Document and Entity Information - shares |
9 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
May 31, 2016 |
Jun. 30, 2016 |
|
| Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 10-Q | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Document Period End Date | May 31, 2016 | |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2016 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | |
| 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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 58,928,350 |