| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 173 - Disclosure - Temporary Differences and Carryforwards of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (http://www.actuant.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureTemporaryDifferencesAndCarryforwardsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAndLiabilities) |
| Table | Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table] |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0000006955 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Legal Entity [Axis] | Entity [Domain] |
| Schedule of Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] | Period [Axis] | |
|---|---|---|
2012-08-31 | 2011-08-31 | |
Deferred income tax assets: | ||
Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards | 16,393,000 | 19,312,000 |
Compensation related liabilities | 9,909,000 | 8,122,000 |
Postretirement benefits | 10,679,000 | 7,192,000 |
Inventory | 8,045,000 | 9,202,000 |
Restructuring and idle facility reserves | 4,580,000 | 5,674,000 |
Book reserves and other items | 8,201,000 | 16,073,000 |
Total deferred income tax assets | 57,807,000 | 65,575,000 |
Valuation allowance | (8,153,000) | (7,260,000) |
Net deferred income tax assets | 49,654,000 | 58,315,000 |
Depreciation and amortization | (156,751,000) | (155,022,000) |
2% Convertible Notes interest | (34,579,000) | |
Other items | (2,098,000) | (2,198,000) |
Deferred income tax liabilities | (158,849,000) | (191,799,000) |
Net deferred income tax liability | (109,195,000) | (133,484,000) |