taxes paid related to the net share settlement of equity awards (1,065 ) — — — (1,065 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 8,917 — — — 8,917 Payment of contingent acquisition consideration — — (742 ) — (742 ) Cash dividend (2,358 ) (5,353 ) (59,401 ) 64,754 (2,358 ) Intercompany loan activity (47,780 ) — 47,780 — — Intercompany capital contributions — — 6,900 (6,900 ) — Cash used in financing activities (61,536 ) (5,353 ) (5,463 ) 57,854 (14,498 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 4,243 — 4,243 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 26,762 (71 ) 23,276 — 49,967 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 7,953 71 171,580 — 179,604 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 34,715 $ — $ 194,856 $ — $ 229,571 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 58,926 $ (1,953 ) $ 66,062 $ (5,338 ) $ 117,697 Investing Activities Capital expenditures (2,135 ) (6,781 ) (11,293 ) — (20,209 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 13 7,000 2,283 — 9,296 Intercompany investment (339 ) (3,458 ) — 3,797 — Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (81,916 ) — (81,916 ) Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs — 9,695 — — 9,695 Cash (used in) provided by investing activities (2,461 ) 6,456 (90,926 ) 3,797 (83,134 ) Financing Activities Net repayments on revolving credit facility — — (210 ) — (210 ) Principal repayments on term loan (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Purchase of treasury shares (17,101 ) — — — (17,101 ) Taxes paid related to the net share settlement of equity awards (1,409 ) — — — (1,409 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 6,416 — — — 6,416 Cash dividend (2,376 ) (5,338 ) — 5,338 (2,376 ) Intercompany loan activity (48,980 ) — 48,980 — — Intercompany capital contributions — 339 3,458 (3,797 ) — Cash (used in) provided by financing activities (67,200 ) (4,999 ) 52,228 1,541 (18,430 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (5,375 ) — (5,375 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (10,735 ) (496 ) 21,989 — 10,758 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 18,688 567 149,591 — 168,846 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 7,953 $ 71 $ 171,580 $ — $ 179,604 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 $ 90,632 $ (20,750 ) $ 72,228 $ (10,676 ) $ 131,434 Investing Activities Capital expenditures (1,086 ) (5,848 ) (15,582 ) — (22,516 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment — 273 971 — 1,244 Intercompany investment (3,727 ) — — 3,727 — Cash used in investing activities (4,813 ) (5,575 ) (14,611 ) 3,727 (21,272 ) Financing Activities Net borrowings on revolving credit facility — — 220 — 220 Principal repayment on term loan (3,375 ) — — — (3,375 ) Proceeds from term loans 213,375 — — — 213,375 Redemption of 5.625% Senior Notes (11,941 ) — — — (11,941 ) Debt issuance costs (2,025 ) — — — (2,025 ) Purchase of treasury shares (212,003 ) — — — (212,003 ) Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (2,466 ) — — — (2,466 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 5,396 — — — 5,396 Cash dividend (2,598 ) (10,676 ) — 10,676 (2,598 ) Intercompany loan activity (79,425 ) 34,081 45,344 — — Intercompany capital contribution — — 3,727 (3,727 ) — Cash (used in) provided by financ ing activities (95,062 ) 23,405 49,291 6,949 (15,417 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (34,911 ) — (34,911 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (9,243 ) (2,920 ) 71,997 — 59,834 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 27,931 3,487 77,594 — 109,012 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 18,688 $ 567 $ 149,591 $ — $ 168,846

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Note 18. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly financial data for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2017 First Second Third Fourth Total Net sales $ 265,793 $ 258,869 $ 295,427 $ 275,695 $ 1,095,784 Gross profit 93,067 87,326 102,804 96,520 379,717 Net earnings (loss) 4,965 5,074 22,511 (98,764 ) (66,213 ) Net earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 0.08 $ 0.09 $ 0.38 $ (1.65 ) $ (1.11 ) Diluted 0.08 0.08 0.37 (1.65 ) (1.11 ) Year Ended August 31, 2016 First Second Third Fourth Total Net sales $ 305,011 $ 263,289 $ 305,341 $ 275,769 $ 1,149,410 Gross profit 108,562 91,030 107,526 96,279 403,397 Net earnings (loss) 15,448 (159,190 ) 21,166 17,402 (105,174 ) Net earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 0.26 $ (2.70 ) $ 0.36 $ 0.30 $ (1.78 ) Diluted $ 0.26 $ (2.70 ) $ 0.36 $ 0.29 $ (1.78 ) The sum of the quarters may not equal the total of the respective year’s earnings (loss) per share on either a basic or diluted basis due to changes in the weighted average shares outstanding during the year. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 the Company recognized impairment and other divestiture charges of $117.0 million (see Note 5, "Divestitures Activities"). During the second quarter of fiscal 2016 the Company recognized impairment charges of $186.5 million (see Note 6, "Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Long-Lived Assets").

Valuation and Qualifying Accoun

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	ACTUANT CORPORATION SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (in thousands) Additions Deductions Balance at Charged to Acquisition/ (Divestiture) Accounts Other Balance at Allowance for losses—Trade accounts receivable August 31, 2017 $ 7,762 $ 3,112 $ 1,452 $ (1,422 ) $ 325 $ 11,229 August 31, 2016 3,970 2,274 3,090 (1,580 ) 8 7,762 August 31, 2015 6,034 1,633 — (2,742 ) (955 ) 3,970 Valuation allowance—Income taxes August 31, 2017 $ 8,147 $ 15,144 $ — $ (620 ) $ — $ 22,671 August 31, 2016 8,053 852 — (1,026 ) 268 8,147 August 31, 2015 5,608 5,694 — (2,254 ) (995 ) 8,053

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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, energy and other 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 ( 18.0% and 21.0% of total inventories in 2017 and 2016 , 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 reported amounts in the consolidated balance sheets by $3.9 million and $3.7 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016 , 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 (joint integrity tools) which are rented to customers of our Energy segment businesses. 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 one 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, an impairment loss is recorded. 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 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 rollforward of the changes in product warranty reserves for fiscal years 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 2017 2016 Beginning balance $ 5,592 $ 3,719 Provision for warranties 5,608 5,985 Warranty payments and costs incurred (4,714 ) (4,058 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 130 (57 ) Warranty reserve of acquired business — 3 Ending balance $ 6,616 $ 5,592
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. Revenue for highly custom product sales with a project duration greater than three months and exceeding a value of approximately $0.5 million is generally recognized under the percentage-of-completion method utilizing efforts expended or cost-to-cost input measures. Revenues for long-term contracts that do not meet these criteria are recognized under the completed contract method once delivery has occurred and passage of title and risk of loss have transfered to the customer. Unearned revenue related to long-term customer contracts was $10.1 million and $7.7 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016, 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 $11.2 million and $7.8 million at August 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.
Shipping and Handling Costs	Shipping and Handling Costs: The Company records costs associated with shipping its products in cost of products sold.
Research and Development Costs	Research and Development Costs: Research and development costs consist primarily of an allocation of overall engineering and development resources and are expensed as incurred. Such costs incurred in the development of new products or significant improvements to existing products were $21.9 million , $18.3 million and $17.7 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , 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 net foreign currency exchange transaction losses of $3.1 million , $1.3 million and $0.1 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Financing Costs	Financing Costs: Financing costs represent interest expense, financing fees and amortization of debt issuance costs, net of interest income. Interest income was $1.2 million , $1.7 million and $1.9 million for fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
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.”
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: The following is a summary of the Company's accumulated other comprehensive loss (in thousands): August 31, 2017 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 207,804 $ 228,274 Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax 19,457 23,549 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 227,261 $ 251,823
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: The following is a summary of the Company's accumulated other comprehensive loss (in thousands): August 31, 2017 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 207,804 $ 228,274 Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax 19,457 23,549 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 227,261 $ 251,823
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates: The Company has recorded reserves 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.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	New Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, 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 was adopted on September 1, 2016. As a result of adoption, debt issuance costs of $3.9 million were reclassified from other long-term assets to long-term debt, net (contra liability) on the balance sheet as of August 31, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements , further clarifying that ASU 2015-03 relates only to the presentation of debt issuance costs related to term loans and does not relate to lines-of-credit or revolvers. As such, the debt issuance costs related to the Company's revolver remain classified in other long-term assets. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, 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 was adopted on September 1, 2016. The adoption did not have a material impact on the financial statements of the Company. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory , which amends the existing guidance to prohibit immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax impacts of intra-entity asset transfers. The ASU eliminates this prohibition for all intra-entity asset transfers, except inventory. This guidance was adopted, on a modified retrospective basis, at September 1, 2016. The adoption did not have a material impact on the cumulative retained earnings or on the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under the ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the impairment loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance was adopted in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 in connection with our annual impairment testing, though no impairment charges resulted from our 2017 impairment testing. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which changes how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement benefit plans present the net periodic benefit cost in the income statement. The new guidance requires the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost to be presented in the same income statement line items as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. Other components of the net periodic benefit cost are to be stated separately from service cost and outside of operating income. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019 for the Company) and interim periods within those annual periods. The amendment is to be applied retrospectively. Due to a majority of the Company's retirement benefit plans being frozen and the net periodic pension cost not being significant, the Company does not believe that adoption of this guidance will have a significant impact on the financial statements of the Company. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which will simplify several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions. The guidance will require, among other items, that all excess tax deficiencies or benefits be recorded as income tax expense or benefit in the statement of earnings and not in additional paid-in capital (shareholder's equity). This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 (fiscal 2018 for the Company) and interim periods within those annual periods. The impact of the adoption of this guidance will have the following effects: • add additional income tax expense (benefit) in the statement of operations which will create volatility in the Company's effective tax rate; • the Company will no longer reclassify the excess tax benefit from operating activities to financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows; • impact our computation of diluted earnings per share as the Company will exclude the excess tax benefit from the assumed proceeds available to repurchase shares. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Under ASU 2014-09 and subsequent updates included in ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2017-13, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects to receive 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 fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019 for the Company). The Company has begun assessing its various revenue streams to identify performance obligations under these ASUs and the key aspects of the standard that will impact the Company's revenue recognition process. Based upon our preliminary assessments, these standards may impact our allocation of contract revenue between various products and services and the timing of when those revenues are recognized, but do not expect a material or significant impact to amounts recognized. Given the diversity of its commercial arrangements, the Company is continuing to assess the impact these standards may have on its consolidated results of operation, financial position, cash flows and financial statement disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing all lease transactions (with terms in excess of 12 months) on the balance sheet as a lease liability and a right-of-use asset. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 (fiscal 2020 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years. Upon adoption, the lessee will apply the new standard retrospectively to all periods presented or retrospectively using a cumulative effect adjustment in the year of adoption. The Company is currently gathering, documenting and analyzing lease agreements related this ASU and anticipates material additions to the balance sheet upon adoption of right-of-use assets, offset by the associated liabilities, due to our routine use of operating leases over time. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016‑15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , to address how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 (fiscal 2019 for the Company), including interim periods within those fiscal years. This update will require adoption on a retrospective basis unless it is impracticable to apply. The Company does not believe that this guidance will have a significant impact on its presentation of the statement of cash flows.

Summary of Significant Accoun30

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: The following is a summary of the Company's accumulated other comprehensive loss (in thousands): August 31, 2017 2016 Foreign currency translation adjustments $ 207,804 $ 228,274 Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax 19,457 23,549 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ 227,261 $ 251,823
Reconciliation of Changes in Accrued Product Warranty	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 rollforward of the changes in product warranty reserves for fiscal years 2017 and 2016 (in thousands): 2017 2016 Beginning balance $ 5,592 $ 3,719 Provision for warranties 5,608 5,985 Warranty payments and costs incurred (4,714 ) (4,058 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 130 (57 ) Warranty reserve of acquired business — 3 Ending balance $ 6,616 $ 5,592

Restructuring Charges (Tables)

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs	Year Ended August 31, 2017 Industrial Energy Engineered Solutions Corporate Total Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 1,343 $ 3,021 $ 1,863 $ 46 $ 6,273 Restructuring charges 1,687 1,942 3,488 111 7,228 Cash payments (2,384 ) (1,460 ) (3,582 ) (83 ) (7,509 ) Other non-cash uses of reserve (436 ) (41 ) (6 ) (44 ) (527 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (8 ) 151 29 — 172 Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ 202 $ 3,613 $ 1,792 $ 30 $ 5,637 Year Ended August 31, 2016 Industrial Energy Engineered Solutions Corporate Total Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — Restructuring charges 3,158 5,544 5,411 458 14,571 Cash payments (1,772 ) (2,345 ) (3,199 ) (203 ) (7,519 ) Other non-cash uses of reserve (54 ) (166 ) (364 ) (209 ) (793 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates 11 (12 ) 15 — 14 Balance as of August 31, 2016 $ 1,343 $ 3,021 $ 1,863 $ 46 $ 6,273

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Proforma Results of Operations	The following unaudited pro forma operating results give effect to these two acquisitions as though the transactions and related financing activities had occurred on September 1, 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts). 2016 2015 Net Sales As reported $ 1,149,410 $ 1,249,254 Pro Forma 1,175,304 1,275,965 Net (loss) earnings As reported $ (105,174 ) $ 19,872 Pro Forma (100,927 ) 20,361 Basic (loss) earnings pe r share As reported $ (1.78 ) $ 0.32 Pro Forma (1.71 ) 0.33 Diluted (loss) earnings per share As reported $ (1.78 ) $ 0.32 Pro Forma (1.71 ) 0.33

Divestitures Activities Schedul

Divestitures Activities Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale [Abstract]
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale [Table Text Block]	The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities held for sale of the Viking business (in thousands): August 31, 2017 Accounts receivable, net $ 2,426 Inventories, net 190 Property, plant & equipment, net 7,534 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,927 Other long-term assets 9,758 Assets held for sale $ 21,835 Trade accounts payable $ 1,883 Other current liabilities (including divestiture accruals) 1,637 Rental asset lease buyout liability 28,644 Reserve for cumulative translation adjustment 68,919 Liabilities held for sale $ 101,083

Goodwill and Other Intangible34

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Impairment Charge [Table Text Block]	A summary of the fiscal 2016 impairment charge by reporting unit is as follows (in thousands): Cortland Viking maximatecc Total Goodwill $ 34,502 $ 39,099 $ 44,521 $ 118,122 Indefinite lived intangible assets 2,211 13,289 1,153 16,653 Amortizable intangible assets — 27,952 — 27,952 Fixed assets — 23,784 — 23,784 $ 36,713 $ 104,124 $ 45,674 $ 186,511 Fiscal 2015 Impairment Charge The dramatic decline in oil prices in 2015 caused a slowdown in upstream oil & gas activity as asset owners hesitated on starting new oil & gas exploration drilling and development projects, while certain existing projects were deferred or canceled and capital spending was reduced. As a result of these unfavorable market conditions, in fiscal 2015 the Company recognized an $84.4 million impairment charge related to the write-down of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets of the Cortland and Viking businesses. The impairment charge consisted of a $78.5 million impairment of goodwill and a $6.4 million impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets (tradenames).
Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended August 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Industrial Energy Engineered Solutions Total Balance as of August 31, 2015 $ 92,107 $ 236,450 $ 279,699 $ 608,256 Business acquisitions 9,726 36,241 — 45,967 Impairment charge — (73,919 ) (44,543 ) (118,462 ) Business divestiture (Sanlo) — — (3,778 ) (3,778 ) Impact of changes in foreign currency rates (94 ) (11,451 ) (1,162 ) (12,707 ) Balance as of August 31, 2016 101,739 187,321 230,216 519,276 Purchase accounting adjustments (59 ) 1,144 — 1,085 Impact of changes in foreign currency rates $ 2,195 $ 365 $ 7,160 $ 9,720 Balance as of August 31, 2017 $ 103,875 $ 188,830 $ 237,376 $ 530,081
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, 2017 August 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Amortizable intangible assets: Customer relationships 15 $ 263,498 $ 153,003 $ 110,495 $ 292,671 $ 166,252 $ 126,419 Patents 10 30,401 24,027 6,374 30,296 22,233 8,063 Trademarks and tradenames 18 21,498 9,396 12,102 21,283 7,936 13,347 Non-compete agreements & other 3 6,672 6,234 438 6,627 5,890 737 Indefinite lived intangible assets: Tradenames N/A 91,080 — 91,080 90,909 — 90,909 $ 413,149 $ 192,660 $ 220,489 $ 441,786 $ 202,311 $ 239,475

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Indebtedness	The following is a summary of the Company’s long-term indebtedness (in thousands): August 31, 2017 2016 Senior Credit Facility Revolver $ — $ — Term Loan 277,500 296,250 277,500 296,250 5.625% Senior Notes 287,559 288,059 Total Senior Indebtedness 565,059 584,309 Less: current maturities of long-term debt (30,000 ) (18,750 ) Debt issuance costs (3,119 ) (3,878 ) Total long-term debt, less current maturities $ 531,940 $ 561,681

Derivatives Gain (Loss) (Tables

Derivatives Gain (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
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, 2017 2016 2015 Foreign currency losses, net $ (2,962 ) $ (1,520 ) $ (95 )

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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 respective August 31 measurement date (in thousands): 2017 2016 Reconciliation of benefit obligations: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 50,409 $ 45,612 Interest cost 1,690 1,970 Actuarial (gain) loss (1,997 ) 5,604 Benefits paid (3,296 ) (2,777 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 46,806 $ 50,409 Reconciliation of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 39,489 $ 39,181 Actual return on plan assets 3,599 2,687 Company contributions 235 398 Benefits paid from plan assets (3,296 ) (2,777 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 40,027 39,489 Funded status of the plans (underfunded) $ (6,779 ) $ (10,920 )
Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The following table provides detail on the Company’s domestic net periodic benefit income (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Interest cost $ 1,690 $ 1,970 $ 1,920 Expected return on assets (2,867 ) (2,997 ) (3,143 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 1,141 837 828 Net periodic benefit income $ (36 ) $ (190 ) $ (395 )
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: 2017 2016 2015 Assumptions for benefit obligations: Discount rate 3.60 % 3.45 % 4.45 % Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost: Discount rate 3.45 % 4.45 % 4.15 % Expected return on plan assets 7.15 % 7.40 % 7.50 %
U.S. Pension Plan Investment Allocations by Asset Category	The fair value of all U.S. pension plan assets is 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 8, “Fair Value Measurements.” The U.S. pension plan investment allocations by asset category were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended August 31, 2017 % 2016 % Cash and cash equivalents $ 395 1.0 % $ 347 0.9 % Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds 8,475 21.2 8,372 21.2 Mutual funds 3,139 7.8 3,351 8.5 11,614 29.0 11,723 29.7 Equity securities: Mutual funds 28,018 70.0 27,419 69.4 Total plan assets $ 40,027 100.0 % $ 39,489 100.0 %
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 funded status of these plans is summarized as follows (in thousands): August 31, 2017 2016 Benefit obligation $ 14,645 $ 16,808 Fair value of plan assets 7,950 8,502 Funded status of plans (underfunded) $ (6,695 ) $ (8,306 )

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations	Income tax (benefit) expense is summarized as follows (in thousands): Year ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Currently payable: Federal $ (14,769 ) $ 2,205 $ (126 ) Foreign 15,665 11,838 21,200 State (850 ) 912 (1,616 ) 46 14,955 19,458 Deferred: Federal 603 (12,470 ) (4,416 ) Foreign (16,837 ) (23,797 ) (9,199 ) State (290 ) (3,858 ) (324 ) (16,524 ) (40,125 ) (13,939 ) Income tax (benefit) expense $ (16,478 ) $ (25,170 ) $ 5,519
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, 2017 2016 2015 Federal statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of Federal effect 1.1 1.2 (0.2 ) Net effects of foreign tax rate differential and credits (1) (2.7 ) 1.6 (58.4 ) Domestic manufacturing deduction 0.6 0.3 (5.1 ) Foreign branch currency (gains) losses (0.3 ) 4.9 — Impairment and other divestiture charges (2) (11.2 ) (27.0 ) 78.6 Valuation allowance additions and releases (3) (16.2 ) (0.7 ) 15.5 Changes in liability for unrecognized tax benefits (4) (3.7 ) (0.9 ) (42.1 ) Taxable liquidation of foreign subsidiaries (5) 22.1 — — Foreign non-deductible expenses (4.6 ) — — Changes in tax rates (2.1 ) — — Business divestitures — 3.9 — Other items 1.9 1.0 (1.6 ) Effective income tax rate 19.9 % 19.3 % 21.7 % (1) During fiscal 2015, the Company generated $10.0 million of foreign tax credits, the result of a non-recurring non-permanent loan from a foreign subsidiary (which were utilized to reduce fiscal 2015 tax obligations) and had a higher proportion of non-U.S. earnings. (2) Fiscal 2017, 2016 and fiscal 2015 net (loss) earnings include $117.0 million , $186.5 million and $84.4 million , respectively, in impairment and other divestiture charges related to goodwill, intangible assets, tangible assets and the cumulative effect of foreign currency rate changes of which $47.9 million , $68.0 million and $6.3 million , respectively, are deductible for income tax purposes. (3) Incremental valuation allowances of $15.1 million and $5.7 million were recorded in fiscal 2017 and 2015, respectively, due to uncertainty regarding utilization of foreign operating loss carryforwards, which were partially offset by a reduction of $0.6 million and $2.3 million of reserves for fiscal 2017 and 2015, respectively. (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 2017, the Company generated a net benefit of $14.9 million , the result of taxable liquidations of foreign subsidiaries.
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, 2017 2016 Deferred income tax assets: Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards $ 41,985 $ 36,761 Compensation related liabilities 17,319 25,086 Postretirement benefits 14,359 8,727 Inventory 2,958 3,044 Book reserves and other items 14,224 8,317 Total deferred income tax assets 90,845 81,935 Valuation allowance (22,671 ) (8,147 ) Net deferred income tax assets 68,174 73,788 Deferred income tax liabilities: Depreciation and amortization (77,548 ) (83,020 ) Other items (1,910 ) (5,493 ) Deferred income tax liabilities (79,458 ) (88,513 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (11,284 ) $ (14,725 )
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): 2017 2016 2015 Beginning balance $ 29,174 $ 29,924 $ 39,509 Increases based on tax positions related to the current year 6,057 1,050 2,183 Increase for tax positions taken in a prior period 297 475 8,935 Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior period (627 ) — (633 ) Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations (4,008 ) (1,027 ) (4,464 ) Decrease due to settlements — — (14,180 ) Changes in foreign currency exchange rates 553 (1,248 ) (1,426 ) Ending balance $ 31,446 $ 29,174 $ 29,924
Earnings before Income Taxes, Including both Continuing and Discontinued Operations	arnings before income taxes, are summarized as follows (in thousands): Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Domestic $ 12,635 $ (19,182 ) $ 14,593 Foreign (95,326 ) (111,162 ) 10,798 $ (82,691 ) $ (130,344 ) $ 25,391

Capital Stock (Tables)

Capital Stock (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in thousands, except per share amounts): Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Numerator: Net (loss) earnings $ (66,213 ) $ (105,174 ) $ 19,872 Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 59,436 59,010 61,262 Net effect of dilutive securities - stock based compensation plans — — 793 Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted 59,436 59,010 62,055 Basic (Loss) Earnings Per Share: $ (1.11 ) $ (1.78 ) $ 0.32 Diluted (Loss) Earnings Per Share: $ (1.11 ) $ (1.78 ) $ 0.32 Anti-dilutive securities- stock based compensation plans (excluding from earnings per share calculation ) (1) 4,482 4,832 2,056

Stock Plans (Tables)

Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary Stock option Activity	A summary of stock option activity during fiscal 2017 is as follows: Shares Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Aggregate Outstanding on September 1, 2016 3,478,062 $ 23.96 Granted 307,390 26.95 Exercised (461,355 ) 21.65 Forfeited (132,467 ) 28.34 Outstanding on August 31, 2017 3,191,630 $ 24.40 4.8 $ 5.6 million Exercisable on August 31, 2017 2,340,204 $ 24.22 3.6 $ 5.0 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 summarized below (in thousands, except per share amounts): Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share) $ 11.88 $ 8.63 $ 8.35 Intrinsic value of options exercised 2,208 989 366 Cash receipts from exercise of options 7,762 3,564 1,147
Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity	A summary of restricted stock activity (including Performance Shares) during fiscal 2017 is as follows: Number of Weighted-Average Fair Value at Grant Date (Per Share) Outstanding on August 31, 2016 1,353,505 $25.21 Granted 474,071 26.13 Forfeited (76,338 ) 27.01 Vested (460,790 ) 26.65 Outstanding on August 31, 2017 1,290,448 24.95
Weighted Average Assumptions	The following weighted-average assumptions were used in each fiscal year: Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Dividend yield 0.15 % 0.19 % 0.15 % Expected volatility 38.12 % 38.06 % 37.80 % Risk-free rate of return 2.42 % 2.06 % 1.19 % Expected forfeiture rate 11 % 13 % 14 % Expected life 7.6 years 6.1 years 6.1 years

Business Segment, Geographic 41

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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, 2017 2016 2015 Net Sales by Reportable Product Line & Segment: Industrial Segment: Industrial Tools $ 335,569 $ 314,832 $ 355,170 Heavy Lifting Technology 44,186 44,985 47,294 379,755 359,817 402,464 Energy Segment: Energy Maintenance & Integrity 225,716 278,881 246,357 Other Energy Services 83,878 113,849 165,518 309,594 392,731 411,875 Engineered Solutions Segment: On-Highway 215,831 209,575 220,889 Agriculture, Off-Highway and Other 190,604 187,287 214,026 406,435 396,862 434,915 $ 1,095,784 $ 1,149,410 $ 1,249,254 Operating (Loss) Profit: Industrial $ 84,936 $ 79,773 $ 105,652 Energy (1) (119,020 ) (107,528 ) (41,351 ) Engineered Solutions (2) 16,883 (42,991 ) 19,789 General Corporate (33,035 ) (29,471 ) (30,536 ) $ (50,236 ) $ (100,217 ) $ 53,554 (1) Energy segment operating (loss) profit includes impairment and other divestiture charges of $117.0 million , $140.9 million and $84.4 million in fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. (2) Engineered Solutions segment operating profit (loss) includes an impairment charge of $45.7 million in fiscal 2016 and a $5.1 million loss on the Sanlo divestiture. Depreciation and Amortization: Industrial $ 7,583 $ 8,175 $ 8,257 Energy 18,943 21,944 26,532 Engineered Solutions 14,572 15,910 16,652 General Corporate 2,012 1,749 1,798 $ 43,110 $ 47,777 $ 53,239 Capital Expenditures Industrial $ 6,566 $ 2,570 $ 1,249 Energy 12,076 9,355 11,864 Engineered Solutions 6,857 5,974 8,472 General Corporate 2,696 2,310 931 $ 28,195 $ 20,209 $ 22,516 August 31, 2017 2016 Assets: Industrial $ 329,134 $ 308,222 Energy 482,963 479,169 Engineered Solutions 531,068 493,840 General Corporate 173,790 157,429 $ 1,516,955 $ 1,438,660
Financial Information From Continuing Operations By Geographic Region	The following tables summarize net sales and long-lived assets (fixed assets and other long-term assets, excluding deferred tax assets and debt issuance cots) by geographic region (in thousands): Year Ended August 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net Sales: United States $ 480,801 $ 477,670 $ 526,061 Netherlands 130,724 143,517 139,432 United Kingdom 84,106 115,183 113,743 Australia 38,924 62,779 94,319 UAE 39,974 55,906 44,211 All other 321,255 294,355 331,489 $ 1,095,784 $ 1,149,410 $ 1,249,254 August 31, 2017 2016 Long-lived Assets: United States $ 36,254 $ 32,205 China 16,332 16,863 Netherlands 9,134 8,027 UAE 8,451 8,399 United Kingdom 5,467 9,914 Australia 1,286 15,399 All other 21,410 34,399 $ 98,334 $ 117,179

Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)

Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
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, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 145,223 $ 355,989 $ 594,572 $ — $ 1,095,784 Cost of products sold 34,300 260,700 421,067 — 716,067 Gross profit 110,923 95,289 173,505 — 379,717 Selling, administrative and engineering expenses 74,996 69,826 132,666 — 277,488 Amortization of intangible assets 1,272 11,715 7,487 — 20,474 Restructuring charges 826 1,359 5,043 — 7,228 Director & officer transition charges 7,784 — — — 7,784 Impairment & other divestiture charges — — 116,979 — 116,979 Operating profit (loss) 26,045 12,389 (88,670 ) — (50,236 ) Financing costs, net 30,005 35 (337 ) — 29,703 Intercompany (income) expense, net (22,941 ) 22,066 875 — — Intercompany dividends 5,353 (59,401 ) (5,353 ) 59,401 — Other expense (income), net 2,690 87 (25 ) — 2,752 Earnings (loss) before income tax benefit 10,938 49,602 (83,830 ) (59,401 ) (82,691 ) Income tax benefit (782 ) (14,574 ) (1,122 ) — (16,478 ) Net earnings (loss) before equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries 11,720 64,176 (82,708 ) (59,401 ) (66,213 ) Equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries (77,933 ) (81,389 ) 3,335 155,987 — Net loss (66,213 ) (17,213 ) (79,373 ) 96,586 (66,213 ) Comprehensive loss $ (41,651 ) $ (35,121 ) $ (39,942 ) $ 75,063 $ (41,651 ) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 135,679 $ 361,209 $ 652,522 $ — $ 1,149,410 Cost of products sold 34,576 263,197 448,240 — 746,013 Gross profit 101,103 98,012 204,282 — 403,397 Selling, administrative and engineering expenses 69,677 69,382 135,438 — 274,497 Restructuring charges 2,426 3,455 8,690 — 14,571 Amortization of intangible assets 1,272 13,287 8,384 — 22,943 Loss on product line divestiture — 5,092 — — 5,092 Impairment charges — 49,012 137,499 — 186,511 Operating profit (loss) 27,728 (42,216 ) (85,729 ) — (100,217 ) Financing costs, net 30,123 — (1,355 ) — 28,768 Intercompany (income) expense, net (20,445 ) (9,999 ) 30,444 — — Intercompany dividends — — (5,338 ) 5,338 — Other expense, net 914 54 391 — 1,359 Earnings (loss) before income taxes 17,136 (32,271 ) (109,871 ) (5,338 ) (130,344 ) Income tax (benefit) expense (8,729 ) 519 (17,046 ) 86 (25,170 ) Net earnings (loss) before equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries 25,865 (32,790 ) (92,825 ) (5,424 ) (105,174 ) Equity in (loss) earnings of subsidiaries (131,037 ) (83,747 ) 3,024 211,760 — Net loss (105,174 ) (116,537 ) (89,801 ) 206,336 (105,174 ) Comprehensive loss $ (143,357 ) $ (157,344 ) $ (83,802 ) $ 241,146 $ (143,357 ) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Net sales $ 158,836 $ 385,476 $ 704,942 $ — $ 1,249,254 Cost of products sold 40,858 280,081 466,474 — 787,413 Gross profit 117,978 105,395 238,468 — 461,841 Selling, administrative and engineering expenses 74,588 69,041 155,972 — 299,601 Impairment charges — 20,249 64,104 — 84,353 Amortization of intangible assets 1,272 13,061 10,000 — 24,333 Operating profit 42,118 3,044 8,392 — 53,554 Financing costs, net 29,295 — (1,238 ) — 28,057 Intercompany (income) expense, net (19,727 ) (8,835 ) 28,562 — — Intercompany dividends (212 ) (243 ) (10,707 ) 11,162 — Other expense (income), net 160 (84 ) 30 — 106 Earnings (loss) before income taxes 32,602 12,206 (8,255 ) (11,162 ) 25,391 Income tax (benefit) expense (8,218 ) 4,056 10,939 (1,258 ) 5,519 Net earnings (loss) before equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries 40,820 8,150 (19,194 ) (9,904 ) 19,872 Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries (20,948 ) (1,720 ) 6,520 16,148 — Net earnings (loss) 19,872 6,430 (12,674 ) 6,244 19,872 Comprehensive loss $ (125,360 ) $ (10,689 ) $ (88,431 ) $ 99,120 $ (125,360 )
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 34,715 $ — $ 194,856 $ — $ 229,571 Accounts receivable, net 17,498 50,749 121,959 — 190,206 Inventories, net 23,308 48,492 71,851 — 143,651 Assets held for sale — — 21,835 — 21,835 Other current assets 23,576 3,619 34,468 — 61,663 Total current assets 99,097 102,860 444,969 — 646,926 Property, plant & equipment, net 7,049 26,130 61,342 — 94,521 Goodwill 38,847 200,499 290,735 — 530,081 Other intangible assets, net 8,156 138,042 74,291 — 220,489 Investment in subsidiaries 1,832,472 1,186,715 805,016 (3,824,203 ) — Intercompany receivable — 589,193 205,183 (794,376 ) — Other long-term assets 8,377 812 15,749 — 24,938 Total assets $ 1,993,998 $ 2,244,251 $ 1,897,285 $ (4,618,579 ) $ 1,516,955 LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Trade accounts payable $ 15,412 $ 27,168 $ 90,807 $ — $ 133,387 Accrued compensation and benefits 19,082 7,672 24,185 — 50,939 Current maturities of debt and short-term borrowings 30,000 — — — 30,000 Income taxes payable 153 — 5,927 — 6,080 Liabilities held for sale — — 101,083 — 101,083 Other current liabilities 18,512 7,169 31,764 — 57,445 Total current liabilities 83,159 42,009 253,766 — 378,934 Long-term debt, net 531,940 — — — 531,940 Deferred income taxes 24,164 — 5,695 — 29,859 Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities 12,540 — 7,322 — 19,862 Other long-term liabilities 48,692 352 6,777 — 55,821 Intercompany payable 792,964 — 1,412 (794,376 ) — Shareholders’ equity 500,539 2,201,890 1,622,313 (3,824,203 ) 500,539 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,993,998 $ 2,244,251 $ 1,897,285 $ (4,618,579 ) $ 1,516,955 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands) August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 7,953 $ 71 $ 171,580 $ — $ 179,604 Accounts receivable, net 13,692 41,715 131,422 — 186,829 Inventories, net 19,897 44,283 66,576 — 130,756 Other current assets 7,754 3,858 33,851 — 45,463 Total current assets 49,296 89,927 403,429 — 542,652 Property, plant & equipment, net 5,927 23,511 84,577 — 114,015 Goodwill 38,847 200,499 279,930 — 519,276 Other intangibles, net 9,429 149,757 80,289 — 239,475 Investment in subsidiaries 1,915,367 578,423 465,736 (2,959,526 ) — Intercompany receivable — 1,159,672 — (1,159,672 ) — Other long-term assets 5,702 10 17,530 — 23,242 Total assets $ 2,024,568 $ 2,201,799 $ 1,331,491 $ (4,119,198 ) $ 1,438,660 LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Trade accounts payable $ 11,529 $ 20,669 $ 82,853 $ — $ 115,051 Accrued compensation and benefits 17,506 5,754 23,641 — 46,901 Current maturities of debt and short-term borrowings 18,750 — — — 18,750 Income taxes payable 1,886 — 7,368 — 9,254 Other current liabilities 20,459 6,989 24,508 — 51,956 Total current liabilities 70,130 33,412 138,370 — 241,912 Long-term debt, net 561,681 — — — 561,681 Deferred income taxes 30,666 — 690 — 31,356 Pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities 16,803 — 8,864 — 25,667 Other long-term liabilities 47,739 588 8,767 — 57,094 Intercompany payable 776,599 — 383,073 (1,159,672 ) — Shareholders’ equity 520,950 2,167,799 791,727 (2,959,526 ) 520,950 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,024,568 $ 2,201,799 $ 1,331,491 $ (4,119,198 ) $ 1,438,660
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities $ 98,589 $ 14,340 $ 39,672 $ (64,754 ) $ 87,847 Investing Activities Capital expenditures (3,391 ) (9,265 ) (15,539 ) — (28,195 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment — 207 363 — 570 Intercompany investment (6,900 ) — — 6,900 — Cash used in investing activities (10,291 ) (9,058 ) (15,176 ) 6,900 (27,625 ) Financing Activities Principal repayment on term loan (18,750 ) — — — (18,750 ) Redemption on 5.625% Senior Notes (500 ) — — — (500 ) Taxes paid related to the net share settlement of equity awards (1,065 ) — — — (1,065 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 8,917 — — — 8,917 Payment of contingent acquisition consideration — — (742 ) — (742 ) Cash dividend (2,358 ) (5,353 ) (59,401 ) 64,754 (2,358 ) Intercompany loan activity (47,780 ) — 47,780 — — Intercompany capital contributions — — 6,900 (6,900 ) — Cash used in financing activities (61,536 ) (5,353 ) (5,463 ) 57,854 (14,498 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — 4,243 — 4,243 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 26,762 (71 ) 23,276 — 49,967 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 7,953 71 171,580 — 179,604 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 34,715 $ — $ 194,856 $ — $ 229,571 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) Year Ended August 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 58,926 $ (1,953 ) $ 66,062 $ (5,338 ) $ 117,697 Investing Activities Capital expenditures (2,135 ) (6,781 ) (11,293 ) — (20,209 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 13 7,000 2,283 — 9,296 Intercompany investment (339 ) (3,458 ) — 3,797 — Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (81,916 ) — (81,916 ) Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs — 9,695 — — 9,695 Cash (used in) provided by investing activities (2,461 ) 6,456 (90,926 ) 3,797 (83,134 ) Financing Activities Net repayments on revolving credit facility — — (210 ) — (210 ) Principal repayments on term loan (3,750 ) — — — (3,750 ) Purchase of treasury shares (17,101 ) — — — (17,101 ) Taxes paid related to the net share settlement of equity awards (1,409 ) — — — (1,409 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 6,416 — — — 6,416 Cash dividend (2,376 ) (5,338 ) — 5,338 (2,376 ) Intercompany loan activity (48,980 ) — 48,980 — — Intercompany capital contributions — 339 3,458 (3,797 ) — Cash (used in) provided by financing activities (67,200 ) (4,999 ) 52,228 1,541 (18,430 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (5,375 ) — (5,375 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (10,735 ) (496 ) 21,989 — 10,758 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 18,688 567 149,591 — 168,846 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 7,953 $ 71 $ 171,580 $ — $ 179,604 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 $ 90,632 $ (20,750 ) $ 72,228 $ (10,676 ) $ 131,434 Investing Activities Capital expenditures (1,086 ) (5,848 ) (15,582 ) — (22,516 ) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment — 273 971 — 1,244 Intercompany investment (3,727 ) — — 3,727 — Cash used in investing activities (4,813 ) (5,575 ) (14,611 ) 3,727 (21,272 ) Financing Activities Net borrowings on revolving credit facility — — 220 — 220 Principal repayment on term loan (3,375 ) — — — (3,375 ) Proceeds from term loans 213,375 — — — 213,375 Redemption of 5.625% Senior Notes (11,941 ) — — — (11,941 ) Debt issuance costs (2,025 ) — — — (2,025 ) Purchase of treasury shares (212,003 ) — — — (212,003 ) Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (2,466 ) — — — (2,466 ) Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other 5,396 — — — 5,396 Cash dividend (2,598 ) (10,676 ) — 10,676 (2,598 ) Intercompany loan activity (79,425 ) 34,081 45,344 — — Intercompany capital contribution — — 3,727 (3,727 ) — Cash (used in) provided by financ ing activities (95,062 ) 23,405 49,291 6,949 (15,417 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash — — (34,911 ) — (34,911 ) Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (9,243 ) (2,920 ) 71,997 — 59,834 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 27,931 3,487 77,594 — 109,012 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 18,688 $ 567 $ 149,591 $ — $ 168,846

Quarterly Financial Data (Una43

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	Quarterly financial data for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016 is as follows: Year Ended August 31, 2017 First Second Third Fourth Total Net sales $ 265,793 $ 258,869 $ 295,427 $ 275,695 $ 1,095,784 Gross profit 93,067 87,326 102,804 96,520 379,717 Net earnings (loss) 4,965 5,074 22,511 (98,764 ) (66,213 ) Net earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 0.08 $ 0.09 $ 0.38 $ (1.65 ) $ (1.11 ) Diluted 0.08 0.08 0.37 (1.65 ) (1.11 ) Year Ended August 31, 2016 First Second Third Fourth Total Net sales $ 305,011 $ 263,289 $ 305,341 $ 275,769 $ 1,149,410 Gross profit 108,562 91,030 107,526 96,279 403,397 Net earnings (loss) 15,448 (159,190 ) 21,166 17,402 (105,174 ) Net earnings (loss) per share: Basic $ 0.26 $ (2.70 ) $ 0.36 $ 0.30 $ (1.78 ) Diluted $ 0.26 $ (2.70 ) $ 0.36 $ 0.29 $ (1.78 )

Reconciliation of Changes in Ac

Reconciliation of Changes in Accrued Product Warranty and Restructuring (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance as of August 31, 2015	$ 6,273	$ 0
Restructuring charges	7,228	14,571	$ 0
Payments for Restructuring	7,509	7,519
Non-cash uses of reserve	527	793
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	172	14
Balance as of August 31, 2016	5,637	6,273	0
Accounts Receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	11,200	7,800
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	5,592	3,719
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase for Warranties Issued	5,608	5,985
Warranty payments and costs incurred	(4,714)	(4,058)
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	130	(57)
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition	0	3
Ending balance	6,616	5,592	3,719
Industrial
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance as of August 31, 2015	1,343	0
Restructuring charges	1,687	3,158
Payments for Restructuring	(2,384)	(1,772)
Non-cash uses of reserve	(436)	(54)
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(8)	11
Balance as of August 31, 2016	202	1,343	0
Energy
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance as of August 31, 2015	3,021	0
Restructuring charges	1,942	5,544
Payments for Restructuring	(1,460)	(2,345)
Non-cash uses of reserve	(41)	(166)
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	151	(12)
Balance as of August 31, 2016	3,613	3,021	0
Engineered Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Balance as of August 31, 2015	1,863	0
Restructuring charges	3,488	5,411
Payments for Restructuring	(3,582)	(3,199)
Non-cash uses of reserve	(6)	(364)
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	29	15
Balance as of August 31, 2016	$ 1,792	$ 1,863	$ 0

Summary of Significant Accoun45

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)Segment	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	3
Portion of inventory determined using last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method	18.00%	21.00%
Inventory LIFO reserve	$ 3,900	$ 3,700
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual	6,616	5,592	$ 3,719
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Increase for Warranties Issued	5,608	5,985
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments	(4,714)	(4,058)
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	130	(57)
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual, Additions from Business Acquisition	0	3
Unearned Revenue	10,100	7,700
Accounts Receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	11,200	7,800
Research and development costs	21,900	18,300	17,700
Foreign exchange transaction (gains)/losses	3,100	1,300	100
Interest Income, Other	1,200	1,700	1,900
AOCI - Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax	207,804	228,274
AOCI - Pension and other postretirement benefit plans, net of tax	(19,457)	(23,549)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	500,539	520,950	673,001	$ 1,001,711
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ (3,119)	(3,878)
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
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (227,261)	$ (251,823)	$ (213,640)	$ (68,408)

Director & Officer Transition46

Director & Officer Transition Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Compensation Related Costs [Abstract]
Director & officer transition charges	$ 7,784	$ 0	$ 0

Restructuring Charges (Details)

Restructuring Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$ 5,637	$ 6,273	$ 0
Restructuring charges	7,228	14,571	0
Restructuring Reserve, Cash Payments	(7,509)	(7,519)
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	(527)	(793)
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	172	14
Industrial
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	202	1,343	0
Restructuring charges	1,687	3,158
Restructuring Reserve, Cash Payments	2,384	1,772
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	436	54
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	(8)	11
Energy
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	3,613	3,021	0
Restructuring charges	1,942	5,544
Restructuring Reserve, Cash Payments	1,460	2,345
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	41	166
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	151	(12)
Engineered Solutions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	1,792	1,863	0
Restructuring charges	3,488	5,411
Restructuring Reserve, Cash Payments	3,582	3,199
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	6	364
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	29	15
Corporate Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	30	46	$ 0
Restructuring charges	111	458
Restructuring Reserve, Cash Payments	83	203
Restructuring Reserve, Settled without Cash	44	209
Restructuring Reserve, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)	$ 0	$ 0

Proforma Results of Operations

Proforma Results of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales, As reported	$ 1,095,784	$ 1,149,410	$ 1,249,254
Net sales, Pro forma		1,175,304	1,275,965
Earnings from continuing operations		(105,174)	19,872
Earnings from continuing operations, Pro forma		$ (100,927)	$ 20,361
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations, As reported		$ (1.78)	$ 0.32
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations, Pro forma		(1.71)	0.33
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, As reported		(1.78)	0.32
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations, Pro forma		$ (1.71)	$ 0.33
Fiscal 2016 acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales, As reported	$ 32,800	$ 19,100

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 18, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)acquisition	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)acquisition	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)acquisition	Mar. 30, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 17, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired				$ 0	$ 81,916	$ 0
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired					$ 45,967
Number of businesses acquired | acquisition				0	2	0
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments				$ 1,085
Net sales				1,095,784	$ 1,149,410	$ 1,249,254
Mirage Machines [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definitive Agreement Purchase Price	$ 16,000
Larzep
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement			Feb. 17, 2016
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired			$ 15,900
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired			$ 9,700
Recognition of Intangible Assets Acquired								$ 4,800
Pipeline and Process Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Date of Acquisition Agreement		Mar. 30, 2016
Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		$ 65,500
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired		37,400
Recognition of Intangible Assets Acquired							$ 8,700
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		$ 1,100
Fiscal 2016 acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales				$ 32,800	19,100
Acquisition Costs, Period Cost					$ 2,100
Customer Relationships | Larzep
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Recognition of Intangible Assets Acquired								3,600
Customer Relationships | Pipeline and Process Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Recognition of Intangible Assets Acquired							8,000
Non-compete Agreements | Pipeline and Process Services
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Recognition of Intangible Assets Acquired							$ 700
Trade Names | Larzep
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Recognition of Intangible Assets Acquired								$ 1,200

Divestiture Activities- Additio

Divestiture Activities- Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 25, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net	$ 2,426		$ 2,426
Impairment and other divestiture charges			116,979
Loss on product line divestiture			0	$ 5,092	$ 0
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs			0	9,695	0
Net gain on disposal of businesses			0	(1,557)	0
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations, Operating Loss	(11,700)
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current	190		190
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current	7,534		7,534
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Prepaid and Other Assets, Current	1,927		1,927
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent	9,758		9,758
Assets held-for-sale	21,835		21,835	0
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current	1,883		1,883
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current	1,637		1,637
Divestiture Activities, Liability Held for Sale - Rental Asset Lease Buyout Liability	28,644		28,644
Divestiture Activity, Liability Held for Sale, Reserve for Cumulative Translation Adjustment	68,919		68,919
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Liabilities Held-for-sale	101,083		101,083	0
Viking [Domain]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Definitive Agreement Selling Price	12,000
Impairment and other divestiture charges			116,979
Cash Charge Related to Operating Lease Buyout	28,600		$ 28,600
Non-cash impairment charge	85,100
Cumulative Effect of Foreign Currency Rate Change Since Acquisition	69,000
Other Divestiture Charges	3,300
Income Tax Benefit Related to Write Down of Assets	8,100
Viking
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, annual revenue	$ 18,700
Sanlo [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Date		Aug. 25, 2016
Loss on product line divestiture		$ (5,100)
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs		9,700
Net gain on disposal of businesses		$ 1,600
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, annual revenue				$ 10,800	$ 12,400
Scenario, Forecast | Viking
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Minimum Disposal Charges						$ 15,000
Maximum Disposal Charges						$ 20,000

Changes in Carrying Value of Go

Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 608,256	$ 519,276	$ 608,256
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired			45,967
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		1,085
Goodwill, Impairment Charge	(118,122)		(118,462)
Write off of goodwill related to a business divestiture			(3,778)
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		9,720	(12,707)
Ending Balance		530,081	519,276	$ 608,256
Industrial
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	92,107	101,739	92,107
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired			9,726
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		59
Goodwill, Impairment Charge			0
Write off of goodwill related to a business divestiture			0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		2,195	(94)
Ending Balance		103,875	101,739	92,107
Energy
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	236,450	187,321	236,450
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired			36,241
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		1,144
Goodwill, Impairment Charge			(73,919)	(78,500)
Write off of goodwill related to a business divestiture			0
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		365	(11,451)
Ending Balance		188,830	187,321	236,450
Engineered Solutions
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 279,699	230,216	279,699
Recognition of Goodwill due to Business acquired			0
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments		0
Goodwill, Impairment Charge			(44,543)
Write off of goodwill related to a business divestiture			3,778
Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)		7,160	(1,162)
Ending Balance		$ 237,376	$ 230,216	$ 279,699

Gross Carrying Value and Accumu

Gross Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Accumulated Amortization	$ 192,660	$ 202,311
Net Book Value	220,489	239,475
Intangible assets, gross	413,149	441,786
Trade Names
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	91,080	90,909
Finite-Lived Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Net Book Value	91,080	90,909
Customer Relationships
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	263,498	292,671
Finite-Lived Accumulated Amortization	153,003	166,252
Net Book Value	$ 110,495	126,419
Weighted Average Amortization Period	15 years
Patents
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 30,401	30,296
Finite-Lived Accumulated Amortization	24,027	22,233
Net Book Value	$ 6,374	8,063
Weighted Average Amortization Period	10 years
Trademarks and Tradenames
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 21,498	21,283
Finite-Lived Accumulated Amortization	9,396	7,936
Net Book Value	$ 12,102	13,347
Weighted Average Amortization Period	18 years
Non-Compete Agreements and Other
Indefinite And Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 6,672	6,627
Finite-Lived Accumulated Amortization	6,234	5,890
Net Book Value	$ 438	$ 737
Weighted Average Amortization Period	3 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible53

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information(Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charge	$ 186,511	$ 186,511	$ 84,353
Goodwill, Impairment Charge	118,122	118,462
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	16,653
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	27,952
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	23,784
Future amortization expense, 2018				$ 20,400
Future amortization expense, 2019				19,800
Future amortization expense, 2020				19,200
Future amortization expense, 2021				18,300
Future amortization expense, 2022				16,300
Future amortization expense, thereafter				$ 35,400
maximatecc
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charge	45,674
Goodwill, Impairment Charge	44,521
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	1,153
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	0
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	0
Viking
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charge	104,124
Goodwill, Impairment Charge	39,099
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	13,289
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	27,952
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	23,784
Cortland
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charge	36,713
Goodwill, Impairment Charge	34,502
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	2,211
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	0
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges	$ 0
Energy
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment charge		140,900	84,400
Goodwill, Impairment Charge		$ 73,919	78,500
Energy | 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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	$ 565,059	$ 584,309
Less: current maturities of long-term debt	(30,000)	(18,750)
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	(3,119)	(3,878)
Long-term Debt, net	531,940	561,681
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	277,500	296,250
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Senior Indebtedness	277,500	296,250
Senior Notes | 5.625% Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
5.625% Senior Notes Carrying Value	$ 287,559	$ 288,059

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)covenant	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 16, 2012USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt			$ 565,059	$ 565,059	$ 584,309
Repayments of Senior Debt				500
Cash interest payments				27,100	27,200	$ 24,800
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities			(30,000)	(30,000)	(18,750)
Long-term Debt, net			531,940	531,940	561,681
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt			0	0	0
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt			$ 277,500	$ 277,500	$ 296,250
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Jun. 15, 2022
Face amount							$ 300,000
Debt instrument, interest rate			5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%
Repayments of Senior Debt				$ 500	$ 0	$ 11,941
5.625% Senior Notes Carrying Value			$ 287,559	$ 287,559	$ 288,059
Minimum | 5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Redemption Price As Percentage Of Principal							100.00%
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio			3.75	3.75
Maximum | 5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Redemption Price As Percentage Of Principal							102.80%
Senior Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior credit facility expansion option, available			$ 450,000	$ 450,000
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 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate over variable rate				2.00%
Debt instrument actual interest rate			3.25%	3.25%
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%
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Starting on June 30, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly installments, payable on term loan		$ 3,800
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Starting on June 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly installments, payable on term loan	$ 7,500
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			600,000	600,000
Unused credit line			597,000	597,000
Unused Borrowing Capacity Available for Borrowing			$ 101,500	$ 101,500
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%

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Apr. 16, 2012
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%
Fair value of long-term debt	$ 295,800	$ 299,600
5.625% Senior Notes Carrying Value	287,559	288,059
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contracts Net Assets (Liabilities) Fair Value Disclosure	$ (200)	$ (700)

Derivatives - Additional Inform

Derivatives - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Fair Value Hedge Derivatives and Not Designated as Hedging Instruments at Fair Value	$ (2,962)	$ (1,520)	$ (95)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Derivative [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Contracts Net Assets (Liabilities) Fair Value Disclosure	(200)	(700)
Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 22,000	$ 143,400

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Due in 2018	$ 28
Due in 2019	22.9
Due in 2020	18.6
Due in 2021	13.3
Due in 2022	10.7
Due thereafter	12.7
Operating lease, rental expense	$ 37.4	$ 37.6	$ 35.7
Minimum
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Lease agreements period	1 year
Maximum
Leases Disclosure [Line Items]
Lease agreements period	20 years

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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 39,489
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	40,027	$ 39,489
United States Pension Plan of US Entity
Reconciliation of benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	50,409	45,612
Interest cost	1,690	1,970	$ 1,920
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss)	(1,997)	5,604
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid	(3,296)	(2,777)
Benefit obligation at end of year	46,806	50,409	45,612
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	39,489	39,181
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets	3,599	2,687
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer	235	398
Benefits paid from plan assets	(3,296)	(2,777)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	40,027	39,489	$ 39,181
Funded status of the plans (underfunded)	(6,779)	(10,920)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fixed Income Securities
Reconciliation of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	11,723
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 11,614	$ 11,723

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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 1,690	$ 1,970	$ 1,920
Expected return on assets	(2,867)	(2,997)	(3,143)
Amortization of actuarial loss	$ 1,141	$ 837	$ 828

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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Assumptions for benefit obligations:
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.60%	3.45%	4.45%
Assumptions for net periodic benefit cost:
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	3.45%	4.45%	4.15%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets	7.15%	7.40%	7.50%

U.S. Pension Plan Investment Al

U.S. Pension Plan Investment Allocations by Asset Category (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 40,027	$ 39,489
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Cash and cash equivalents | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 395	$ 347
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	1.00%	0.90%
Fixed Income Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 11,614	$ 11,723
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	29.00%	29.70%
Fixed Income Securities | Corporate Bond Securities | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 8,475	$ 8,372
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	21.20%	21.20%
Fixed Income Securities | Mutual Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 3,139	$ 3,351
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	7.80%	8.50%
Equity Securities | Mutual Funds | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Schedule of Pension Plan Assets by Fair Value [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 28,018	$ 27,419
Percentage of fair value of pension plan assets	70.00%	69.40%

Funded Status of Defined Benefi

Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 40,027	$ 39,489
Non-US Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2018	300
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2019	300
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2020	400
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in, fiscal 2021	500
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in, fiscal 2022	600
Amount of benefits expected to be paid fiscal 2023 through fiscal 2027	2,600
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	14,645	16,808
Fair value of plan assets	7,950	8,502
Funded status of the plans (underfunded)	$ (6,695)	$ (8,306)

Employee Benefit Plans Employee

Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	$ 1,600	$ 1,600	$ 1,800
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum	60.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum	80.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	$ 3,800	4,000
Foreign Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost		0	(100)
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$ 300
Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate	7.30%
Defined Benefit Plan Health Care Cost Trend Rate In Future Period	5.00%
United States Pension Plan of US Entity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2018	$ 2,900
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2019	2,900
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2020	2,900
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in, fiscal 2021	2,900
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in, fiscal 2022	2,900
Amount of benefits expected to be paid fiscal 2023 through fiscal 2027	14,600
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	46,806	50,409	45,612
Foreign Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$ (36)	$ (190)	$ (395)
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.60%	3.45%	4.45%
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Net Gains (Losses), after Tax	$ (16,000)	$ (18,400)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year	$ 700
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Long Term Rate Of Returns On Assets Assumption	7.00%
Other Current Liabilities and Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current and Noncurrent	$ 20,900	22,200
Non-US Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2018	300
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2019	300
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal 2020	400
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in, fiscal 2021	500
Amount of benefits expected to be paid in, fiscal 2022	600
Amount of benefits expected to be paid fiscal 2023 through fiscal 2027	2,600
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	14,645	16,808
Foreign Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$ 1,000	$ 700	$ 1,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	2.30%	1.90%
Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year	$ 400
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Long Term Rate Of Returns On Assets Assumption	4.60%
401(k) [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	25.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	6.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 4,700	$ 4,400	4,300
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	50.00%
Maximum Percentage Of Core Contributions Made By Employer	3.00%
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	$ 1,600
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 300	$ 300	$ 300
Minimum | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Employer Contribution Percentage	3.00%
Maximum | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Employer Contribution Percentage	6.00%

Income Tax Expense from Continu

Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Currently payable:
Currently payable, Federal	$ (14,769)	$ 2,205	$ (126)
Currently payable, Foreign	15,665	11,838	21,200
Currently payable, State	(850)	912	(1,616)
Currently payable	46	14,955	19,458
Deferred:
Deferred, Federal	603	(12,470)	(4,416)
Deferred, Foreign	(16,837)	(23,797)	(9,199)
Deferred, State	(290)	(3,858)	(324)
Benefit for deferred income taxes	(16,524)	(40,125)	(13,939)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (16,478)	$ (25,170)	$ 5,519

Reconciliation of Income Taxes

Reconciliation of Income Taxes at Federal Statutory Rate to Effective Tax Rate (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Benefit, Taxable Liquidations of Foreign Subsidiaries	$ 14,900
Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards	$ 41,985	$ 36,761
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal effect	1.10%	1.20%	(0.20%)
Net effects of foreign tax rate differential and credits	(2.70%)	1.60%	(58.40%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Domestic Manufacturing Deduction	0.60%	0.30%	(5.10%)
Foreign Branch Currency Losses	(0.30%)	4.90%	0.00%
Goodwill impairment	(11.20%)	(27.00%)	78.60%
Valuation allowance additions and releases	(16.20%)	(0.70%)	15.50%
Changes in liability for unrecognized tax benefits	(3.70%)	(0.90%)	(42.10%)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Taxable Liquidation of Foreign Subsidiaries	22.10%	0.00%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent	(4.60%)	0.00%	0.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent	(2.10%)	0.00%	0.00%
Business divestiture	0.00%	3.90%	0.00%
Other items	1.90%	1.00%	(1.60%)
Effective income tax rate	19.90%	19.30%	21.70%
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits	$ 17,319	$ 25,086
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits	14,359	8,727
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	2,958	3,044
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Other	14,224	8,317
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	90,845	81,935
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	22,671	8,147
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	68,174	73,788
Deferred Tax Liabilities Depreciation And Amortization	77,548	83,020
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	1,910	5,493
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	79,458	88,513
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$ 11,284	$ 14,725

Temporary Differences and Carry

Temporary Differences and Carryforwards of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Benefit, Taxable Liquidations of Foreign Subsidiaries	$ 14,900
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	31,446	$ 29,174	$ 29,924	$ 39,509
Deferred income tax assets:
Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss And Tax Credit Carryforwards	41,985	36,761
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits	17,319	25,086
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits	14,359	8,727
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	2,958	3,044
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Other	14,224	8,317
Total deferred income tax assets	90,845	81,935
Valuation allowance	(22,671)	(8,147)
Net deferred income tax assets	68,174	73,788
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation and amortization	(77,548)	(83,020)
Other items	(1,910)	(5,493)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(79,458)	(88,513)
Net deferred income tax liability	(11,284)	(14,725)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	6,057	1,050	2,183
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	297	475	8,935
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	627	0	633
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	4,008	1,027	4,464
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities	0	0	14,180
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation	$ 553	$ (1,248)	$ (1,426)

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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	$ 12,635	$ (19,182)	$ 14,593
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	29,174	29,924
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	6,057	1,050	2,183
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	297	475	8,935
Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior period	(627)	0	(633)
Decrease due to lapse of statute of limitations	(4,008)	(1,027)	(4,464)
Decrease due to settlements	0	0	(14,180)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation	553	(1,248)	(1,426)
Ending balance	31,446	29,174	29,924
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	(95,326)	(111,162)	10,798
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	$ (82,691)	$ (130,344)	$ 25,391

Earnings before Income Taxes, I

Earnings before Income Taxes, Including both Continuing and Discontinued Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	$ 12,635	$ (19,182)	$ 14,593
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	(95,326)	(111,162)	10,798
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense	$ (82,691)	$ (130,344)	$ 25,391

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure Additional Details [Table] [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued		$ 2,900	$ 2,300	$ 1,800
Director & officer transition charges		7,784	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense		15,100
Asset Impairment Charge Income Tax Benefit		47,900	68,000	6,300
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount				10,000
Impairment charge	$ 186,511		186,511	84,353
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)		(4,600)		(9,500)
Net Benefit, Taxable Liquidations of Foreign Subsidiaries		14,900
Operating Loss Carryforward		62,700
Undistributed earnings		213,700
Loss on product line divestiture		0	5,092	0
Income taxes, net of refunds		11,800	21,400	26,400
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign		112,000
Additional Tax Expense Related to Deferred Tax Liability		$ 21,700
Domestic Destination
Income Tax Disclosure Additional Details [Table] [Line Items]
Impairment charge			49,000	20,300
Foreign Destination
Income Tax Disclosure Additional Details [Table] [Line Items]
Impairment charge			$ 137,500	$ 64,100
Percent of Revenue (excluding impairment charge) from foreign jurisdictions		63.00%	53.00%	68.00%
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets
Income Tax Disclosure Additional Details [Table] [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense		$ 15,144	$ 852	$ 5,694
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions		$ 620	$ 1,026	$ 2,254

Capital Stock(Detail)

Capital Stock(Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ (66,213)	$ (105,174)	$ 19,872
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings per share	59,436	59,010	61,262
Net effect of dilutive securities-employee stock compensation plans	0	0	793
Weighted average common and equivalent shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share	59,436	59,010	62,055
Basic Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share):	$ (1.11)	$ (1.78)	$ 0.32
Diluted Earnings Per Share (in dollars per share):	$ (1.11)	$ (1.78)	$ 0.32
Anti-dilutive securities-equity based compensation plans (excluded from earnings per share calculation)	4,482	4,832	2,056

Capital Stock Share Repurchases

Capital Stock Share Repurchases - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Mar. 16, 2015	Oct. 01, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Sep. 28, 2011
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	168,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.20
Common stock, shares issued	80,200,110	79,393,393
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	20,439,434	20,439,434
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	7,560,566
Common Class A
Capital Unit [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized	168,000,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.2
Common stock, shares issued	80,200,110
Common stock, shares outstanding	59,760,676
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, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Number of Stock Option Outstanding
Beginning Balance | shares	3,478,062
Granted | shares	307,390
Exercised | shares	(461,355)
Forfeited | shares	(132,467)
Ending Balance | shares	3,191,630
Options exercisable at end of Period | shares	2,340,204
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 23.96
Granted | $ / shares	26.95
Exercised | $ / shares	21.65
Forfeited | $ / shares	28.34
Ending Balance | $ / shares	24.40
Options exercisable at end of Period | $ / shares	$ 24.22
Option Outstanding weighted average remaining term	4 years 9 months 6 days
Option exercisable weighted average remaining term	3 years 7 months 2 days
Stock option, aggregate intrinsic Value | $	$ 5.6
Stock option, aggregate intrinsic Value | $	$ 5

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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value of options granted (per share)	$ 11.88	$ 8.63	$ 8.35
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	$ 2,208	$ 989	$ 366
Cash receipts from exercise of options	$ 7,762	$ 3,564	$ 1,147

Summary Of Restricted Stock Act

Summary Of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Aggregate Number of Restricted Shares
Beginning Balance | shares	1,353,505
Granted | shares	474,071
Forfeited | shares	(76,338)
Vested | shares	(460,790)
Ending Balance | shares	1,290,448
Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 25.21
Granted | $ / shares	26.13
Forfeited | $ / shares	27.01
Vested | $ / shares	26.65
Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 24.95

Weighted-Average Assumptions (D

Weighted-Average Assumptions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Dividend yield	0.15062%	0.18918%	0.15%
Expected volatility	38.1247%	38.06236%	37.80%
Risk-free rate of return	2.41666%	2.06317%	1.19%
Expected forfeiture rate	11.00%	13.12%	13.73%
Expected life	7 years 7 months 9 days	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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Class A Common Stock were authorized for issuance	4,325,000
Common Stock Registered to Cover Shares that Become Issuable	1,800,000
Shares available for future grants	4,524,027
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	$ 23.3
Unrecognized compensation cost related to share-based compensation for stock options and restricted stock outstanding, recognition period	2 years 8 months
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	$ 16.1	$ 12.4
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%
Share Based Compensation Arrangement, Restricted Stock Grants, Vesting Rights, Percentage	100.00%
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%
After One Year [Domain]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement, Restricted Stock Grants, Vesting Rights, Percentage	33.00%
After Two Years [Domain]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement, Restricted Stock Grants, Vesting Rights, Percentage	66.00%
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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment and other divestiture charges	$ 116,979
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	0	$ (5,092)	$ 0
Net sales	1,095,784	1,149,410	1,249,254
Operating profit (loss)	(50,236)	(100,217)	53,554
Depreciation and amortization	43,110	47,777	53,239
Capital Expenditure	28,195	20,209	22,516
Assets	1,516,955	1,438,660
Industrial Tools [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	335,569	314,832	355,170
Heavy Lifting Technology [Member] [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	44,186	44,985	47,294
Industrial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	379,755	359,817	402,464
Operating profit (loss)	84,936	79,773	105,652
Depreciation and amortization	7,583	8,175	8,257
Capital Expenditure	6,566	2,570	1,249
Assets	329,134	308,222
Energy Maintenance & Integrity [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	225,716	278,881	246,357
Other Energy Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	83,878	113,849	165,518
Energy
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment and other divestiture charges	117,000
Net sales	309,594	392,731	411,875
Operating profit (loss)	(119,020)	(107,528)	(41,351)
Depreciation and amortization	18,943	21,944	26,532
Capital Expenditure	12,076	9,355	11,864
Assets	482,963	479,169
On-Highway [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	215,831	209,575	220,889
Agriculture, Off-Highway and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	190,604	187,287	214,026
Engineered Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	406,435	396,862	434,915
Operating profit (loss)	16,883	(42,991)	19,789
Depreciation and amortization	14,572	15,910	16,652
Capital Expenditure	6,857	5,974	8,472
Assets	531,068	493,840
General Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)	(33,035)	(29,471)	(30,536)
Depreciation and amortization	2,012	1,749	1,798
Capital Expenditure	2,696	2,310	$ 931
Assets	$ 173,790	$ 157,429

Financial Information from Cont

Financial Information from Continuing Operations By Geographic Region (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	$ 1,516,955	$ 1,438,660
Net sales	1,095,784	1,149,410	$ 1,249,254
Long-Lived Assets	98,334	117,179
United States
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	480,801	477,670	526,061
Long-Lived Assets	36,254	32,205
Netherlands
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	130,724	143,517	139,432
Long-Lived Assets	9,134	8,027
Australia
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	38,924	62,779	94,319
Long-Lived Assets	1,286	15,399
UNITED KINGDOM
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	84,106	115,183	113,743
Long-Lived Assets	5,467	9,914
China
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	16,332	16,863
United Arab Emirates
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	39,974	55,906	44,211
Long-Lived Assets	8,451	8,399
All other
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	321,255	294,355	331,489
Long-Lived Assets	21,410	34,399
Energy
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	482,963	479,169
Net sales	309,594	392,731	411,875
Industrial
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	329,134	308,222
Net sales	379,755	359,817	402,464
Engineered Solutions
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	531,068	493,840
Net sales	406,435	396,862	$ 434,915
General Corporate
Geographic Reporting Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets	$ 173,790	$ 157,429

Business Segment, Geographic 80

Business Segment, Geographic and Customer Information - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2017USD ($)Segment	Aug. 31, 2016USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment			3
Impairment and other divestiture charges			$ 116,979
Impairment charge		$ 186,511		$ 186,511	$ 84,353
Largest customer sales in fiscal year, percent			3.00%
Export sales from domestic operation, as a percentage of total net sales			6.00%
Percentage of Product Sales to Consolidated Net Sales			82.00%
Energy
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment and other divestiture charges			$ 117,000
Impairment charge				$ 140,900	$ 84,400
Engineered Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment charge	$ 45,700

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 14.5	$ 17.8
Discounted present value of future minimum lease payments	$ 13.5
Weighted Average Discount Rate on Future Minimum Lease Payments	2.29%
Electrical
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Discounted present value of future minimum lease payments	$ 10.7

Condensed Consolidating Stateme

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Earnings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 1,095,784	$ 1,149,410	$ 1,249,254
Cost of products sold		716,067	746,013	787,413
Gross profit		379,717	403,397	461,841
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses		277,488	274,497	299,601
Impairment charge	$ 186,511		186,511	84,353
Amortization of intangible assets		20,474	22,943	24,333
Loss on product line divestiture		0	5,092	0
Restructuring charges		7,228	14,571	0
Director & officer transition charges		7,784	0	0
Impairment and other divestiture charges		116,979
Operating profit (loss)		(50,236)	(100,217)	53,554
Financing costs, net		29,703	28,768	28,057
Intercompany expense (income), net		0	0	0
Intercompany Dividends		0	0	0
Other expense (income), net		2,752	1,359	106
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense		(82,691)	(130,344)	25,391
Income tax expense		(16,478)	(25,170)	5,519
Net Earnings Loss From Continuing Operations Before Equity In Earnings Of Subsidiaries		(66,213)	(105,174)	19,872
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries		0	0	0
Net earnings		(66,213)	(105,174)	19,872
Comprehensive loss		(41,651)	(143,357)	(125,360)
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales		145,223	135,679	158,836
Cost of products sold		34,300	34,576	40,858
Gross profit		110,923	101,103	117,978
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses		74,996	69,677	74,588
Impairment charge			0	0
Amortization of intangible assets		1,272	1,272	1,272
Loss on product line divestiture			0
Restructuring charges		826	2,426
Director & officer transition charges		7,784
Impairment and other divestiture charges		0
Operating profit (loss)		26,045	27,728	42,118
Financing costs, net		30,005	30,123	29,295
Intercompany expense (income), net		(22,941)	(20,445)	(19,727)
Intercompany Dividends		5,353	0	(212)
Other expense (income), net		2,690	914	160
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense		10,938	17,136	32,602
Income tax expense		(782)	(8,729)	(8,218)
Net Earnings Loss From Continuing Operations Before Equity In Earnings Of Subsidiaries		11,720	25,865	40,820
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries		(77,933)	(131,037)	(20,948)
Net earnings		(66,213)	(105,174)	19,872
Comprehensive loss		(41,651)	(143,357)	(125,360)
Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales		355,989	361,209	385,476
Cost of products sold		260,700	263,197	280,081
Gross profit		95,289	98,012	105,395
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses		69,826	69,382	69,041
Impairment charge			49,012	20,249
Amortization of intangible assets		11,715	13,287	13,061
Loss on product line divestiture			5,092
Restructuring charges		1,359	3,455
Director & officer transition charges		0
Impairment and other divestiture charges		0
Operating profit (loss)		12,389	(42,216)	3,044
Financing costs, net		35	0	0
Intercompany expense (income), net		22,066	(9,999)	(8,835)
Intercompany Dividends		(59,401)	0	(243)
Other expense (income), net		87	54	(84)
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense		49,602	(32,271)	12,206
Income tax expense		(14,574)	519	4,056
Net Earnings Loss From Continuing Operations Before Equity In Earnings Of Subsidiaries		64,176	(32,790)	8,150
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries		(81,389)	(83,747)	(1,720)
Net earnings		(17,213)	(116,537)	6,430
Comprehensive loss		(35,121)	(157,344)	(10,689)
Non-Guarantors
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales		594,572	652,522	704,942
Cost of products sold		421,067	448,240	466,474
Gross profit		173,505	204,282	238,468
Selling, administrative and engineering expenses		132,666	135,438	155,972
Impairment charge			137,499	64,104
Amortization of intangible assets		7,487	8,384	10,000
Loss on product line divestiture			0
Restructuring charges		5,043	8,690
Director & officer transition charges		0
Impairment and other divestiture charges		116,979
Operating profit (loss)		(88,670)	(85,729)	8,392
Financing costs, net		(337)	(1,355)	(1,238)
Intercompany expense (income), net		875	30,444	28,562
Intercompany Dividends		(5,353)	(5,338)	(10,707)
Other expense (income), net		(25)	391	30
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense		(83,830)	(109,871)	(8,255)
Income tax expense		(1,122)	(17,046)	10,939
Net Earnings Loss From Continuing Operations Before Equity In Earnings Of Subsidiaries		(82,708)	(92,825)	(19,194)
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries		3,335	3,024	6,520
Net earnings		(79,373)	(89,801)	(12,674)
Comprehensive loss		(39,942)	(83,802)	(88,431)
Consolidation, 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	0
Amortization of intangible assets		0	0	0
Loss on product line divestiture			0
Restructuring charges		0	0
Director & officer transition charges		0
Impairment and other divestiture charges		0
Operating profit (loss)		0	0	0
Financing costs, net		0	0	0
Intercompany expense (income), net		0	0	0
Intercompany Dividends		59,401	5,338	11,162
Other expense (income), net		0	0	0
(Loss) earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense		(59,401)	(5,338)	(11,162)
Income tax expense		0	86	(1,258)
Net Earnings Loss From Continuing Operations Before Equity In Earnings Of Subsidiaries		(59,401)	(5,424)	(9,904)
Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries		155,987	211,760	16,148
Net earnings		96,586	206,336	6,244
Comprehensive loss		$ 75,063	$ 241,146	$ 99,120

Condensed Consolidating Balance

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 229,571	$ 179,604	$ 168,846	$ 109,012
Accounts receivable, net	190,206	186,829
Inventories, net	143,651	130,756
Assets held-for-sale	21,835	0
Other current assets	61,663	45,463
Total current assets	646,926	542,652
Property, plant & equipment, net	94,521	114,015
Goodwill	530,081	519,276	608,256
Other intangibles, net	220,489	239,475
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Other long-term assets	24,938	23,242
Total assets	1,516,955	1,438,660
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	133,387	115,051
Accrued Compensation and benefits	50,939	46,901
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	30,000	18,750
Income Taxes Payable	6,080	9,254
Liabilities Held-for-sale	101,083	0
Other current liabilities	57,445	51,956
Total current liabilities	378,934	241,912
Long-term Debt, net	531,940	561,681
Deferred income taxes	29,859	31,356
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	19,862	25,667
Other long-term liabilities	55,821	57,094
Intercompany payable	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	500,539	520,950	673,001	1,001,711
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,516,955	1,438,660
Parent
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	34,715	7,953	18,688	27,931
Accounts receivable, net	17,498	13,692
Inventories, net	23,308	19,897
Assets held-for-sale	0
Other current assets	23,576	7,754
Total current assets	99,097	49,296
Property, plant & equipment, net	7,049	5,927
Goodwill	38,847	38,847
Other intangibles, net	8,156	9,429
Investment in subsidiaries	1,832,472	1,915,367
Intercompany receivable	0	0
Other long-term assets	8,377	5,702
Total assets	1,993,998	2,024,568
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	15,412	11,529
Accrued Compensation and benefits	19,082	17,506
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	30,000	18,750
Income Taxes Payable	153	1,886
Liabilities Held-for-sale	0
Other current liabilities	18,512	20,459
Total current liabilities	83,159	70,130
Long-term Debt, net	531,940	561,681
Deferred income taxes	24,164	30,666
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	12,540	16,803
Other long-term liabilities	48,692	47,739
Intercompany payable	792,964	776,599
Total shareholders’ equity	500,539	520,950
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,993,998	2,024,568
Guarantors
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	71	567	3,487
Accounts receivable, net	50,749	41,715
Inventories, net	48,492	44,283
Assets held-for-sale	0
Other current assets	3,619	3,858
Total current assets	102,860	89,927
Property, plant & equipment, net	26,130	23,511
Goodwill	200,499	200,499
Other intangibles, net	138,042	149,757
Investment in subsidiaries	1,186,715	578,423
Intercompany receivable	589,193	1,159,672
Other long-term assets	812	10
Total assets	2,244,251	2,201,799
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	27,168	20,669
Accrued Compensation and benefits	7,672	5,754
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	0	0
Income Taxes Payable	0	0
Liabilities Held-for-sale	0
Other current liabilities	7,169	6,989
Total current liabilities	42,009	33,412
Long-term Debt, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	352	588
Intercompany payable	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	2,201,890	2,167,799
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,244,251	2,201,799
Non-Guarantors
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	194,856	171,580	149,591	77,594
Accounts receivable, net	121,959	131,422
Inventories, net	71,851	66,576
Assets held-for-sale	21,835
Other current assets	34,468	33,851
Total current assets	444,969	403,429
Property, plant & equipment, net	61,342	84,577
Goodwill	290,735	279,930
Other intangibles, net	74,291	80,289
Investment in subsidiaries	805,016	465,736
Intercompany receivable	205,183	0
Other long-term assets	15,749	17,530
Total assets	1,897,285	1,331,491
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	90,807	82,853
Accrued Compensation and benefits	24,185	23,641
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	0	0
Income Taxes Payable	5,927	7,368
Liabilities Held-for-sale	(101,083)
Other current liabilities	31,764	24,508
Total current liabilities	253,766	138,370
Long-term Debt, net	0		0
Deferred income taxes	5,695	690
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	7,322	8,864
Other long-term liabilities	6,777	8,767
Intercompany payable	1,412	383,073
Total shareholders’ equity	1,622,313	791,727
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,897,285	1,331,491
Consolidation, Eliminations
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories, net	0	0
Assets held-for-sale	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	(3,824,203)	(2,959,526)
Intercompany receivable	(794,376)	(1,159,672)
Other long-term assets	0	0
Total assets	(4,618,579)	(4,119,198)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	0	0
Accrued Compensation and benefits	0	0
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	0	0
Income Taxes Payable	0	0
Liabilities Held-for-sale	0
Other current liabilities	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term Debt, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Pension and postretirement benefit liabilities	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Intercompany payable	(794,376)	(1,159,672)
Total shareholders’ equity	(3,824,203)	(2,959,526)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ (4,618,579)	$ (4,119,198)

Condensed Consolidating State84

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$ 87,847	$ 117,697	$ 131,434
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(28,195)	(20,209)	(22,516)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	570	9,296	1,244
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs	0	9,695	0
Intercompany investment	0	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(81,916)	0
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	(27,625)	(83,134)	(21,272)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	(18,750)
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	0
Intercompany capital contributions	0	0	0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(742)	0	0
Taxes paid related to the net share settlement of equity awards	(1,065)	(1,409)	(2,466)
Debt issuance costs	0	0	(2,025)
Purchase of treasury shares	0	(17,101)	(212,003)
Repayments of Senior Debt	500
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	8,917	6,416	5,396
Cash dividend	(2,358)	(2,376)	(2,598)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(14,498)	(18,430)	(15,417)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	4,243	(5,375)	(34,911)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	49,967	10,758	59,834
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	179,604	168,846	109,012
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	229,571	179,604	168,846
Parent
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	98,589	58,926	90,632
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(3,391)	(2,135)	(1,086)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	0	13	0
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs		0
Intercompany investment	(6,900)	(339)	(3,727)
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	(10,291)	(2,461)	(4,813)
Financing Activities
Intercompany loan activity	(47,780)	(48,980)	(79,425)
Intercompany capital contributions	0	0	0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	0
Taxes paid related to the net share settlement of equity awards	(1,065)	(1,409)	(2,466)
Debt issuance costs			(2,025)
Purchase of treasury shares		(17,101)	(212,003)
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	8,917	6,416	5,396
Cash dividend	(2,358)	(2,376)	(2,598)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(61,536)	(67,200)	(95,062)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	26,762	(10,735)	(9,243)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	7,953	18,688	27,931
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	34,715	7,953	18,688
Guarantors
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	14,340	(1,953)	(20,750)
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(9,265)	(6,781)	(5,848)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	207	7,000	273
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs		9,695
Intercompany investment	0	(3,458)	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	(9,058)	6,456	(5,575)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	34,081
Intercompany capital contributions	0	339	0
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	0
Taxes paid related to the net share settlement of equity awards	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs			0
Purchase of treasury shares		0	0
Repayments of Senior Debt	0
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	0	0	0
Cash dividend	(5,353)	(5,338)	(10,676)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(5,353)	(4,999)	23,405
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	(71)	(496)	(2,920)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	71	567	3,487
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	0	71	567
Non-Guarantors
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	39,672	66,062	72,228
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	(15,539)	(11,293)	(15,582)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	363	2,283	971
Proceeds from sale of businesses, net of transaction costs		0
Intercompany investment	0	0	0
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(81,916)
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	(15,176)	(90,926)	(14,611)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0
Intercompany loan activity	47,780	48,980	45,344
Intercompany capital contributions	6,900	3,458	3,727
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	(742)
Taxes paid related to the net share settlement of equity awards	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs			0
Purchase of treasury shares		0	0
Repayments of Senior Debt	0
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	0	0	0
Cash dividend	(59,401)	0	0
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(5,463)	52,228	49,291
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	4,243	(5,375)	(34,911)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	23,276	21,989	71,997
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period	171,580	149,591	77,594
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	194,856	171,580	149,591
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Senior Credit Facility
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0	(210)	220
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Senior Credit Facility | Parent
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit		0	0
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Senior Credit Facility | Guarantors
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit		0	0
Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Senior Credit Facility | Non-Guarantors
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit		(210)	220
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	(18,750)	(3,750)	(3,375)
Proceeds from term loan	0	0	213,375
Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility | Parent
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	(18,750)	(3,750)	(3,375)
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
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Financing Activities
Repayments of Senior Debt	500	0	11,941
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes | Parent
Financing Activities
Repayments of Senior Debt	500		11,941
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes | Guarantors
Financing Activities
Repayments of Senior Debt			0
5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes | Non-Guarantors
Financing Activities
Repayments of Senior Debt			0
Consolidation, Eliminations
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(64,754)	(5,338)	(10,676)
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
Intercompany investment	6,900	3,797	3,727
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired		0
Cash (used in ) provided by investing activities	6,900	3,797	3,727
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit	0
Intercompany loan activity	0	0	0
Intercompany capital contributions	(6,900)	(3,797)	(3,727)
Payment of deferred acquisition consideration	0
Taxes paid related to the net share settlement of equity awards	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs			0
Purchase of treasury shares		0	0
Repayments of Senior Debt	0
Stock option exercises, related tax benefits and other	0	0	0
Cash dividend	64,754	5,338	10,676
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	57,854	1,541	6,949
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
Consolidation, Eliminations | Senior Credit Facility - Revolver | Senior Credit Facility
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit		0	0
Consolidation, Eliminations | Senior Credit Facility - Term Loan | Senior Credit Facility
Financing Activities
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit		$ 0	0
Proceeds from term loan			0
Consolidation, Eliminations | 5.625% Senior Notes | Senior Notes
Financing Activities
Repayments of Senior Debt			$ 0

Guarantor Subsidiaries - Additi

Guarantor Subsidiaries - Additional Information (Detail) - Senior Notes - 5.625% Senior Notes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Apr. 16, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt				$ 300,000
5.625% Senior Notes Carrying Value	$ 287,559	$ 288,059
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.625%	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, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	May 31, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Nov. 30, 2015	May 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 1,095,784	$ 1,149,410	$ 1,249,254
Gross profit									379,717	403,397	461,841
Net earnings									$ (66,213)	$ (105,174)	$ 19,872
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)									$ (1.11)	$ (1.78)	$ 0.32
Diluted (in dollars per share)									$ (1.11)	$ (1.78)	$ 0.32
Quarterly unaudited data [Member]
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 275,695	$ 275,769	$ 295,427	$ 258,869	$ 265,793	$ 305,341	$ 263,289	$ 305,011
Gross profit	96,520	96,279	102,804	87,326	93,067	107,526	91,030	108,562
Net earnings	$ (98,764)	$ 17,402	$ 22,511	$ 5,074	$ 4,965	$ 21,166	$ (159,190)	$ 15,448
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (1.65)	$ 0.30	$ 0.38	$ 0.09	$ 0.08	$ 0.36	$ (2.70)	$ 0.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (1.65)	$ 0.29	$ 0.37	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.36	$ (2.70)	$ 0.26

Quarterly Financial Data - Addi

Quarterly Financial Data - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2016	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment charge	$ 186,511		$ 186,511	$ 84,353
Impairment and other divestiture charges		$ 116,979

Valuation and Qualifying Acco88

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2017	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense	$ 15,100
Allowance for losses -Trade accounts receivable
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	7,762	$ 3,970	$ 6,034
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense	3,112	2,274	1,633
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	1,452	3,090	0
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	(1,422)	(1,580)	(2,742)
Other	325	8	(955)
Ending Balance	11,229	7,762	3,970
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	8,147	8,053	5,608
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense	15,144	852	5,694
Additions Acquired/ (Divested)/ (Discontinued)	0	0	0
Deductions Accounts Written Off Less Recoveries	(620)	(1,026)	(2,254)
Other	0	268	(995)
Ending Balance	$ 22,671	$ 8,147	$ 8,053