Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2016
Sep. 30, 2016
Feb. 29, 2016
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Aug. 31, 2016    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q4    
Trading Symbol ATU    
Entity Registrant Name ACTUANT CORP    
Entity Central Index Key 0000006955    
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   58,960,716  
Entity Public Float     $ 1,356