Lindsay (LNN) 10-Q 28 Mar 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Mar. 25, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'lnn	'
Entity Registrant Name	'LINDSAY CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000836157	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--08-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	12,856,249

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Operating revenues	$152,804,000	$175,539,000	$300,475,000	$322,909,000
Cost of operating revenues	110,132,000	125,175,000	217,652,000	229,688,000
Gross profit	42,672,000	50,364,000	82,823,000	93,221,000
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Selling expense	9,534,000	8,000,000	19,290,000	15,321,000
General and administrative expense	9,354,000	10,155,000	21,097,000	20,273,000
Engineering and research expense	2,871,000	2,763,000	5,531,000	5,917,000
Total operating expenses	21,759,000	20,918,000	45,918,000	41,511,000
Operating income	20,913,000	29,446,000	36,905,000	51,710,000
Other income (expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-56,000	-83,000	-95,000	-226,000
Interest income	157,000	129,000	292,000	267,000
Other income (expense), net	-225,000	-4,000	-496,000	120,000
Earnings before income taxes	20,789,000	29,488,000	36,606,000	51,871,000
Income tax expense	7,339,000	10,137,000	12,922,000	17,792,000
Net earnings	$13,450,000	$19,351,000	$23,684,000	$34,079,000
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$1.04	$1.51	$1.84	$2.66
Diluted	$1.04	$1.50	$1.83	$2.65
Shares used in computing earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	12,910	12,842	12,899	12,799
Diluted	12,942	12,882	12,947	12,867
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.26	$0.12	$0.39	$0.23

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$13,450	$19,351	$23,684	$34,079
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit pension plan adjustment, net of tax	28	33	56	66
Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax	'	-35	'	-9
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of hedging activities and tax	-25	1,148	852	1,107
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax (benefit) expense of ($237), $275, ($595) and ($118)	3	1,146	908	1,164
Total comprehensive income	$13,453	$20,497	$24,592	$35,243

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income, tax expense (benefit)	($237)	$275	($595)	($118)

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$165,509	$151,927	$159,583
Receivables, net of allowance of $3,520, $1,915 and $2,853	111,211	120,291	105,399
Inventories, net	80,994	68,607	78,071
Deferred income taxes	13,916	12,705	9,110
Other current assets	18,216	15,261	15,020
Total current assets	389,846	368,791	367,183
Property, Plant And Equipment:	'	'	'
Cost	158,948	153,422	141,973
Less accumulated depreciation	-93,502	-88,358	-85,104
Property, plant and equipment, net	65,446	65,064	56,869
Intangibles, net	34,084	36,007	23,729
Goodwill	37,282	37,414	30,211
Other noncurrent assets	3,961	5,020	4,490
Total assets	530,619	512,296	482,482
Current Liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts payable	53,954	42,276	63,651
Current portion of long-term debt	'	'	2,143
Other current liabilities	54,204	59,816	45,724
Total current liabilities	108,158	102,092	111,518
Pension benefits liabilities	6,202	6,324	6,676
Deferred income taxes	13,975	15,415	9,716
Other noncurrent liabilities	7,590	7,827	7,415
Total liabilities	135,925	131,658	135,325
Shareholders' Equity:	'	'	'
Preferred stock of $1 par value - Authorized 2,000 shares, no shares issued	'	'	'
Common stock of $1 par value - Authorized 25,000 shares; 18,633 issued	18,633	18,571	18,553
Capital in excess of stated value	50,794	49,764	47,036
Retained earnings	424,241	405,580	372,242
Less treasury stock (at cost, 5,777 shares)	-97,566	-90,961	-90,961
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net	-1,408	-2,316	287
Total shareholders' equity	394,694	380,638	347,157
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$530,619	$512,296	$482,482

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Receivables, allowance	$3,520	$2,853	$1,915
Preferred stock, par value	$1	$1	$1
Preferred stock, authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0	0
Common stock, par value	$1	$1	$1
Common stock, authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000	25,000,000
Common stock, issued	18,633,000	'	'
Treasury stock, shares	5,777,000	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net earnings	$23,684	$34,079
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	7,384	6,240
Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable	618	530
Deferred income taxes	-2,696	-2,104
Share-based compensation expense	2,191	2,351
Other, net	250	144
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables	9,010	-22,880
Inventories	-12,192	-24,827
Other current assets	-2,400	-4,222
Accounts payable	11,422	32,066
Other current liabilities	-5,410	5,331
Current income taxes payable	-168	-789
Other noncurrent assets and liabilities	754	273
Net cash provided by operating activities	32,447	26,192
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-5,353	-5,342
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	35	14
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedges	280	'
Payments for settlement of net investment hedges	-1,846	-1,919
Net cash used in investing activities	-6,884	-7,247
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	371	1,619
Common stock withheld for payroll tax withholdings	-2,027	-2,441
Principal payments on long-term debt	'	-2,142
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	695	2,629
Repurchase of common shares	-6,605	'
Dividends paid	-5,023	-2,952
Net cash used in financing activities	-12,589	-3,287
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	608	481
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	13,582	16,139
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	151,927	143,444
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$165,509	$159,583

Condensed_Consolidated_Financi

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	'
	Note 1 – Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and do not include all of the disclosures normally required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) as contained in Lindsay Corporation’s (the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Accordingly, these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.  The results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of trends or results expected by the Company for a full year.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared using U.S. GAAP. These principles require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior financial statements and notes to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications were not material to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Note 2 – New Accounting Pronouncements
	Newly Adopted Accounting Standards
	In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, Amendments to Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities and in January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The objective of ASU No. 2011-11 and ASU No. 2013-01 is to provide enhanced disclosures that will enable users of an entity’s financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on its financial position. Derivative instruments accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, securities borrowing, and securities lending transactions are subject to ASU No. 2011-11 disclosure requirements. ASU No. 2011-11 and ASU No. 2013-01 became effective for the Company beginning the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.  The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.  The objective of ASU No. 2013-02 is to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).  Entities are required to disclose changes in AOCI balances by component and significant items reclassified out of AOCI.  ASU No. 2013-02 became effective for the Company beginning the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.  The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	New Accounting Standards Issued but not yet adopted
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.  The objective of ASU No. 2013-05 is to clarify the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment under U.S. GAAP.  The effective date for ASU No. 2013-05 will be the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to impact its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Net_Earnings_Per_Share

Net Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Net Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 3 – Net Earnings per Share
	The following table shows the computation of basic and diluted net earnings per share for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013:
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,
	($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net earnings	$	13,450	$	19,351	$	23,684	$	34,079
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding		12,910		12,842		12,899		12,799
	Diluted effect of stock equivalents		32		40		48		68
	Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution		12,942		12,882		12,947		12,867
	Basic net earnings per share	$	1.04	$	1.51	$	1.84	$	2.66
	Diluted net earnings per share	$	1.04	$	1.50	$	1.83	$	2.65
	Certain stock options and restricted stock units are excluded from the computation of diluted net earnings per share because their effect is anti-dilutive. Performance stock units are excluded from the calculation of dilutive potential common shares until the threshold performance conditions have been satisfied. Items excluded from the calculation were not significant for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 4 – Income Taxes
	It is the Company’s policy to report income tax expense for interim periods using an estimated annual effective income tax rate. However, the tax effects of significant or unusual items are not considered in the estimated annual effective income tax rate. The tax effects of such discrete events are recognized in the interim period in which the events occur. The Company recorded no material discrete items for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013.
	The Company recorded income tax expense of $7.3 million and $12.9 million for the three and six months ended February 28, respectively.  The Company recorded income tax expense of $10.1 million and $17.8 million for the three and six months ended February 28, 2013, respectively.  The estimated annual effective income tax rate was 35.3 percent and 34.3 percent for the year-to-date periods ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The increase in the estimated annual effective income tax rate from February 2013 to February 2014 primarily relates to incremental increases in taxes due to the earnings mix among jurisdictions.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Note 5 – Inventories
	Inventories consisted of the following as of February 28, 2014,  February 28, 2013 and August 31, 2013:
		February 28,		February 28,		August 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2013
	Raw materials and supplies	$	19,614	$	19,102	$	19,369
	Work in process		7,722		6,571		5,665
	Finished goods and purchased parts		59,928		59,448		50,038
	Total inventory value before LIFO adjustment		87,264		85,121		75,072
	Less adjustment to LIFO value		-6,270		-7,050		-6,465
	Inventories, net	$	80,994	$	78,071	$	68,607

Credit_Arrangements

Credit Arrangements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Credit Arrangements [Abstract]	'
Credit Arrangements	'
	Note 6 – Credit Arrangements
	The Company has no outstanding long-term debt and was in compliance with all loan covenants as of February 28, 2014.   The Company’s credit arrangements consisted of the following:
	Revolving Credit Agreement
	The Company has an unsecured $30.0 million Revolving Credit Note and Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which was amended on January 22, 2014 to revise letter of credit expiry dates and cash collateralization procedures (“the “Revolving Credit Agreement”).  The borrowings from the Revolving Credit Agreement may primarily be used for working capital purposes and funding acquisitions.  At February 28, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2013, the Company had no outstanding borrowings on the Revolving Credit Agreement.  The amount of borrowings available at any time under the Revolving Credit Agreement is reduced by the amount of standby letters of credit then outstanding.    At February 28, 2014, the Company had the ability to borrow $24.5 million under this facility, after consideration of standby letters of credit of $5.5 million.  Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 90 basis points (1.06 percent as of February 28, 2014), subject to adjustment as set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement.  Interest is paid on a monthly to quarterly basis depending on loan type.  The Company also pays an annual commitment fee of 0.25 percent on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Agreement.  Any unpaid principal and interest is due by February 13, 2016.
	The Revolving Credit Agreement contains certain covenants relating to the Company’s financial condition. These include maintaining a funded debt to EBITDA ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio, a current ratio and a tangible net worth requirement at specified levels.  Upon the occurrence of any event of default of these covenants, including a change in control of the Company, all amounts due thereunder may be declared to be immediately due and payable.
	Euro Line of Credit
	The Company’s wholly-owned European subsidiary, Lindsay Europe SAS, had an unsecured revolving line of credit with Societe Generale, a European commercial bank, under which it could borrow for working capital purposes up to 2.3 million Euros (the “Euro Line of Credit”).  The Euro Line of Credit expired on January 31, 2014.

Financial_Derivatives

Financial Derivatives	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Financial Derivatives [Abstract]	'
Financial Derivatives	'
	Note 7 – Financial Derivatives
	The Company uses certain financial derivatives to mitigate its exposure to volatility in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.  The Company uses these derivative instruments to hedge exposures in the ordinary course of business and does not invest in derivative instruments for speculative purposes.  The Company manages market and credit risks associated with its derivative instruments by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken, and by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties. As of February 28, 2014, the Company’s derivative counterparty had investment grade credit ratings.  Financial derivatives consist of the following:
		Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
		Asset (Liability)
			February 28,		February 28,		August 31,
	($ in thousands)	Balance Sheet Classification	2014		2013		2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Other current assets	$	59	$	921	$	151
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Other current liabilities		-172		-234		-258
	Interest rate swap	Other current liabilities		-		-18		-
	Total derivatives designated as hedging  instruments		$	-113	$	669	$	-107
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Other current assets	$	-	$	32	$	78
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Other current liabilities		-106		-103		-33
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	-106	$	-71	$	45
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) included realized and unrealized after-tax gains of $1.1 million, $1.8 million and $2.0 million at February 28, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2013, respectively, related to derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments.
			Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives
			Three months ended				Six months ended
			February 28,		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,
	($ in thousands)		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net of tax expense		$	-245	$	133	$	-940	$	-498
	(benefit) of ($196),  $169,  ($599) and ($216)
	For the three months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, the Company settled foreign currency forward contracts resulting in an after-tax net loss of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, which were included in OCI as part of a currency translation adjustment. For the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, the Company settled foreign currency forward contracts resulting in an after-tax net loss of $0.9 million and $1.2 million, which were included in OCI as part of a currency translation adjustment.
	There were no amounts recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of operations related to ineffectiveness of foreign currency forward contracts related to net investment hedges for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013. Accumulated currency translation adjustments from net investment hedges in AOCI at February 28, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2013 reflected realized and unrealized after-tax gains of $1.1 million, $1.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively.
	At February 28, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2013, the Company had outstanding Euro foreign currency forward contracts to sell 28.9 million Euro, 29.5 million Euro and 29.2 million Euro, respectively, at fixed prices to settle during the next fiscal quarter. At February 28, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2013, the Company had an outstanding South African Rand foreign currency forward contract to sell 43.0 million South African Rand at fixed prices to settle during the next fiscal quarter. The Company’s foreign currency forward contracts qualify as hedges of a net investment in foreign operations.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements
	The following table presents the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value based upon the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall, as of February 28, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2013, respectively.
		28-Feb-14
	($ in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	165,509	$	-	$	-	$	165,509
	Derivative assets		-		59		-		59
	Derivative liabilities		-		-278		-		-278
		28-Feb-13
	($ in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	159,583	$	-	$	-	$	159,583
	Derivative assets		-		953		-		953
	Derivative liabilities		-		-355		-		-355
		31-Aug-13
	($ in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	151,927	$	-	$	-	$	151,927
	Derivative assets		-		229		-		229
	Derivative liabilities		-		-291		-		-291
	The carrying amount of long-term debt (including current portion), which represented fair value, was zero,  $2.1 million and zero as of February 28, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2013, respectively.  Fair value of long-term debt (including current portion) is estimated (using level 2 inputs) by discounting the future estimated cash flows of each instrument at current market interest rates for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities and credit quality.
	The Company also measures the fair value of certain assets on a non-recurring basis, generally quarterly, annually, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. These assets include fixed assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets. There were no required fair value adjustments for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	Note 9 – Commitments and Contingencies
	In the ordinary course of its business operations, the Company is involved, from time to time, in commercial litigation, employment disputes, administrative proceedings and other legal proceedings.  The Company has established accruals for certain proceedings based on an assessment of probability of loss.  The Company believes that any potential loss in excess of the amounts accrued would not have a material effect on the business or its condensed consolidated financial statements.  Such proceedings are exclusive of environmental remediation matters which are discussed separately below.
	Environmental Remediation
	In 1992, the Company entered into a consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) in which the Company committed to remediate environmental contamination of the groundwater that was discovered in 1982 through 1990 at and adjacent to its Lindsay, Nebraska facility (the “site”).  The site was added to the EPA’s list of priority superfund sites in 1989.  Between 1993 and 1995, remediation plans for the site were approved by the EPA and fully implemented by the Company.  Since 1998, the primary remaining contamination at the site has been the presence of volatile organic chemicals in the soil and groundwater.  To date, the remediation process has consisted primarily of drilling wells into the aquifer and pumping water to the surface to allow these contaminants to be removed by aeration.
	In fiscal 2012, the Company undertook an investigation to assess further potential site remediation and containment actions.  In connection with the receipt of preliminary results of this investigation and other evaluations, the Company estimated that it would incur $7.2 million in remediation of source area contamination and operating costs and accrued that undiscounted amount as an operating expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.  The EPA has not approved the Company’s remediation plan.
	In addition to the source area noted above, the Company has determined that volatile organic chemicals also exist under one of the manufacturing buildings on the site.  Due to the location, the Company has not yet determined the extent of these chemicals or whether they are contributing, if at all, to groundwater contamination.  Due to the current stage of discussions with the EPA and the uncertainty of the remediation actions that may be required with respect to this affected area, the Company believes that meaningful estimates of costs or range of costs cannot currently be made and accordingly have not been accrued.
	In fiscal 2013, the Company and the EPA conducted a periodic five-year review of the status of the remediation of the contamination site. This review resulted in no findings that affected the Company’s environmental liability accrual.  The EPA has agreed with the Company’s plan to complete investigation of the soil and groundwater on the site, including the area under the building, during fiscal 2014 and early 2015.  The Company expects that once this additional testing is complete, it will come to an agreement with the EPA on how to proceed.  During the first six months of fiscal 2014, the Company did not accrue any additional incremental costs related to environmental remediation liabilities.
	The Company accrues the anticipated cost of investigation and remediation when the obligation is probable and can be reasonably estimated.  Although the Company has accrued all reasonably estimable costs associated with the site, it anticipates there could be revisions to the current remediation plan as well as additional testing and environmental monitoring as part of the Company’s ongoing discussions with the EPA regarding the development and implementation of the remedial action plans.  Any revisions could be material to the operating results of any fiscal quarter or fiscal year.  The Company does not expect such additional expenses would have a material adverse effect on its liquidity or financial condition.
	The following table summarizes the undiscounted environmental remediation liability classifications included in the balance sheet as of February 28, 2014 and 2013 and August 31, 2013:
	Environmental Remediation Liabilities
	($ in thousands)	February 28,		February 28,		August 31,
	Balance Sheet Classification	2014		2013		2013
	Other current liabilities	$	1,346	$	2,244	$	1,740
	Other noncurrent liabilities		5,200		5,200		5,200
	Total environmental remediation liabilities	$	6,546	$	7,444	$	6,940

Warranties

Warranties	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Warranties [Abstract]	'
Warranties	'
	Note 10 – Warranties
	The following table provides the changes in the Company’s product warranties:
		Three months ended
		February 28,		February 28,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Product warranty accrual balance, beginning of period	$	8,622	$	5,052
	Liabilities accrued for warranties during the period		703		1,234
	Warranty claims paid during the period		-908		-714
	Product warranty accrual balance, end of period	$	8,417	$	5,572
		Six months ended
		February 28,		February 28,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Product warranty accrual balance, beginning of period	$	6,695	$	4,848
	Liabilities accrued for warranties during the period		3,745		2,526
	Warranty claims paid during the period		-2,023		-1,802
	Product warranty accrual balance, end of period	$	8,417	$	5,572

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Note 11 – Share-Based Compensation
	The Company’s current share-based compensation plans, approved by the stockholders of the Company, provides for awards of stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), stock appreciation rights, performance shares and performance stock units (“PSUs”) to employees and non-employee directors of the Company.  The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors based on estimated fair values. Share-based compensation expense was $1.0 million and $1.2 million for the three months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Share-based compensation expense was $2.2 million and $2.4 million for the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company awarded its annual grant of RSUs to independent members of the Board of Directors at a grant date fair value of $83.17 per share, which resulted in a total of 5,831 RSUs being granted.  These RSUs are scheduled to become fully vested on November 1, 2014 and were issued from the Company’s 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Industry_Segment_Information

Industry Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Industry Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Industry Segment Information	'
	Note 12 – Industry Segment Information
	Irrigation - This reporting segment includes the manufacture and marketing of center pivot, lateral move, and hose reel irrigation systems as well as various water pumping stations, controls, and filtration solutions.  The irrigation reporting segment consists of thirteen operating segments that have similar economic characteristics and meet the aggregation criteria, including similar products, production processes, type or class of customer and methods for distribution.
	Infrastructure - This reporting segment includes the manufacture and marketing of Road Zipper SystemsTM, moveable barriers, specialty barriers and crash cushions; providing outsource manufacturing services and the manufacturing and selling of large diameter steel tubing and railroad signals and structures.  The infrastructure reporting segment consists of two operating segments that have similar economic characteristics and meet the aggregation criteria, including similar products, production processes, type or class of customer and methods for distribution.
	The Company evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on segment sales, gross profit, and operating income, with operating income for segment purposes excluding unallocated corporate general and administrative expenses, interest income, interest expense, other income and expenses, and income taxes.  Operating income for segment purposes does include general and administrative expenses, selling expenses, engineering and research expenses, environmental remediation expenses and other overhead charges directly attributable to the segment.
	The Company had no single major customer who represented 10 percent or more of its total revenues during the three and six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013.
	Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following tables:
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Operating revenues:
	Irrigation	$	135,884	$	162,677	$	265,067	$	296,894
	Infrastructure		16,920		12,862		35,408		26,015
	Total operating revenues	$	152,804	$	175,539	$	300,475	$	322,909
	Operating income (loss):
	Irrigation	$	24,548	$	35,267	$	44,859	$	62,735
	Infrastructure		6		-2,066		514		-3,384
	Segment operating income		24,554		33,201		45,373		59,351
	Unallocated general and administrative expenses		-3,641		-3,755		-8,468		-7,641
	Interest and other income (expense), net		-124		42		-299		161
	Earnings before income taxes	$	20,789	$	29,488	$	36,606	$	51,871
	Capital Expenditures:
	Irrigation	$	2,709	$	2,965	$	4,937	$	5,051
	Infrastructure		257		162		416		291
		$	2,966	$	3,127	$	5,353	$	5,342
	Depreciation and Amortization:
	Irrigation	$	2,341	$	1,692	$	4,699	$	3,396
	Infrastructure		1,336		1,418		2,685		2,844
		$	3,677	$	3,110	$	7,384	$	6,240
		February 28,		February 28,		August 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2013
	Total Assets:
	Irrigation	$	404,828	$	371,755	$	391,527
	Infrastructure		125,791		110,727		120,769
		$	530,619	$	482,482	$	512,296

Other_Current_Liabilities

Other Current Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Other Current Liabilities	'
	Note 13 – Other Current Liabilities
		February 28,		February 28,		August 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2013
	Other current liabilities:
	Compensation and benefits	$	13,299	$	13,790	$	18,471
	Warranties		8,417		5,572		6,695
	Dealer liabilities		6,749		4,313		7,134
	Deferred revenues		6,525		2,540		4,790
	Customer deposits		5,611		6,248		4,580
	Other		13,603		13,261		18,146
	Total other current liabilities	$	54,204	$	45,724	$	59,816

Share_Repurchases

Share Repurchases	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Share Repurchases [Abstract]	'
Share Repurchases	'
	Note 14 – Share Repurchases
	On January 3, 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors replaced its existing share repurchase authorization with an increased authorization to repurchase up to $150.0 million of common stock with an authorization effective through January 2, 2016.    During the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, the Company repurchased 78,520 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $6.6 million. During the three and six months ended February 28, 2013, the Company did not repurchase shares of common stock.  The remaining amount available under the repurchase program was $143.4 million as of February 28, 2014.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements_

New Accounting Pronouncements (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Newly Adopted Accounting Standards
	In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11, Amendments to Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities and in January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01, Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The objective of ASU No. 2011-11 and ASU No. 2013-01 is to provide enhanced disclosures that will enable users of an entity’s financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on its financial position. Derivative instruments accounted for in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, securities borrowing, and securities lending transactions are subject to ASU No. 2011-11 disclosure requirements. ASU No. 2011-11 and ASU No. 2013-01 became effective for the Company beginning the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.  The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.  The objective of ASU No. 2013-02 is to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”).  Entities are required to disclose changes in AOCI balances by component and significant items reclassified out of AOCI.  ASU No. 2013-02 became effective for the Company beginning the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.  The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	New Accounting Standards Issued but not yet adopted
	In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity.  The objective of ASU No. 2013-05 is to clarify the applicable guidance for the release of the cumulative translation adjustment under U.S. GAAP.  The effective date for ASU No. 2013-05 will be the first quarter of fiscal year 2015.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to impact its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Net_Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Net Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Net Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Computation Of Basic And Diluted Net Earnings Per Share	'
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,
	($ and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Numerator:
	Net earnings	$	13,450	$	19,351	$	23,684	$	34,079
	Denominator:
	Weighted average shares outstanding		12,910		12,842		12,899		12,799
	Diluted effect of stock equivalents		32		40		48		68
	Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution		12,942		12,882		12,947		12,867
	Basic net earnings per share	$	1.04	$	1.51	$	1.84	$	2.66
	Diluted net earnings per share	$	1.04	$	1.50	$	1.83	$	2.65

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Inventories	'
		February 28,		February 28,		August 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2013
	Raw materials and supplies	$	19,614	$	19,102	$	19,369
	Work in process		7,722		6,571		5,665
	Finished goods and purchased parts		59,928		59,448		50,038
	Total inventory value before LIFO adjustment		87,264		85,121		75,072
	Less adjustment to LIFO value		-6,270		-7,050		-6,465
	Inventories, net	$	80,994	$	78,071	$	68,607

Financial_Derivatives_Tables

Financial Derivatives (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Financial Derivatives [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Derivative Instruments Statements Of Financial Performance And Financial Position, Location	'
		Fair Values of Derivative Instruments
		Asset (Liability)
			February 28,		February 28,		August 31,
	($ in thousands)	Balance Sheet Classification	2014		2013		2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Other current assets	$	59	$	921	$	151
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Other current liabilities		-172		-234		-258
	Interest rate swap	Other current liabilities		-		-18		-
	Total derivatives designated as hedging  instruments		$	-113	$	669	$	-107
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Other current assets	$	-	$	32	$	78
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Other current liabilities		-106		-103		-33
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments		$	-106	$	-71	$	45
Schedule Of Derivative Instruments, Effect On Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
			Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives
			Three months ended				Six months ended
			February 28,		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,
	($ in thousands)		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Foreign currency forward contracts, net of tax expense		$	-245	$	133	$	-940	$	-498
	(benefit) of ($196),  $169,  ($599) and ($216)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value	'
		28-Feb-14
	($ in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	165,509	$	-	$	-	$	165,509
	Derivative assets		-		59		-		59
	Derivative liabilities		-		-278		-		-278
		28-Feb-13
	($ in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	159,583	$	-	$	-	$	159,583
	Derivative assets		-		953		-		953
	Derivative liabilities		-		-355		-		-355
		31-Aug-13
	($ in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	151,927	$	-	$	-	$	151,927
	Derivative assets		-		229		-		229
	Derivative liabilities		-		-291		-		-291

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Undiscounted Environmental Remediation Liability Classifications	'
	Environmental Remediation Liabilities
	($ in thousands)	February 28,		February 28,		August 31,
	Balance Sheet Classification	2014		2013		2013
	Other current liabilities	$	1,346	$	2,244	$	1,740
	Other noncurrent liabilities		5,200		5,200		5,200
	Total environmental remediation liabilities	$	6,546	$	7,444	$	6,940

Warranties_Tables

Warranties (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Warranties [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Product Warranty Liability	'
		Three months ended
		February 28,		February 28,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Product warranty accrual balance, beginning of period	$	8,622	$	5,052
	Liabilities accrued for warranties during the period		703		1,234
	Warranty claims paid during the period		-908		-714
	Product warranty accrual balance, end of period	$	8,417	$	5,572
		Six months ended
		February 28,		February 28,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013
	Product warranty accrual balance, beginning of period	$	6,695	$	4,848
	Liabilities accrued for warranties during the period		3,745		2,526
	Warranty claims paid during the period		-2,023		-1,802
	Product warranty accrual balance, end of period	$	8,417	$	5,572

Industry_Segment_Information_T

Industry Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Industry Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information, By Segment	'
		Three months ended				Six months ended
		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,		February 28,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Operating revenues:
	Irrigation	$	135,884	$	162,677	$	265,067	$	296,894
	Infrastructure		16,920		12,862		35,408		26,015
	Total operating revenues	$	152,804	$	175,539	$	300,475	$	322,909
	Operating income (loss):
	Irrigation	$	24,548	$	35,267	$	44,859	$	62,735
	Infrastructure		6		-2,066		514		-3,384
	Segment operating income		24,554		33,201		45,373		59,351
	Unallocated general and administrative expenses		-3,641		-3,755		-8,468		-7,641
	Interest and other income (expense), net		-124		42		-299		161
	Earnings before income taxes	$	20,789	$	29,488	$	36,606	$	51,871
	Capital Expenditures:
	Irrigation	$	2,709	$	2,965	$	4,937	$	5,051
	Infrastructure		257		162		416		291
		$	2,966	$	3,127	$	5,353	$	5,342
	Depreciation and Amortization:
	Irrigation	$	2,341	$	1,692	$	4,699	$	3,396
	Infrastructure		1,336		1,418		2,685		2,844
		$	3,677	$	3,110	$	7,384	$	6,240
Reconciliation Of Assets From Segment To Consolidated	'
		February 28,		February 28,		August 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2013
	Total Assets:
	Irrigation	$	404,828	$	371,755	$	391,527
	Infrastructure		125,791		110,727		120,769
		$	530,619	$	482,482	$	512,296

Other_Current_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Other Current Liabilities	'
		February 28,		February 28,		August 31,
	($ in thousands)	2014		2013		2013
	Other current liabilities:
	Compensation and benefits	$	13,299	$	13,790	$	18,471
	Warranties		8,417		5,572		6,695
	Dealer liabilities		6,749		4,313		7,134
	Deferred revenues		6,525		2,540		4,790
	Customer deposits		5,611		6,248		4,580
	Other		13,603		13,261		18,146
	Total other current liabilities	$	54,204	$	45,724	$	59,816

Net_Earnings_Per_Share_Schedul

Net Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Computation Of Basic And Diluted Net Earnings Per Share)(Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Net Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$13,450	$19,351	$23,684	$34,079
Weighted average shares outstanding	12,910	12,842	12,899	12,799
Diluted effect of stock equivalents	32	40	48	68
Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	12,942	12,882	12,947	12,867
Basic net earnings per share	$1.04	$1.51	$1.84	$2.66
Diluted net earnings per share	$1.04	$1.50	$1.83	$2.65

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense	$7,339	$10,137	$12,922	$17,792
Estimated effective income tax rate	'	'	35.30%	34.30%

Inventories_Schedule_Of_Invent

Inventories (Schedule Of Inventories) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'	'
Raw materials and supplies	$19,614	$19,369	$19,102
Work in process	7,722	5,665	6,571
Finished goods and purchased parts	59,928	50,038	59,448
Total inventory value before LIFO adjustment	87,264	75,072	85,121
Less adjustment to LIFO value	-6,270	-6,465	-7,050
Inventories, net	$80,994	$68,607	$78,071

Credit_Arrangements_Narrative_

Credit Arrangements (Narrative) (Details)	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 30, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
	USD ($)	Euro Line Of Credit [Member]	Revolving Credit Agreement [Member]	Letter of Credit [Member]
		EUR (€)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt outstanding	$0	'	'	'
Unsecured revolving line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	'	2,300,000	30,000,000	'
Available borrowing amount	'	'	24,500,000	'
Line of credit, amount outstanding	'	'	'	$5,500,000
Basis spread	'	'	0.90%	'
Interest rate	'	'	1.06%	'
Commitment fee percentage	'	'	0.25%	'
Termination date	'	'	13-Feb-16	'

Financial_Derivatives_Narrativ

Financial Derivatives (Narrative) (Details)

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Euro [Member]

Euro [Member]

Euro [Member]

Rand [Member]

Rand [Member]

Rand [Member]

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

ZAR

ZAR

ZAR

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Realized and unrealized gains included in AOCI

$1.10

$1.80

$2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative contracts resulting in an after-tax net loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.4

0.5

0.9

1.2

Accumulated currency translation adjustments in AOCI, after-tax gains

1.1

1.9

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding foreign currency forward contracts to sell

'

'

'

€ 28.90

€ 29.20

€ 29.50

43

43

43

'

'

'

'

Financial_Derivatives_Schedule

Financial Derivatives (Schedule Of Derivatives Instruments Statements Of Financial Performance And Financial Position, Location) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total derivatives	($113)	($107)	$669
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	-172	-258	-234
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Interest rate swap, liabilities	'	'	-18
Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	59	151	921
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total derivatives	-106	45	-71
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts, liabilities	-106	-33	-103
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts, assets	'	$78	$32

Financial_Derivatives_Schedule1

Financial Derivatives (Schedule Of Derivative Instruments, Effect On Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives	($245)	$133	($940)	($498)
Foreign currency forward contracts, tax expense (benefit)	$196	($169)	$599	$216

Fair_Value_Measurements_Narrat

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Fair value of the long-term debt	$0	$0	$2.10

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$165,509	$151,927	$159,583	$143,444
Derivative assets	59	229	953	'
Derivative liabilities	-278	-291	-355	'
Level 1	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	165,509	151,927	159,583	'
Level 2	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative assets	59	229	953	'
Derivative liabilities	($278)	($291)	($355)	'

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Environmental remediation expense	$7,200,000	'	'	'
Other current liabilities	'	1,346,000	1,740,000	2,244,000
Other noncurrent liabilities	'	5,200,000	5,200,000	5,200,000
Total environmental remediation liabilities	'	$6,546,000	$6,940,000	$7,444,000

Warranties_Schedule_Of_Product

Warranties (Schedule Of Product Warranty Liability) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Warranties [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Product warranty accrual balance, beginning of period	$8,622	$5,052	$6,695	$4,848
Liabilities accrued for warranties during the period	703	1,234	3,745	2,526
Warranty claims paid during the period	-908	-714	-2,023	-1,802
Product warranty accrual balance, end of period	$8,417	$5,572	$8,417	$5,572

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$1	$1.20	$2.20	$2.40
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock	$83.17	'	$83.17	'
Total units of restricted stock granted	5,831	'	'	'

Industry_Segment_Information_S

Industry Segment Information (Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information, By Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total operating revenues	$152,804	$175,539	$300,475	$322,909
Segment operating income	24,554	33,201	45,373	59,351
Unallocated general and administrative expenses	-3,641	-3,755	-8,468	-7,641
Interest and other income (expense), net	-124	42	-299	161
Earnings before income taxes	20,789	29,488	36,606	51,871
Capital Expenditures	2,966	3,127	5,353	5,342
Depreciation and Amortization	3,677	3,110	7,384	6,240
Irrigation [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	13	'
Total operating revenues	135,884	162,677	265,067	296,894
Segment operating income	24,548	35,267	44,859	62,735
Capital Expenditures	2,709	2,965	4,937	5,051
Depreciation and Amortization	2,341	1,692	4,699	3,396
Infrastructure [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	'	'	2	'
Total operating revenues	16,920	12,862	35,408	26,015
Segment operating income	6	-2,066	514	-3,384
Capital Expenditures	257	162	416	291
Depreciation and Amortization	$1,336	$1,418	$2,685	$2,844

Industry_Segment_Information_R

Industry Segment Information (Reconciliation Of Assets From Segment To Consolidated) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	$530,619	$512,296	$482,482
Irrigation [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	404,828	391,527	371,755
Infrastructure [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Assets	$125,791	$120,769	$110,727

Other_Current_Liabilities_Deta

Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Compensation and benefits	$13,299	$18,471	$13,790
Warranties	8,417	6,695	5,572
Dealer liabilities	6,749	7,134	4,313
Deferred revenues	6,525	4,790	2,540
Customer deposits	5,611	4,580	6,248
Other	13,603	18,146	13,261
Total other current liabilities	$54,204	$59,816	$45,724

Share_Repurchases_Details

Share Repurchases (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
Share Repurchases [Abstract]	'	'
Repurchase authorization amount	'	$150
Number of shares of common stock repurchased during the period	78,520	78,520
Aggregate purchase price of shares repurchased	6.6	6.6
Remaining amount available under the repurchase program	$143.40	$143.40