Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2012
Sep. 30, 2012
Feb. 29, 2012
Document Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Aug. 31, 2012    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol ATU    
Entity Registrant Name ACTUANT CORP    
Entity Central Index Key 0000006955    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --08-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   72,880,380  
Entity Public Float     $ 1,887,000,000