| Component: (Network and Table) | |
|---|---|
| Network | 175 - Disclosure - Changes in Gross Liability for Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest and Penalties (Detail) (http://www.actuant.com/taxonomy/role/DisclosureChangesInGrossLiabilityForUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingInterestAndPenalties) |
| Table | Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Table] |
| Reporting Entity [Axis] | 0000006955 (http://www.sec.gov/CIK) |
| Legal Entity [Axis] | Entity [Domain] |
| Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible [Line Items] | Period [Axis] | ||
|---|---|---|---|
2011-09-01 - 2012-08-31 | 2010-09-01 - 2011-08-31 | 2009-09-01 - 2010-08-31 | |
Beginning balance | 26,179,000 | 28,225,000 | 28,541,000 |
Increase for tax positions taken in a prior period | 3,400,000 | 4,026,000 | 2,868,000 |
Decrease for tax positions taken in a prior period | (4,579,000) | (6,072,000) | (484,000) |
Decrease due to settlements | (392,000) | (2,700,000) | |
Ending balance | 24,608,000 | 26,179,000 | 28,225,000 |