Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document And Entity Information

v2.3.0.15
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2011
Feb. 28, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Aug. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Registrant Name ACTUANT CORP    
Entity Central Index Key 0000006955    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --08-31    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   68,922,419  
Entity Public Float     $ 1,907,000,000