View Filing Data

1,145.7

1,065.7

965.4

788.0

730.0

661.5

566.7

541.3

495.4

13.3

0.0

8.4

208.0

188.7

157.7

Other Expense (Income):

Interest expense, net

30.7

29.9

29.4

(1.7)

1.2

(1.0)

Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes

0.0

10.5

Total Other Expense

29.0

31.1

38.9

179.0

157.6

118.8

62.7

52.1

39.8

116.3

105.5

79.0

0.0

0.6

Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)

$ 116.3

$ 105.5

$ 79.6

Earnings Per Share:

$ 2.75

$ 2.46

$ 1.83

Basic Earnings per Share from Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)

0.00

0.01

Basic Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)

$ 2.75

$ 2.46

$ 1.84

Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding

41.4

42.2

42.5

Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations (in dollars per share)

$ 2.72

$ 2.42

$ 1.79

Diluted Earnings per Share from Discontinued Operations (in dollars per share)

0.00

0.01

Diluted Earnings per Share (in dollars per share)

$ 2.72

$ 2.42

$ 1.80

Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding

41.9

42.8

43.3

Dividends Declared per Share (in dollars per share)

$ 0.52

[1]	Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 116.3	$ 105.5	$ 79.6
Subtract: Income from Discontinued Operations	0.0	0.0	(0.6)
Income from Continuing Operations	116.3	105.5	79.0
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	39.8	40.1	36.5
Noncash compensation expense, net	10.3	8.4	9.0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	(4.9)	(5.3)	(2.8)
Loss on early debt extinguishment	0.0	0.0	10.5
Loss on the sale or disposal of property, plant, and equipment	0.5	0.4	0.5
Asset impairments	0.3	0.3	5.1
Deferred income taxes	6.2	10.3	7.4
Other non-cash items	0.1	0.1	0.0
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions, divestitures and effect of exchange rate changes:
Accounts receivable	(2.3)	2.9	(29.2)
Inventories	(28.6)	(5.3)	(8.6)
Prepayments and other current assets	(2.2)	0.7	1.8
Accounts payable	29.6	5.5	33.5
Other current liabilities	9.7	0.5	21.8
Other	(2.6)	(3.0)	(4.0)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	172.2	161.1	160.5
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(31.4)	(23.3)	(21.9)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0.1	1.2	0.2
Acquisitions of businesses and intangible assets, net of cash acquired	(3.8)	(90.4)	(22.6)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(35.1)	(112.5)	(44.3)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	0.0	0.0	(237.9)
Issuance of long-term debt	0.0	0.0	346.5
Repurchases of common stock	(9.2)	(61.0)	(36.1)
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	7.6	6.5	6.5
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	4.9	5.3	2.8
Dividends paid	(22.0)	(22.6)	(22.6)
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(18.7)	(71.8)	59.2
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(4.1)	2.4	(3.1)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	114.3	(20.8)	172.3
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	170.2	191.0	18.7
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	284.5	170.2	191.0
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Income taxes paid during the period	50.7	34.2	32.7
Interest paid during the period	$ 31.6	$ 29.9	$ 30.8

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Comprehensive Income	Common Stock	Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Pension Liability	Currency Translation Adjustment	Treasury Stock
Balance, Beginning of Period at Aug. 31, 2009	$ 672.2		$ 0.5	$ 647.2	$ 404.2	$ (42.0)	$ (15.4)	$ (322.3)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	79.6	$ 79.6			79.6
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax expense of $0 in 2009, $0 in 2010, and $0 in 2011)	(3.2)	(3.2)					(3.2)
Pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $6.0 in 2010, $4.2 in 2011, and $11.4 in 2012)	(10.7)	(10.7)				(10.7)
Other comprehensive (income) loss		(13.9)
Comprehensive income		65.7
Common Stock reissued from Treasury Shares for acquisition of business	0.0			(3.6)	(2.1)			5.7
Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants	9.0			9.0
Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances	0.3			0.3
Cash dividends of $0.52 per share paid on common stock	(22.6)				(22.6)
Stock options exercised	6.2			6.2
Repurchases of common stock	(39.1)							(39.1)
Tax effect on stock options and restricted stock	2.8			2.8
Other	(0.1)				(0.1)
Balance, End of Period at Aug. 31, 2010	694.4		0.5	661.9	459.0	(52.7)	(18.6)	(355.7)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	105.5	105.5			105.5
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax expense of $0 in 2009, $0 in 2010, and $0 in 2011)	9.9	9.9					9.9
Pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $6.0 in 2010, $4.2 in 2011, and $11.4 in 2012)	7.6	7.6				7.6
Other comprehensive (income) loss		17.5
Comprehensive income		123.0
Common Stock reissued from Treasury Shares for acquisition of business	0.0			(1.8)	(0.9)			2.7
Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants	8.4			8.4
Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances	0.3			0.3
Cash dividends of $0.52 per share paid on common stock	(22.6)				(22.6)
Stock options exercised	6.2			6.2
Repurchases of common stock	(58.0)							(58.0)
Tax effect on stock options and restricted stock	5.3			5.3
Balance, End of Period at Aug. 31, 2011	757.0		0.5	680.3	541.0	(45.1)	(8.7)	(411.0)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	116.3	116.3			116.3
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of tax expense of $0 in 2009, $0 in 2010, and $0 in 2011)	(8.2)	(8.2)					(8.2)
Pension liability adjustment (net of tax of $6.0 in 2010, $4.2 in 2011, and $11.4 in 2012)	(22.7)	(22.7)				(22.7)
Other comprehensive (income) loss		(30.9)
Comprehensive income		$ 85.4
Amortization, issuance, and forfeitures of restricted stock grants	10.3			10.3
Employee Stock Purchase Plan issuances	0.3			0.3
Cash dividends of $0.52 per share paid on common stock	(22.0)				(22.0)
Stock options exercised	7.3			7.3
Repurchases of common stock	(9.2)							(9.2)
Tax effect on stock options and restricted stock	4.9			4.9
Balance, End of Period at Aug. 31, 2012	$ 834.0		$ 0.5	$ 703.1	$ 635.3	$ (67.8)	$ (16.9)	$ (420.2)

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$ 0.0	$ 0.0	$ 0.0
Pension liability adjustment, tax	$ 11.4	$ 4.2	$ 6.0
Cash dividends per share paid	$ 0.52	$ 0.52	$ 0.52

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	Aug. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Acuity Brands, Inc. (“Acuity Brands”) is the parent company of Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. (“ABL”), and other subsidiaries (collectively referred to herein as “the Company”). The Company designs, produces, and distributes a broad array of lighting solutions and services for commercial, institutional, industrial, infrastructure, and residential applications for various markets throughout North America and select international markets. The Company's lighting solutions include devices such as luminaires, lighting controls, power supplies, prismatic skylights, light-emitting diode (“LED”) lamps, and integrated lighting systems for indoor and outdoor applications utilizing a combination of light sources, including daylight, and other devices controlled by software that monitors and manages light levels while optimizing energy consumption (collectively referred to herein as “lighting solutions”). The Company has one operating segment serving the North American lighting market and select international markets. Since fiscal 2010, the Company has made several acquisitions to expand and enhance its portfolio of lighting solutions, including the following: On May 12, 2011, the Company acquired for cash all of the ownership interests in Healthcare Lighting, Inc. (“Healthcare Lighting”), a leading provider of specialized, high-performance lighting solutions for healthcare facilities based in Fairview, Pennsylvania. The operating results for Healthcare Lighting have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. On February 23, 2011, the Company acquired for cash all of the ownership interests in Washoe Equipment, Inc., d/b/a Sunoptics Prismatic Skylights, and CBC Plastics LLC (collectively, “Sunoptics”), a premier designer, manufacturer, and marketer of high-performance, prismatic daylighting solutions based in Sacramento, California. The operating results for Sunoptics have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. On October 14, 2010, the Company acquired for cash all of the outstanding capital stock of Winona Lighting, Inc. (“Winona Lighting”), a premier provider of architectural and high-performance indoor and outdoor lighting solutions headquartered in Winona, Minnesota. The operating results for Winona Lighting have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. On July 26, 2010, the Company acquired for cash the remaining outstanding capital stock of Renaissance Lighting, Inc. (“Renaissance”), a privately-held innovator of solid-state light-emitting diode (“LED”) architectural lighting devices based in Herndon, Virginia. Previously, the Company entered into a strategic partnership with Renaissance, which included a noncontrolling interest in Renaissance and a license to Renaissance's intellectual property estate. The operating results of Renaissance have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. References made to years are for fiscal year periods, unless noted otherwise.

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Publisher AICPA
-Number 94-6
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
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-Number 46R
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations	Aug. 31, 2012
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations Acuity Brands completed the spin-off of its specialty products business (the “Spin-off”), Zep Inc. (“Zep”) on October 31, 2007, by distributing all of the shares of Zep common stock, par value $0.01 per share, to the Company's stockholders of record as of October 17, 2007. As a result of the Spin-off, the Company's financial statements have been prepared with the results of operations and cash flows of the specialty products business presented as discontinued operations. In conjunction with the Spin-off, Acuity Brands and Zep entered into various agreements that address the allocation of assets and liabilities between them and that define their relationship after the separation, including a distribution agreement, a tax disaffiliation agreement, an employee benefits agreement, and a transition services agreement. During fiscal 2010, income from discontinued operations was recognized in the amount of $0.6 related to the revision of estimates of certain legal reserves established at the time of the Spin-off. As with the original reserve, income from discontinued operations had no income tax effect. No activity related to discontinued operations occurred during fiscal 2012 and 2011.

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43-48
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Acuity Brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of significant intercompany transactions and accounts.

Revenue Recognition

The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the Company’s price to the customer is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. Customers take delivery at the time of shipment for terms designated free on board shipping point. For sales designated free on board destination, customers take delivery when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site. Provisions for certain rebates, sales incentives, product returns, and discounts to customers are recorded in the same period the related revenue is recorded. The Company also maintains one-time or on-going marketing and trade-promotion programs with certain customers that require the Company to estimate and accrue the expected costs of such programs. These arrangements include cooperative marketing programs, merchandising of the Company’s products, and introductory marketing funds for new products and other trade-promotion activities conducted by the customer. Costs associated with these programs are reflected within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”), which in most instances requires such costs be recorded as a reduction of revenue.

The Company provides for limited product return rights to certain distributors and customers primarily for slow moving or damaged items subject to certain defined criteria. The Company monitors product returns and, at the time revenue is recognized, records a provision for the estimated amount of future returns based primarily on historical experience and specific notification of pending returns. Although historical product returns generally have been within expectations, there can be no assurance that future product returns will not exceed historical amounts. A significant increase in product returns could have a material impact on the Company’s operating results in future periods.

Revenue is earned on services and the sale of products. Revenue is recognized for the sale of products when the above criteria are met and for services rendered in the period of performance.

Revenue Recognition for Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables

A small portion of the Company's revenues are derived from the combination of any or all of: (i) the sale and license of its products, (ii) fees associated with training, installation, and technical support services, and (iii) monitoring and lighting control services. Certain agreements, particularly related to lighting controls systems, represent multiple-element arrangements that include tangible products that contain software that is essential to the functionality of the systems and undelivered elements that primarily relate to installation and monitoring and lighting control services. The undelivered elements associated with installations and monitoring and lighting control services are reviewed and analyzed to determine separability in relation to the delivered elements and appropriate pricing treatment based on (a) vendor-specific objective evidence, (b) third-party evidence, or (c) management estimates. If deemed separate units of accounting, the revenue and associated cost of sales related to the delivered elements are recognized at the time of delivery, while those related to the undelivered elements are recognized appropriately based on the period of performance. If the separation criterion for the undelivered elements is not met due to the undelivered elements being essential to the functionality of the lighting controls systems, all revenue and cost of sales attributable to the contract are deferred at the time of sale and are both generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective contract periods.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash in excess of daily requirements is invested in time deposits and marketable securities and is included in the accompanying balance sheets at fair value. Acuity Brands considers time deposits and marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Accounts Receivable

The Company records accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect losses anticipated on accounts receivable balances. The allowance is based on historical write-offs, an analysis of past due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, and economic status of customers, if known. Management believes that the allowance is sufficient to cover uncollectible amounts; however, there can be no assurance that unanticipated future business conditions of customers will not have a negative impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables, which are typically unsecured, are generally limited due to the wide variety of customers and markets using the Company’s lighting solutions, as well as their dispersion across many different geographic areas. Receivables from The Home Depot were approximately $39.7 and $38.1 at August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. No other single customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated receivables at August 31, 2012 or 2011. Additionally, net sales to The Home Depot accounted for approximately 10% of net sales of the Company in both fiscal 2012 and 2011 and 11.0% of net sales of the Company in fiscal 2010.

Reclassifications

Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure for occurrences and transactions after the date of the consolidated financial statements at August 31, 2012.

Inventories

Inventories include materials, direct labor, in-bound freight, and related manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis) or market, and consist of the following:



	August 31,
	2012			2011
Raw materials, supplies, and work in process⁽¹⁾	$	120.2		$	97.6
Finished goods	84.6			78.5
	204.8			176.1
Less: Reserves	(10.7		)	(10.2		)
Total Inventory	$	194.1		$	165.9

_______________________________________


⁽¹⁾	Due to the immaterial amount of estimated work in process and the short lead times for the conversion of raw materials to finished goods, the Company does not believe the segregation of raw materials and work in process to be meaningful information.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Summarized information for the Company’s acquired intangible assets is as follows:



	August 31,
	2012					2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
Patents and patented technology	$	50.7	$	(18.2	)	$	42.7	$	(14.5	)
Trademarks and trade names	25.4		(6.2		)	24.0		(5.1		)
Distribution network	61.8		(25.0		)	61.8		(23.5		)
Customer relationships	54.3		(10.7		)	55.6		(6.4		)
Other	5.7		(3.1		)	5.9		(2.4		)
Total	$	197.9	$	(63.2	)	$	190.0	$	(51.9	)
Unamortized trade names	$	96.1				$	96.1

Through multiple acquisitions, the Company acquired intangible assets consisting primarily of trademarks and trade names associated with specific products with finite lives, definite-lived distribution networks, patented technology, non-compete agreements, and customer relationships, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite lived intangible assets consist of trade names that are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely. Significant estimates and assumptions were used to determine the fair value of these acquired intangible assets, including estimated future net sales, customer attrition rates, royalty rates, and discount rates. The current year increases in the gross carrying amounts for the acquired intangible assets were due primarily to adjustments to the estimated values of intangible assets associated with the acquisitions of Sunoptics and Healthcare Lighting (refer to the Acquisitions footnote).

The Company recorded amortization expense of $11.2, $10.2, and $7.1 related to intangible assets with finite lives during fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Amortization expense is generally recorded on a straight-line basis and is expected to be approximately $10.1 in fiscal 2013, $10.0 in fiscal 2014, $9.8 in fiscal 2015, $9.2 in fiscal 2016, and $8.9 in fiscal 2017.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the year are summarized as follows:



Goodwill:
Balance as of August 31, 2011	$	559.2
Acquisitions	0.8
Adjustments for acquired businesses	(3.7		)
Currency translation adjustments	(1.4		)
Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	554.9

The current year decrease in the gross carrying amount for goodwill was due primarily to adjustments to the estimated values of goodwill and intangible assets associated with the acquisitions of Sunoptics and Healthcare Lighting and the impact of foreign currency changes during the period. As of August 31, 2012, the acquisition accounting adjustments for Sunoptics and Healthcare Lighting were completed, and the adjustments had no material impact on the Company’s financial statements as a result of the finalization.

The Company tests indefinite lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently as facts and circumstances change, as required by ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). The goodwill impairment test has three steps: a qualitative review and a two-step quantitative method. The preliminary step (“Step 0”) allows for a qualitative analysis to determine the likelihood of impairment. If the qualitative review results in a more likely than not probability of impairment, the first quantitative step is required. The first step identifies potential impairments by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The fair values are determined based on a combination of valuation techniques including the expected present value of future cash flows, a market multiple approach, and a comparable transaction approach. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the second step calculates the possible impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying value. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded. The impairment test for unamortized trade names consists of comparing the fair value of the asset with its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair value of unamortized trade names using a fair value model based on discounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount exceeds the measured fair value, an impairment loss would be recorded in the amount of the excess. Significant assumptions, including estimated future net sales, operating margins, royalty rates, and discount rates, were used in the determination of estimated fair value for indefinite lived intangible assets. Prior to fiscal 2012, similar assumptions were used in determining the estimated fair value of goodwill. In fiscal 2012, certain qualitative factors and judgment were used to determine the likelihood of goodwill impairment for the Company’s one reporting unit. None of the analyses resulted in an impairment charge during fiscal 2012, 2011, or 2010.

Other Long-Term Assets

Other long-term assets consist of the following:



	August 31,
	2012		2011
Long-term investments⁽¹⁾	$	0.7	$	1.2
Assets held for sale	2.8		3.0
Deferred debt issuance costs	2.7		2.3
Capitalized software costs	3.8		4.9
Deferred contract costs	14.8		13.1
Miscellaneous	4.1		3.8
Total	$	28.9	$	28.3

_______________________________________

⁽¹⁾

Long-term investments — The Company maintains certain investments that generate returns that offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements. The investments primarily consist of marketable equity securities and fixed income securities, are stated at fair value (Level 1), and are classified as trading in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments — Debt and Equity Securities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and generally offset the change in the deferred compensation liability. The decrease since August 31, 2011 was due primarily to payments made to certain participants in these deferred compensation arrangements.

As of August 31, 2012, the Company reported assets held for sale of $7.6 ($4.8 in Prepayments and other current assets and $2.8 in Other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets), which represents three properties that the Company intends to sell to third parties within one year, or, under certain conditions, beyond one year as allowed by ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment (“ASC 360”), as the facilities have been deemed unnecessary to current operations.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:



	August 31,
	2012		2011
Deferred compensation and postretirement benefits other than pensions⁽¹⁾	$	32.3	$	31.7
Postemployment benefit obligation⁽²⁾	0.4		0.4
Uncertain tax positions liability, including interest⁽³⁾	7.5		7.1
Acquisition-related liabilities⁽⁴⁾	5.2		4.3
Deferred revenue	5.3		4.6
Deferred rent	1.1		1.7
Miscellaneous	2.7		1.6
Total	$	54.5	$	51.4

_______________________________________

⁽¹⁾

Deferred compensation and postretirement benefits other than pensions — The Company maintains several non-qualified retirement plans for the benefit of eligible employees, primarily deferred compensation plans. The deferred compensation plans provide for elective deferrals of an eligible employee’s compensation and, in some cases, matching contributions by the Company. In addition, one plan provides for an automatic contribution by the Company of 3% of an eligible employee’s compensation. The Company maintains certain long-term investments that offset a portion of the deferred compensation liability. The Company maintains life insurance policies on certain current and former officers and other key employees as a means of satisfying a portion of these obligations.


⁽²⁾	Postemployment benefit obligation — ASC Topic 712, Compensation — Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits, requires the accrual of the estimated cost of benefits provided by an employer to former or inactive employees after employment but before retirement. The Company’s accrual relates primarily to a liability for life insurance coverage for certain eligible employees.


⁽³⁾	See the Income Taxes footnote for more information.


⁽⁴⁾	Acquisition-related liabilities - Amounts represent contingent payments and other obligations related to recent acquisitions.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in Net Sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight and freight between manufacturing facilities and distribution centers are generally recorded in Cost of Products Sold. Other shipping and handling costs are included in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses and totaled $81.5, $78.7, and $70.1 in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions in the financial statements based on the estimated fair value of the equity or liability instrument issued. The Company accounts for stock options, restricted shares, and share units representing certain deferrals into the Director Deferred Compensation Plan or the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan (both of which are discussed further in the Share-Based Payments footnote) based on the grant-date fair value estimated under the current provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”).

Share-based expense includes expense related to restricted stock and options issued, as well as share units deferred into either the Director Deferred Compensation Plan or the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan. The Company recorded $15.9, $14.2, and $12.5 of share-based expense in continuing operations for the years ending August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The total income tax benefit recognized in continuing operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $5.6, $4.7, and $4.2 for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The Company accounts for any awards with graded vesting on a straight-line basis. Additionally, forfeitures of share-based awards are estimated based on historical experience and recorded at the time of grant, which are revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from initial estimates. The Company did not capitalize any expense related to share-based payments and has recorded share-based expense, net of estimated forfeitures, in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses.

Benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized share-based compensation cost are reported as a financing cash

flow, rather than as an operating cash flow, in the Company’s Statements of Cash Flows and amounted to $4.9, $5.3, and $2.8 for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

See the Share-Based Payments footnote for more information.

Depreciation

For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is determined principally on a straight-line basis using estimated useful lives of plant and equipment (10 to 40 years for buildings and related improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment), while accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement. Depreciation expense amounted to $27.5, $28.8, and $28.5 during fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Research and Development

Research and development (“R&D”) expense, which is included in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, is expensed as incurred. R&D expense amounted to $34.7, $31.3, and $26.6 during fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included within Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. These costs totaled $12.6, $13.4, and $12.0 during fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Service Arrangements with Customers

The Company maintains a service program with one of its retail customers that affords the Company certain in-store benefits, including lighting display maintenance. Costs associated with this program totaled $5.7, $5.2, and $4.9 in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. These costs have been included within the Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses line item of the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net, is comprised primarily of interest expense on long-term debt, revolving credit facility borrowings, and loans collateralized by assets related to a company-owned life insurance program, partially offset by interest income on cash and cash equivalents.

The following table summarizes the components of interest expense, net:



	Years Ended August 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Interest expense	$	31.3		$	30.4		$	29.8
Interest income	(0.6		)	(0.5		)	(0.4		)
Interest expense, net	$	30.7		$	29.9		$	29.4

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency for the foreign operations of the Company is the local currency. The translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate each month during the year. The gains or losses resulting from the balance sheet translation are included in Comprehensive Income in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income and are excluded from net income.

Gains or losses relating to foreign currency items are included in Miscellaneous expense (income), net, in the Consolidated Statements of Income and consisted of income of $1.2 in fiscal 2012, expense of $1.5 in fiscal 2011, and income of $0.7 in fiscal 2010.

Miscellaneous Expense (Income), Net

Miscellaneous expense (income), net, is composed primarily of gains or losses on foreign currency items and other non-operating items.

Income Taxes

The Company is taxed at regular corporate rates after adjusting income reported for financial statement purposes for certain items that are treated differently for income tax purposes. Deferred income tax expenses (benefits) result from changes during the year in cumulative temporary differences between the tax basis and book basis of assets and liabilities.

New Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
New Accounting Pronouncements	Aug. 31, 2012
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Adopted in Fiscal 2012 In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”), which allows companies to assess qualitative factors prior to the use of the two-step quantitative method to determine if goodwill has been impaired. If the qualitative factors reviewed do not indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit does not exceed the carrying value, ASU 2011-08 deems any further impairment testing to be unnecessary. In the event that the qualitative review indicates otherwise, the company is required to perform further quantitative impairment testing as prescribed by Topic 350. Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not affected by the provisions of this update. ASU 2011-08 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2011-08 on a prospective basis on June 1, 2012. The provisions of ASU 2011-08 did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”), which clarifies the wording and disclosures required in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”), to converge with those used in International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The update explains how to measure and disclose fair value under ASC 820. However, the FASB does not expect the changes in this update to alter the current application of the requirements in ASC 820. The provisions of ASU 2011-04 are effective for public entities prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is prohibited. Therefore, ASU 2011-04 became effective for the Company on a prospective basis on March 1, 2012. As ASU 2011-04 pertained only to additional disclosures, the adoption of the update did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 changes the presentation of comprehensive income in the financial statements for all periods reported and eliminates the option under the current guidance that allows for presentation of other comprehensive income as part of the Statement of Stockholders' Equity. The update allows two options for the proper presentation of comprehensive income: 1) a single Statement of Comprehensive Income, which includes all components of net income and other comprehensive income; or 2) a Statement of Income followed immediately by a Statement of Comprehensive Income, which includes summarized net income and all components of other comprehensive income. Additionally, the update requires the presentation of reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the face of the Statement of Income and the Statement of Comprehensive Income. The provisions of ASU 2011-05 are effective for public entities retrospectively for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. Therefore, ASU 2011-05 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Although the provisions of this update will change the presentation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company, no material impact is expected on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-12”). This update defers the provisions within ASU 2011-05 requiring the presentation on the face of the financial statements of the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income. The deferral will allow the FASB further time to deliberate on operational concerns expressed by constituents. ASU 2011-12 is effective concurrently with the adoption of ASU 2011-05. Therefore, ASU 2011-12 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (“ASU 2012-02”), which allows companies to assess qualitative factors prior to the use of the two-step quantitative method to determine if indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill have been impaired. If the qualitative factors reviewed do not indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of an identified intangible asset does not exceed the carrying value, ASU 2012-02 deems any further impairment testing to be unnecessary. In the event that the qualitative review indicates otherwise, the company is required to perform further quantitative impairment testing as prescribed by Topic 350. ASU 2012-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently reviewing the provisions of ASU 2012-02 but does not expect it to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Acquisitions	Aug. 31, 2012
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions The Company has actively pursued opportunities for investment and growth through acquisitions. Since the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company has acquired a number of businesses that participate in the North American lighting market, including the businesses discussed below. As with previous acquisitions, the companies were purchased to further expand and complement the Company’s lighting solutions portfolio and were fully incorporated into the Company’s operations. None of the business combinations-individually or in the aggregate-represented a material transaction. Healthcare Lighting Acquisition On May 12, 2011, the Company acquired for cash all of the ownership interests in Healthcare Lighting, a leading provider of specialized, high-performance lighting solutions for healthcare facilities. Based in Fairview, Pennsylvania, Healthcare Lighting exclusively focused on servicing the healthcare industry through the design and manufacture of medical lighting products meant to enhance the visual environment in healthcare settings. The operating results of Healthcare Lighting have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are not material to the Company’s financial statements. Management finalized the acquisition accounting for Healthcare Lighting during fiscal 2012, and the amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. There were no material changes to the Company’s financial statements as a result of the finalization of the acquisition accounting. Sunoptics Acquisition On February 23, 2011, the Company acquired for cash all of the ownership interests in Sunoptics, a premier provider of high-performance, prismatic daylighting solutions based in Sacramento, California. Sunoptics' high-performance prismatic skylights optimized lighting performance through the use of sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for retail, industrial, warehouse, education, government, and office applications. The operating results of Sunoptics have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are not material to the Company’s financial statements. Management finalized the acquisition accounting for Sunoptics during fiscal 2012, and the amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. There were no material changes to the Company’s financial statements as a result of the finalization of the acquisition accounting. Winona Lighting Acquisition On October 14, 2010, the Company acquired for cash all of the outstanding capital stock of Winona Lighting, a premier provider of architectural and high-performance indoor and outdoor lighting solutions headquartered in Minnesota. Recognized throughout the architectural design community, Winona Lighting served the commercial, retail, and institutional markets with a solutions portfolio of high-quality and design-oriented luminaires suitable for decorative, custom, asymmetric, and landscape lighting applications. The operating results of Winona Lighting have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are not material to the Company’s financial statements. Management finalized the acquisition accounting for Winona Lighting during fiscal 2011, and the amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Renaissance Acquisition On July 26, 2010, the Company acquired for cash the remaining outstanding capital stock of Renaissance. Renaissance, based in Herndon, Virginia, offered a full range of LED-based specification-grade downlighting solutions and had developed an extensive intellectual property portfolio related to advanced LED optical solutions and technologies. Previously, the Company entered into a strategic partnership with Renaissance, which included a noncontrolling interest in the company and a license to the company's intellectual property estate. Therefore, the Company recognized an acquisition-in-stages as prescribed by ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), which required the original equity ownership interest to be revalued to the fair value as of the date of acquisition and included as part of the total consideration given. Total consideration consisted of cash and the original noncontrolling interest. The operating results of Renaissance have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition and are not material to the Company’s financial statements. Management finalized the acquisition accounting for Renaissance during fiscal 2011, and the amounts are reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Appendix F
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Paragraph 67-73
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

The Company determines a fair value measurement based on the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC 820 establishes a three level hierarchy making a distinction between market participant assumptions based on (i) unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market (Level 1), (ii) quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability (Level 2), and (iii) prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement (Level 3).

The following table presents information about assets and liabilities required to be carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Fair Value Measurements as of:
	August 31, 2012				August 31, 2011
	Level 1		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Total Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	284.5	$	284.5	$	170.2	$	170.2
Short-term investments⁽¹⁾	0.6		0.6		0.8		0.8
Long-term investments⁽¹⁾	0.7		0.7		1.2		1.2
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan obligations⁽¹⁾(current portion)	$	0.6	$	0.6	$	0.8	$	0.8
Deferred compensation plan obligations⁽¹⁾(long-term portion)	0.7		0.7		1.2		1.2

_______________________________________


⁽¹⁾	The Company maintains certain investments that generate returns that offset changes in certain liabilities related to a self-directed, non-qualified deferred compensation plan structured as a rabbi trust primarily for certain retired executives and other highly compensated employees.

The Company utilizes valuation methodologies to determine the fair values of its financial assets and liabilities in conformity with the concepts of “exit price” and the fair value hierarchy as prescribed in ASC 820. All valuation methods and assumptions are validated at least quarterly to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the fair values. There were no material changes to the valuation methods or assumptions used to determine fair values during the current period.

The Company used the following valuation methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of the following assets and liabilities:

Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 assets. The carrying amounts for cash reflect the assets’ fair values, and the fair values for cash equivalents are determined based on quoted market prices.

Short-term and long-term investments are classified as Level 1 assets. These investments consist primarily of publicly traded marketable equity securities and fixed income securities, and the fair values are obtained through market observable pricing.

Deferred compensation plan liabilities are classified as Level 1 liabilities within the hierarchy. The fair values of the liabilities are directly related to the valuation of the short-term and long-term investments held in trust for the plan. Hence, the carrying value of the deferred compensation liability represents the fair value of the investment assets.

No transfers between the levels of the fair value hierarchy occurred during the current fiscal period. In the event of a transfer in or out of a level within the fair value hierarchy, the transfers would be recognized on the date of occurrence.

Disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments (whether or not recognized in the balance sheet), for which it is practicable to estimate that value, are required each reporting period in addition to any financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis as prescribed by ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”). In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.

The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows at August 31, 2012 and 2011:



	August 31, 2012				August 31, 2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Liabilities:
Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount	$	349.5	$	407.5	$	349.4	$	373.9
Industrial revenue bond	4.0		4.0		4.0		4.0

The senior unsecured public notes are carried at the outstanding balance, including bond discounts, as of the end of the reporting period. Fair value is estimated based on the discounted future cash flows using rates currently available for debt of similar terms and maturity (Level 2).

The tax-exempt industrial revenue bond is carried at the outstanding balance as of the end of the reporting period. The industrial revenue bond is a tax-exempt, variable-rate instrument that resets on a weekly basis, and, therefore, the Company estimates that the face amount of the bond approximates fair value as of August 31, 2012 based on bonds of similar terms and maturity (Level 2).

ASC 825 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value to the Company. In many cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets, nor can the disclosed value be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. In evaluating the Company’s management of liquidity and other risks, the fair values of all assets and liabilities should be taken into consideration, not only those presented above.

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Pension and Profit Sharing Plans

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Pension and Profit Sharing Plans

The Company has several pension plans, both qualified and non-qualified, covering certain hourly and salaried employees. Benefits paid under these plans are based generally on employees’ years of service and/or compensation during the final years of employment. The Company makes annual contributions to the plans to the extent indicated by actuarial valuations and statutory requirements. Plan assets are invested primarily in equity and fixed income securities.

The following tables reflect the status of the Company’s domestic (U.S.-based) and international pension plans at August 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Domestic Plans						International Plans
	August 31,						August 31,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	136.3		$	134.6		$	35.8		$	35.1
Service cost	2.7			3.1			0.1			0.1
Interest cost	6.6			6.5			1.9			1.8
Actuarial loss (gain)	29.1			(1.6		)	11.1			(2.4		)
Curtailment	0.1			—			—			—
Plan Settlements	—			—			—			(0.1		)
Benefits paid	(6.7		)	(6.3		)	(1.1		)	(0.7		)
Other	—			—			(0.9		)	2.0
Benefit obligation at end of year	168.1			136.3			46.9			35.8
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	83.9		$	75.7		$	26.5		$	21.8
Actual return on plan assets	7.9			8.7			2.3			1.4
Employer contributions	10.5			5.8			1.0			2.7
Benefits paid	(6.7		)	(6.3		)	(1.1		)	(0.7		)
Other	—			—			(0.6		)	1.3
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	95.6			83.9			28.1			26.5
Funded status at end of year:
Funded Status	$	(72.5	)	$	(52.4	)	$	(18.8	)	$	(9.3	)
Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	$	(72.5	)	$	(52.4	)	$	(18.8	)	$	(9.3	)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of:
Current liabilities	$	(1.2	)	$	(1.2	)	$	—		$	—
Non-current liabilities	(71.3		)	(51.2		)	(18.8		)	(9.3		)
Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	$	(72.5	)	$	(52.4	)	$	(18.8	)	$	(9.3	)
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$	168.0		$	136.2		$	46.9		$	35.7
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income:
Prior service cost	$	(0.6	)	$	(0.7	)	$	—		$	—
Net actuarial loss	(80.4		)	(55.8		)	(22.8		)	(13.4		)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	(81.0	)	$	(56.5	)	$	(22.8	)	$	(13.4	)
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated comprehensive income over the next fiscal year:
Prior service cost	$	0.1		$	0.1		$	—		$	—
Net actuarial loss	4.6			3.2			1.8			0.9

Components of net periodic pension cost for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 included the following:



	Domestic Plans									International Plans
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
Service cost	$	2.7		$	3.1		$	2.7		$	0.1		$	0.1		$	0.1
Interest cost	6.6			6.5			6.8			1.9			1.8			1.7
Expected return on plan assets	(6.5		)	(5.9		)	(5.9		)	(1.7		)	(1.6		)	(1.5		)
Amortization of prior service cost	0.1			0.1			0.1			—			—			—
Curtailment	0.1			—			0.2			—			—			0.1
Recognized actuarial loss	3.2			3.7			2.7			0.9			1.1			0.8
Net periodic pension cost	$	6.2		$	7.5		$	6.6		$	1.2		$	1.4		$	1.2

Weighted average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligation are as follows:



	Domestic Plans				International Plans
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Discount rate	3.8	%	5.0	%	3.7	%	5.6	%
Rate of compensation increase	5.5	%	5.5	%	2.5	%	3.4	%

Weighted average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost are as follows:



	Domestic Plans						International Plans
	2012		2011		2010		2012		2011		2010
Discount rate	5.0	%	5.0	%	6.0	%	5.6	%	4.9	%	5.6	%
Expected return on plan assets	7.5	%	7.8	%	8.0	%	5.5	%	6.6	%	6.8	%
Rate of compensation increase	5.5	%	5.5	%	5.5	%	3.4	%	3.1	%	4.5	%

It is the Company’s policy to adjust, on an annual basis, the discount rate used to determine the projected benefit obligation to approximate rates on high-quality, long-term obligations based on the Company’s estimated benefit payments available as of the measurement date. The Company uses a publicly published yield curve to assist in the development of its discount rates. The Company estimates that each 100 basis point increase in the discount rate would result in reduced net periodic pension cost of approximately $1.1 and $0.3 for domestic plans and international plans, respectively. The expected return on plan assets is derived from a periodic study of long-term historical rates of return on the various asset classes included in the Company’s targeted pension plan asset allocation. The Company estimates that each 100 basis point reduction in the expected return on plan assets would result in additional net periodic pension cost of $0.9 and $0.3 for domestic plans and international plans, respectively. The rate of compensation increase is also evaluated and is adjusted by the Company, if necessary, annually.

The Company’s investment objective for U.S. plan assets is to earn a rate of return sufficient to match or exceed the long-term growth of the plans’ liabilities without subjecting plan assets to undue risk. The plan assets are invested primarily in high quality equity and debt securities. The Company conducts a periodic strategic asset allocation study to form a basis for the allocation of pension assets between various asset categories. Specific allocation percentages are assigned to each asset category with minimum and maximum ranges established for each. The assets are then managed within these ranges. During fiscal 2012, the U.S. targeted asset allocation was 55% equity securities, 40% fixed income securities, and 5% real estate securities. The Company’s investment objective for the international plan assets is also to add value by matching or exceeding the long-term growth of the plans’ liabilities. During fiscal 2012, the international asset target allocation approximated 70% equity securities, 25% fixed income securities, and 5% real estate securities.

The Company’s pension plan asset allocation at August 31, 2012 and 2011 by asset category is as follows:



	% of Plan Assets
	Domestic Plans				International Plans
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Equity securities	57.3	%	57.7	%	70.0	%	76.0	%
Fixed income securities	37.8	%	37.3	%	25.0	%	22.0	%
Real estate	4.9	%	5.0	%	5.0	%	2.0	%
Total	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%

The Company’s pension plan assets are stated at fair value from quoted market prices in an active market, quoted redemption values, or estimates based on reasonable assumptions as of the most recent measurement period. See the Fair Value Measurements footnote for a description of the fair value guidance.

The following tables present the fair value of the domestic pension plan assets by major category as of August 31, 2012 and 2011:



			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value as of		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets	August 31, 2012		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Mutual Funds:
US equity securities	$	35.6	$	35.6	$	—	$	—
International equity securities	9.2		9.2		—		—
Equity Securities	10.0		10.0		—		—
Real Estate Fund	4.7		—		—		4.7
Short-Term Investments	5.3		5.3		—		—
Fixed-Income Investments	30.8		—		30.8		—
	$	95.6



			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value as of		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets	August 31, 2011		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Mutual Funds:
US equity securities	$	30.1	$	30.1	$	—	$	—
International equity securities	9.1		9.1		—		—
Equity Securities	9.2		9.2		—		—
Real Estate Fund	4.2		—		—		4.2
Short-Term Investments	2.5		2.5		—		—
Fixed-Income Investments	28.8		—		28.8		—
	$	83.9

The following tables present the fair value of the international pension plan assets by major category as of August 31, 2012 and 2011:



			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value as of		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets	August 31, 2012		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Equity Securities	$	18.9	$	18.9	$	—	$	—
Real Estate Fund	1.4		—		—		1.4
Short-Term Investments	6.4		6.4		—		—
Fixed-Income Investments	1.4		—		1.4		—
	$	28.1



			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value as of		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets	August 31, 2011		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Equity Securities	$	20.3	$	20.3	$	—	$	—
Real Estate Fund	0.6		—		—		0.6
Short-Term Investments	1.6		1.6		—		—
Fixed-Income Investments	4.0		—		4.0		—
	$	26.5

Publicly-traded securities are valued at the last reported sales price on the last business day of the period. Investments traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on the last day of the period are valued at the last reported bid price.

Investments in real estate are stated at estimated fair values based on the fund management’s valuations and upon appraisal reports prepared periodically by independent real estate appraisers. These investments are classified as Level 3 assets within the fair value hierarchy. The purpose of the appraisal is to estimate the fair value of the real estate as of a specific date based on the most probable price for which the appraised real estate will sell in a competitive market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale. Estimated fair value is based on (i) discounted cash flows using certain market assumptions, including holding period, discount rates, capitalization rates, rent and expense growth rates, future capital expenditures and the ultimate sale of the property at the end of the holding period; (ii) direct capitalization method; or (iii) comparable sales method.

The tables below present a rollforward of the domestic and international pension plans’ Level 3 assets for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Domestic Real Estate Fund
	Year Ended August 31,
	2012		2011
Balance, beginning of year	$	4.2	$	3.5
Income	—		0.2
Net unrealized gain relating to instruments still held at the reporting date	0.4		0.4
Shares purchased, including from dividend reinvestment	0.1		0.1
Balance, end of year	$	4.7	$	4.2



	International Real Estate Fund
	Year Ended August 31,
	2012		2011
Balance, beginning of year	$	0.6	$	0.4
Shares purchased, including from dividend reinvestment	0.8		0.2
Balance, end of year	$	1.4	$	0.6

The Company expects to contribute approximately $7.8 and $1.1 during 2013 to its domestic and international defined benefit plans, respectively. These amounts are based on the total contributions required during 2013 to satisfy current legal minimum funding requirements for qualified plans and estimated benefit payments for non-qualified plans.

Benefit payments are made primarily from funded benefit plan trusts. Benefit payments are expected to be paid as follows for the years ending August 31:



	Domestic Plans		International Plans
2013	$	6.8	$	1.2
2014	6.9		1.2
2015	7.1		1.2
2016	7.3		1.3
2017	7.7		1.3
2018-2022	45.5		6.8

The Company also has defined contribution plans to which both employees and the Company make contributions. The cost to the Company for these plans was $4.1 in each of fiscal years 2012 and 2011 and $4.0 in fiscal 2010. Employer matching amounts are allocated in accordance with the participants’ investment elections for elective deferrals. At August 31, 2012, assets of the domestic defined contribution plans included shares of the Company’s common stock with a market value of approximately $7.7, which represented approximately 3.5% of the total fair market value of the assets in the Company’s domestic defined contribution plans.

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
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-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
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-Number FAS88
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Debt and Lines of Credit

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt and Lines of Credit

Debt

The Company’s debt at August 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:



	August 31,
	2012		2011
Senior unsecured public notes due December 2019 with an effective interest rate of 6%, net of unamortized discount of $0.5	$	349.5	$	349.4
Industrial revenue bond due 2021	4.0		4.0
Total debt outstanding	$	353.5	$	353.4

All future annual principal payments of long-term debt in the amount of $353.5 will become due after fiscal 2018.

On December 1, 2009, the Company announced a private offering by ABL, Acuity Brands’ wholly-owned principal operating subsidiary, of $350.0 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due in fiscal 2020 (the “Notes”). The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Acuity Brands and ABL IP Holding LLC (“ABL IP Holding”, and, together with Acuity Brands, the “Guarantors”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Acuity Brands. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of ABL and rank equally in right of payment with all of ABL’s existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The guarantees of Acuity Brands and ABL IP Holding are senior unsecured obligations of Acuity Brands and ABL IP Holding and rank equally in right of payment with their other senior unsecured indebtedness. The Notes bear interest at a rate of 6% per annum and were issued at a price equal to 99.797% of their face value and for a term of 10 years. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. Additionally, the Company capitalized $3.1 of deferred issuance costs related to the Notes that are being amortized over the 10-year term of the Notes.

In accordance with the registration rights agreement by and between ABL and the Guarantors and the initial purchasers of the Notes, ABL and the Guarantors filed a registration statement with the SEC for an offer to exchange the Notes for SEC-registered notes with substantially identical terms. The registration became effective on August 17, 2010, and all of the Notes were exchanged.

The $4.0 industrial revenue bond matures in 2021. The interest rates on the $4.0 bond were approximately 0.3% at August 31, 2012 and 2011.

Lines of Credit

On January 31, 2012, the Company executed a new $250.0 revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The Revolving Credit Facility replaced the Company’s prior $250.0 revolving credit facility (the “prior facility”), which was scheduled to mature on October 19, 2012. The Company recognized a write-off of less than $0.1 in deferred financing costs in connection with the early termination of the prior facility. The Revolving Credit Facility will mature and all amounts outstanding will be due and payable on January 31, 2017.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains financial covenants, including a minimum interest coverage ratio (“Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio”) and a leverage ratio (“Maximum Leverage Ratio”) of total indebtedness to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization expense), as such terms are defined in the Revolving Credit Facility agreement. These ratios are computed at the end of each fiscal quarter for the most recent 12-month period. The Revolving Credit Facility allows for a Maximum Leverage Ratio of 3.50 and a Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.50, subject to certain conditions defined in the financing agreement. Generally, amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a “Eurocurrency Rate”. Eurocurrency rate advances can be denominated in a variety of currencies, including U.S. dollars, and amounts outstanding bear interest at a periodic fixed rate equal to the London Inter Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) for the applicable currency plus a margin as determined by Acuity Brands' leverage ratio (“Applicable Margin”). The Applicable Margin is based on the Company’s leverage ratio, as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility, with such margin ranging from 1.075% to 1.650%. Additionally, the Company is required to pay certain fees in connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, including administrative service fees and an annual facility fee. The annual facility fee is payable quarterly in arrears and is determined by the Company’s leverage ratio as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility. This facility fee ranges from 0.175% to 0.350% of the aggregate $250.0 commitment of the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Company was compliant with all financial covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility as of August 31, 2012. As of August 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $9.9, primarily for securing collateral requirements under the casualty insurance programs for Acuity Brands and providing credit support for the Company’s industrial revenue bond (not an outstanding amount under the Revolving Credit Facility). At August 31, 2012, the Company had additional borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility of $244.3 under the most restrictive covenant in effect at the time, which represents the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility less outstanding letters of credit of $5.7 issued under the Revolving Credit Facility.

None of the Company’s existing debt instruments, neither short-term nor long-term, include provisions that would require an acceleration of repayments based solely on changes in the Company’s credit ratings.

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

Common Stock and Related Matters [Abstract]

Common Stock and Related Matters

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Common Stock and Related Matters

Common Stock

Changes in common stock for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows:



	Common Stock
	Shares	Amount
		(At par)
Balance at August 31, 2009	49.8	$	0.5
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures	0.2	—
Stock options exercised	0.4	—
Balance at August 31, 2010	50.4	$	0.5
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures	0.3	—
Stock options exercised	0.3	—
Balance at August 31, 2011	51.0	$	0.5
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures	0.2	—
Stock options exercised	0.3	—
Balance at August 31, 2012	51.5	$	0.5

During fiscal 2012, the Company reacquired 252,000 shares (whole units) of the Company’s outstanding common stock at a total cost of $9.2, which completed the plan to repurchase two million shares previously authorized by the Board of Directors in July 2010. As of fiscal year-end, the Company had 9.7 million repurchased shares recorded as treasury stock at an original repurchase cost of $420.2.

In September 2011, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional two million shares, or almost 5%, of the Company's outstanding common stock. No shares were repurchased during fiscal 2012 under the repurchase plan approved in September 2011.

Preferred Stock

The Company has 50 million shares of preferred stock authorized. No shares of preferred stock were issued in fiscal 2012 or 2011.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, which has been modified to include the effects of all participating securities (unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends) as prescribed by the two-class method under ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”), during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly but reflects the potential dilution that would occur if dilutive options were exercised and restricted stock awards were vested. Stock options of approximately 180,000 and 135,000 (whole units) were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as the effect of inclusion would have been antidilutive.

The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010:



	Years Ended August 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:
Income from continuing operations	$	116.3		$	105.5		$	79.0
Less: Income attributable to participating securities	(2.2		)	(1.9		)	(1.4		)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	114.1		$	103.6		$	77.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41.4			42.2			42.5
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	2.75		$	2.46		$	1.83
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:
Income from continuing operations	$	116.3		$	105.5		$	79.0
Less: Income attributable to participating securities	(2.2		)	(1.9		)	(1.4		)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	114.1		$	103.6		$	77.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41.4			42.2			42.5
Common stock equivalents	0.5			0.6			0.8
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	41.9			42.8			43.3
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	2.72		$	2.42		$	1.79
Basic Earnings per Share from Discontinued Operations:
Income from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	0.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41.4			42.2			42.5
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	0.01
Diluted Earnings per Share from Discontinued Operations:
Income from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	0.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41.4			42.2			42.5
Common stock equivalents	0.5			0.6			0.8
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	41.9			42.8			43.3
Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	0.01

Share-Based Payments

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Share-Based Payments

Long-term Incentive and Directors’ Equity Plans

Effective November 30, 2001, the Company adopted the Acuity Brands, Inc., Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) for the benefit of officers and other key management personnel. An aggregate of 8 million shares were originally authorized for issuance under that plan. In October 2003, the Board of Directors approved the Acuity Brands, Inc., Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Amended Plan”), including an increase of 5 million in the number of shares available for grant. However, the Board of Directors subsequently committed that not more than 3 million shares would be available without further stockholder approval. In December 2003, the Company’s stockholders approved the Amended Plan. The Amended Plan provides for issuance of share-based awards, including stock options and performance-based and time-based restricted stock awards. The Amended Plan was further amended in October 2007, including the release of the remaining 2 million shares and an increase of an additional 500,000 shares (whole units). In January 2008, the Company’s stockholders approved the Amended Plan. In addition to the Amended Plan, in November 2001, the Company adopted the Acuity Brands, Inc., 2001 Nonemployee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”), under which 300,000 shares (whole units) were authorized for issuance. In January 2007, the Directors’ Plan was amended to provide that no further annual grants of stock options would be made to nonemployee directors.

Restricted Stock Awards

As of August 31, 2012, the Company had approximately 790,000 shares (whole units) outstanding of restricted stock to officers and other key employees under the Amended Plan. The shares vest over a four-year period and are valued at the closing stock price on the date of the grant. Compensation expense recognized in continuing operations related to the awards under the Amended Plan was $13.1, $11.4, and $9.8 in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Activity related to restricted stock awards during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at August 31, 2011	0.8		$	40.68
Granted	0.3		$	47.20
Vested	(0.3)		$	38.78
Forfeited	—	*	$	39.82
Outstanding at August 31, 2012	0.8		$	44.11

_______________________________________


*	Represents restricted shares of less than 0.1.

As of August 31, 2012, there was $23.5 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011, was approximately $12.6 and $11.8, respectively.

Stock Options

Options issued under the Amended Plan are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and expire 10 years from the date of grant. These options generally vest and become exercisable over a three-year period. The stock options granted under the Directors’ Plan vest and become exercisable one year from the date of grant. These options have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of the grant and expire 10 years from that date. As of August 31, 2012, approximately 200,000 shares (whole units) had been granted under the Director’s Plan. Shares available for grant under all plans were approximately 2.3 million, 2.6 million, and 2.9 million at August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Forfeited shares and shares that are exchanged to offset taxes are returned to the pool of shares available for grant. The Directors’ Plan was frozen with respect to future awards effective January 1, 2007.

The fair value of each option was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The dividend yield was calculated based on annual dividends paid and the trailing 12-month average closing stock price at the time of grant. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock, calculated using the most recent time period equal to the expected life of the options. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield for a term equal to the expected life of the options at the time of grant. The Company used historical exercise behavior data of similar employee groups to determine the expected life of options. All inputs into the Black-Scholes model are estimates made at the time of grant. Actual realized value of each option grant could materially differ from these estimates, without impact to future reported net income.

The following weighted average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted in the fiscal years ended August 31:



	2012	2011	2010
Dividend yield	1.0%	1.3%	1.5 - 1.8%
Expected volatility	43.2%	41.8%	40.9 - 41.2%
Risk-free interest rate	1.1%	1.2%	2.1 - 2.5%
Expected life of options	5 years	5 years	5 years
Weighted-average fair value of options	$16.43	$16.95	$11.19 - $13.39

In addition to the options granted as a part of the annual incentive award, the Board of Directors approved supplemental option grants related to the assumption of additional duties by certain key employees, which were granted in June 2010. As a result, the assumptions used in fiscal 2010 are reflected as a range of values.

Stock option transactions for the stock option plans and stock option agreements during the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows:



	Outstanding			Exercisable
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at August 31, 2009	1.7		$24.69	1.3		$22.09
Granted	0.2		$34.44
Exercised	(0.4)		$16.73
Cancelled	—		$—
Outstanding at August 31, 2010	1.5		$27.78	1.1		$26.03
Granted	0.2		$50.56
Exercised	(0.3)		$21.18
Cancelled	(0.1)		$39.57
Outstanding at August 31, 2011	1.3		$31.67	1.0		$28.81
Granted	0.1		$46.29
Exercised	(0.3)		$22.02
Cancelled	—	*	$35.64
Outstanding at August 31, 2012	1.1		$36.25	1.0		$33.06
Range of option exercise prices:
$10.00 – $20.00 (average life – 1.2 years)	—	*	$18.54	—	*	$18.54
$20.01 – $30.00 (average life – 2.3 years)	0.3		$25.59	0.3		$25.59
$30.01 – $40.00 (average life – 5.6 years)	0.4		$34.94	0.4		$35.00
$40.01 – $50.00 (average life – 7.3 years)	0.3		$43.56	0.2		$40.29
$50.01 – $60.00 (average life – 8.1 years)	0.1		$50.56	0.1		$50.56

_______________________________________


*	Represents outstanding or exercisable shares of less than 0.1.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011 was $11.7 and $8.9, respectively. As of August 31, 2012, the total intrinsic value of options outstanding was $32.1, the total intrinsic value of options expected to vest was also $32.1, and the total intrinsic value of options exercisable was $26.7. As of August 31, 2012, there was $2.7 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.3 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Employees are able to purchase, through payroll deduction, common stock at a 5% discount on a monthly basis. There were 1.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for purchase under the plan, of which approximately 1.1 million shares remain available as of August 31, 2012. Employees may participate at their discretion.

Share Units

The Company requires its Directors to defer at least 50% of their annual retainer into the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. Under this plan, until June 29, 2006, the deferred cash was converted into share units using the average of the high and low prices for the five days prior to the deferral date. The share units were adjusted to current market value each month and earned dividend equivalents. Upon retirement, the Company distributed cash to the retiree in a lump sum or in five annual installments. The distribution amount was calculated as share units times the average of the high and low prices for the five days prior to distribution (defined as “fair market value” in the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan). On June 29, 2006, the Board of Directors amended this plan to convert existing share units and future deferrals to cash-based, interest bearing deferrals at fair market value or stock-based deferrals, with distribution only in the elected form upon retirement. Existing share deferrals were valued at the fair market value at the date of election and future share deferrals will be calculated at fair market value at the date of the deferral and will no longer vary with fluctuations in the Company’s stock price. In January 2012, the Company's stockholders approved the 2011 Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan (“2011 Plan”), which replaced the 2006 Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan (“2006 Plan”) that expired on November 30, 2011. Pursuant to the 2011 Plan, fees deferred by nonemployee directors can be invested in deferred stock units to be paid in shares at retirement from the Board or credited to an interest-bearing account to be paid in cash at retirement from the Board. 300,000 shares (whole units) of common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan, which incorporates approximately 86,000 shares (whole units) previously available for grant under the 2006 Plan. On September 28, 2012, the 2011 Plan was amended to allow for stock grants in lieu of mandatory deferrals for the non-cash component of a nonemployee director's annual fee if a director exceeds the stock ownership requirement of five-times the annual cash retainer fee. As of August 31, 2012, approximately 136,000 share units (whole units) were accounted for under these plans.

Additionally, the Company allowed employees to defer a portion of restricted stock awards granted in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2004 into the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan as share units. Those share units were adjusted to the current market value at the end of each month. On June 29, 2006, the Board of Directors amended this plan to distribute those share unit deferrals in stock rather than cash. The shares were valued at the closing stock price on the date of conversion, and expense related to these shares will no longer vary with fluctuations in the Company’s stock price. As of August 31, 2012, approximately 28,000 fully vested share units (whole units) were accounted for in this plan.

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies

Self-Insurance

It is the policy of the Company to self-insure — up to certain limits — traditional risks, including workers’ compensation, comprehensive general liability, and auto liability. The Company’s self-insured retention for each claim involving workers’ compensation, comprehensive general liability (including product liability claims), and auto liability is limited to $0.5 per occurrence of such claims. A provision for claims under this self-insured program, based on the Company’s estimate of the aggregate liability for claims incurred, is revised and recorded annually. The estimate is derived from both internal and external sources, including but not limited to the Company’s independent actuary. The Company is also self-insured up to certain limits for certain other insurable risks, primarily physical loss to property ($0.5 per occurrence) and business interruptions resulting from such loss lasting two days or more in duration. Insurance coverage is maintained for catastrophic property and casualty exposures, as well as those risks required to be insured by law or contract. The Company is fully self-insured for certain other types of liabilities, including environmental, product recall, warranty, and patent infringement. The actuarial estimates are subject to uncertainty from various sources, including, among others, changes in claim reporting patterns, claim settlement patterns, judicial decisions, legislation, and economic conditions. Although the Company believes that the actuarial estimates are reasonable, significant differences related to the items noted above could materially affect the Company’s self-insurance obligations, future expense, and cash flow. The Company is also self-insured for the majority of its medical benefit plans. The Company estimates its aggregate liability for claims incurred by applying a lag factor to the Company’s historical claims and administrative cost experience. The appropriateness of the Company’s lag factor is evaluated and revised annually, as necessary.

Leases

The Company leases certain of its buildings and equipment under noncancelable lease agreements. Minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases for years subsequent to August 31, 2012 are $15.3, $11.4, $8.1, $7.5, $5.8, and $6.3 for fiscal 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and after 2018, respectively.

Total rent expense was $15.7, $15.8, and $16.6 in fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

Purchase Obligations

The Company has incurred purchase obligations in the ordinary course of business that are enforceable and legally binding. Obligations for years subsequent to August 31, 2012 include $99.5, $1.5, $1.5, and $1.5 in fiscal 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. As of August 31, 2012, the Company had no purchase obligations extending beyond August 31, 2016.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

Approximately 60% of the Company’s total work force is covered by collective bargaining agreements. Collective bargaining agreements representing approximately 55% of the Company’s work force will expire within one year.

Litigation

The Company is subject to various legal claims arising in the normal course of business, including patent infringement and product recall claims. Based on information currently available, it is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of pending and threatened legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of any such matters, if unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company in future periods. The Company establishes reserves for legal claims when associated costs become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual costs of resolving legal claims may be substantially higher than the amounts reserved for such claims. However, the Company cannot make a meaningful estimate of actual costs to be incurred that could possibly be higher or lower than the amounts reserved. Based on current information, the Company does not expect the resolution of any pending matters--individually or in the aggregate--to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Environmental Matters

The operations of the Company are subject to numerous comprehensive laws and regulations relating to the generation, storage, handling, transportation, and disposal of hazardous substances, as well as solid and hazardous wastes, and to the remediation of contaminated sites. In addition, permits and environmental controls are required for certain of the Company’s operations to limit air and water pollution, and these permits are subject to modification, renewal, and revocation by issuing authorities. On an ongoing basis, the Company invests capital and incurs operating costs relating to environmental compliance. Environmental laws and regulations have generally become stricter in recent years. The Company is not aware of any pending legislation or proposed regulation related to environmental issues that would have a material adverse effect on the Company. The cost of responding to future changes may be substantial. The Company establishes reserves for known environmental claims when the associated costs become probable and can be reasonably estimated. The actual cost of environmental issues may be substantially higher or lower than that reserved due to difficulty in estimating such costs.

Guarantees and Indemnities

The Company is a party to contracts entered into in the normal course of business in which it is common for the Company to agree to indemnify third parties for certain liabilities that may arise out of or relate to the subject matter of the contract. In most cases, the Company cannot estimate the potential amount of future payments under these indemnities until events arise that would result in a liability under the indemnities.

In conjunction with the separation of their businesses (the “Distribution”), Acuity Brands and Zep entered into various agreements that addressed the allocation of assets and liabilities and defined the Company’s relationship with Zep after the Distribution, including a tax disaffiliation agreement. The tax disaffiliation agreement provides that Acuity Brands will indemnify Zep for certain taxes and liabilities that may arise related to the Distribution and, generally, for deficiencies, if any, with respect to federal, state, local, or foreign taxes of Zep for periods before the Distribution. Liabilities determined under the tax disaffiliation agreement terminate upon the expiration of the applicable statutes of limitation for such liabilities. There is no stated maximum potential liability included in the tax disaffiliation agreement. The Company does not believe that any amounts it is likely to be required to pay under these indemnities will be material to the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. The Company cannot estimate the potential amount of future payments under these indemnities because claims that would result in a liability under the indemnities are not fully known.

Acquisition-Related Liabilities

During the negotiations related to business combinations, the previous owners of the acquired entity (“acquiree”) typically indemnify the Company for specific unrecognized liabilities of the acquiree in existence as of the date of acquisition. For some acquisitions of businesses, the Company acts in the place of escrow agents in the holding of funds, including accrued interest (collectively, the “holdback funds”), used to fulfill pre-acquisition obligations agreed to be paid by the acquiree. These funds represent consideration given to the previous owners of the businesses acquired and are payable to them, net of any pre-acquisition obligations satisfied within a stated amount of time, at a future date. Any potential pre-acquisition obligations for which the Company may be reimbursed through the holdback funds are usually uncertain as of the date of change of control. In certain circumstances, the Company is capable of the identification and quantification of particular liabilities, including, but not limited to, uncertain tax positions, legal issues, and other outstanding obligations not recognized in the financial statements of the acquired entity. Under ASC 805, these unrecognized liabilities are recorded as obligations of the Company with a corresponding receivable due from the previous owners as of the date of acquisition and are included as part of the acquisition accounting. The actual costs of resolving pre-acquisition obligations may be substantially higher than the holdback funds or amounts reserved. The Company does not believe that any amounts it is likely to be required to pay under these acquisition-related payments, including net holdback funds, will be material to the Company’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.

Product Warranty and Recall Costs

Acuity Brands records an allowance for the estimated amount of future warranty or recall costs when the related revenue is recognized, primarily based on historical experience of identified warranty claims. However, there can be no assurance that future warranty costs will not exceed historical amounts or new technology products, which may include extended warranties, may not generate unexpected costs. If actual future warranty or recall costs exceed historical amounts, additional allowances may be required, which could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s operating results and cash flow in future periods.

The changes in product warranty and recall reserves (included in Other accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:



	FY2012			FY2011
Balance at September 1	$	4.2		$	3.6
Adjustments to the warranty and recall reserve	5.6			5.7
Payments made during the period	(5.8		)	(5.1		)
Balance at August 31	$	4.0		$	4.2

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Special Charges

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Restructuring Charges [Abstract]

Special Charges

Special Charge

Fiscal 2008-2010 Actions

During fiscal 2008, the Company commenced actions to streamline and simplify the Company’s organizational structure and operations and incurred special charges in connection therewith. The charges consisted of severance and related employee benefit costs associated with the elimination of certain positions worldwide, consolidation of certain manufacturing facilities, the estimated costs associated with the early termination of certain leases, and share-based expense due to the modification of the terms of agreements to accelerate vesting for certain terminated employees. These actions, including those taken in fiscal 2009 and 2010 as part of this program, are expected to allow the Company to better leverage efficiencies in its supply chain and support areas, while funding continued investments in other areas that support future growth opportunities.

Approximately $49.5 of cumulative special charges related to these activities has been incurred through August 31, 2012.

The changes in the reserves related to the program during the year ended August 31, 2012 (included in Accrued compensation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) are summarized as follows:



	Severance			Exit Costs
Balance as of September 1, 2011	$	3.5		$	0.3
Special charge adjustment	(0.2		)	—
Payments made during the period	(3.1		)	(0.3		)
Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	0.2		$	—

Fiscal 2012 Actions

During fiscal 2012, the Company continued efforts to streamline the organization through the planned closure of its Cochran, Georgia production facility (“Cochran facility”) and reductions in workforce resulting from the downsizing of the Company’s operations in Spain, as well as the realignment of responsibilities primarily within various Selling, Distribution, and Administrative (“SD&A”) departments. The Company expects that these actions to streamline its business activities, in addition to those taken in previous fiscal years, will allow it to reduce costs and enhance customer service capabilities, while permitting for the continued investment in future growth initiatives, such as new products, expanded market presence, and technology and innovation. The Company expects to incur future charges related to the actions initiated during the current fiscal year.

In addition to the $2.7 pre-tax special charge recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 related to the realignment of responsibilities primarily within various SD&A departments, the Company recorded a net pre-tax special charge of approximately $1.2 during the second quarter of fiscal 2012 associated with a reduction in workforce, primarily at its operations in Spain. The reduction in workforce was due to the decline in market conditions in Spain, which are not expected to rebound materially in the near future. The pre-tax charge consisted primarily of severance and other employee related costs.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company decided to close its Cochran facility, which is expected to be principally completed by the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The Company will transition production from the Cochran facility, which produces less than 10% of the Company’s total sales, to various existing facilities in North America. The Company expects to incur a pre-tax special charge of approximately $11.4 and related pre-tax expenses of approximately $7.4 associated with the planned facility closing.

During fiscal 2012, approximately $9.4 of pre-tax special charges related to the Cochran facility closure consisting primarily of severance and employee-related costs of $7.6, production transfer expenses of $1.4, and non-cash impairments and other miscellaneous costs of $0.4 were recognized and are included in Special Charges in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, related pre-tax expenses of $4.4 were recognized in fiscal 2012 and are included in Cost of Products Sold in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. These related expenses consisted of manufacturing inefficiencies of $3.2 and non-cash asset impairments of $1.2 related to the abandonment of certain otherwise usable inventory at the Cochran facility. The majority of the remaining expenses associated with the closure of the Cochran facility are expected to be incurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

The changes in the reserves related to the program during the year ended August 31, 2012 (included in Accrued compensation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) are summarized as follows:



	Severance
Balance as of September 1, 2011	$	—
Special charge	11.7
Payments made during the period	(6.1		)
Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	5.6

The entire disclosure for restructuring and related activities. Description of restructuring activities such as exit and disposal activities, include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled.

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach as prescribed by ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). This approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. Using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the differences between the financial reporting and the tax basis of an asset or liability.

The provision for income taxes consists of the following components:



	Years Ended August 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Provision for current federal taxes	$	47.9	$	36.9	$	24.0
Provision for current state taxes	5.4		3.9		4.0
Provision for current foreign taxes	3.7		2.3		4.7
Provision for deferred taxes	5.7		9.0		7.1
Total provision for income taxes	$	62.7	$	52.1	$	39.8

A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the total provision for income taxes is as follows:



	Years Ended August 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Federal income tax computed at statutory rate	$	62.6		$	55.1		$	41.6
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	4.5			4.0			2.6
Foreign permanent differences and rate differential	(1.2		)	(0.8		)	(0.6		)
Other, net	(3.2		)	(6.2		)	(3.8		)
Total provision for income taxes	$	62.7		$	52.1		$	39.8

Components of the net deferred income taxes at August 31, 2012 and 2011 include:



	August 31,
	2012			2011
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation	$	(6.0	)	$	(5.5	)
Goodwill and intangibles	(88.2		)	(82.6		)
Other liabilities	(6.1		)	(6.1		)
Total deferred income tax liabilities	(100.3		)	(94.2		)
Deferred Income Tax Assets:
Self-insurance	3.2			3.8
Pension	30.4			20.4
Deferred compensation	26.0			25.5
Bonuses	1.9			1.4
Net operating losses*	13.7			13.1
Other accruals not yet deductible	12.5			13.2
Other assets	6.5			6.1
Total deferred income tax assets	94.2			83.5
Valuation Allowance*	(10.2		)	(7.7		)
Net deferred income tax (liabilities) assets	$	(16.3	)	$	(18.4	)

_______________________________________


*	A substantial portion of the deferred income tax asset and valuation allowance relates to cumulative net operating losses incurred by Renaissance up to the date of acquisition.

The Company currently intends to indefinitely reinvest all undistributed earnings of and original investments in foreign subsidiaries, which amounted to approximately $40.1 at August 31, 2012; however, this amount could fluctuate due to changes in business, economic, or other conditions. If these earnings were distributed to the U.S. in the form of dividends or otherwise, or if the shares of the relevant foreign subsidiaries were sold or otherwise transferred, the Company would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes (subject to an adjustment for foreign tax credits) and foreign withholding taxes. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to these earnings or investments is not practicable.

As part of the Renaissance acquisition in fiscal 2010, the Company recognized deferred tax assets related to net operating losses incurred by Renaissance, which are expected to expire between 2027 and 2029. In addition, the Company recorded an estimated valuation allowance related to the recoverability of the deferred tax assets based on Internal Revenue Service limitations, among other factors. At August 31, 2012, the Company recognized a valuation allowance attributable to these deferred tax assets in the amount of $4.1.

At August 31, 2012, the Company had state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $2.5, which will expire between 2013 and 2021. At August 31, 2012, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $31.8 that expire beginning in 2027, state net operating loss carryforwards of $17.7 that begin expiring in 2013, and foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $6.9 that begin expiring in 2017.

The gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of August 31, 2012 totaled $7.0, which includes $6.0 of net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the annual effective tax rate. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense; such accrued interest and penalties are not material. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to United States federal, state, and local income tax examinations for years ended before 2008 or for foreign income tax examinations before 2006. The Company does not anticipate unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months.

A reconciliation of the change in the unrecognized income tax benefit (reported in Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:



	FY2012			FY2011
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at September 1	$	6.8		$	6.7
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	0.2			0.4
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1.1			0.6
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(0.3		)	(0.2		)
Reductions due to settlements	(0.1		)	(0.2		)
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations	(0.7		)	(0.5		)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at August 31	$	7.0		$	6.8

During fiscal 2012, the Company did not increase its interest accrual associated with uncertain tax positions. Total accrued interest as of August 31, 2012 was $0.8. There were no accruals related to income tax penalties during fiscal 2012. Interest, net of tax benefits, and penalties are included in income tax expense. The classification of interest and penalties did not change during the current fiscal year.

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

Geographic Information

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Geographic Information

The Company has one operating segment. The geographic distribution of the Company’s net sales, operating profit, income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes, and long-lived assets is summarized in the following table for the years ended August 31:



	2012		2011		2010
Net sales⁽¹⁾
Domestic⁽²⁾	$	1,728.1	$	1,604.5	$	1,446.1
International	205.6		191.2		180.8
Total	$	1,933.7	$	1,795.7	$	1,626.9
Operating profit
Domestic⁽²⁾	$	197.7	$	175.4	$	139.9
International	10.3		13.3		17.8
Total	$	208.0	$	188.7	$	157.7
Income before Provision for Income Taxes
Domestic⁽²⁾	$	171.6	$	145.5	$	101.1
International	7.4		12.1		17.7
Total	$	179.0	$	157.6	$	118.8
Long-lived assets⁽³⁾
Domestic⁽²⁾	$	141.9	$	140.8	$	130.4
International	30.3		32.7		31.8
Total	$	172.2	$	173.5	$	162.2

_______________________________________


⁽¹⁾	Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location.


⁽²⁾	Domestic amounts include net sales (including export sales), operating profit, income before provision for income taxes, and long-lived assets for U.S. based operations.


⁽³⁾	Long-lived assets include net property, plant, and equipment, deferred compensation plan assets, long-term deferred income tax assets, and other long-term assets for continuing operations.

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements [Abstract]

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements

In December 2009, ABL, the wholly-owned and principal operating subsidiary of the Company, engaged in the refinancing of the current debt outstanding through a private placement bond offering of $350.0 aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due in fiscal 2020. See the Debt and Lines of Credit footnote for further information on the refinancing activities.

In accordance with the registration rights agreement by and between ABL and the Guarantors and the initial purchases of the Notes, ABL and the Guarantors to the Notes filed a registration statement with the SEC for an offer to exchange the Notes for an issue of SEC-registered notes with identical terms. Due to the filing of the registration statement and offer to exchange, the Company determined the need for compliance with Rule 3-10 of SEC Regulation S-X (“Rule 3-10”). In lieu of providing separate audited financial statements for ABL and ABL IP Holding, the Company has included the accompanying Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements in accordance with Rule 3-10(d) of SEC Regulation S-X. The column marked “Parent” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands. The column marked “Subsidiary Issuer” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of ABL. The column entitled “Subsidiary Guarantor” represents the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of ABL IP Holding. Lastly, the column listed as “Non-Guarantors” includes the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the non-guarantor direct and indirect subsidiaries of Acuity Brands, which consist primarily of foreign subsidiaries. Eliminations were necessary in order to arrive at consolidated amounts. In addition, the equity method of accounting was used to calculate investments in subsidiaries. Accordingly, this basis of presentation is not intended to present our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows for any purpose other than to comply with the specific requirements for parent-subsidiary guarantor reporting.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS



	At August 31, 2012
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	246.6		$	—		$	—		$	37.9		$	—		$	284.5
Accounts receivable, net	—			228.2			—			35.6			—			263.8
Inventories	—			183.8			—			10.3			—			194.1
Other current assets	4.5			26.2			—			5.9			—			36.6
Total Current Assets	251.1			438.2			—			89.7			—			779.0
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			109.6			—			29.6			—			139.2
Goodwill	—			516.1			2.7			36.1			—			554.9
Intangible assets	—			104.5			122.0			4.3			—			230.8
Other long-term assets	3.6			20.8			—			8.6			—			33.0
Investments in subsidiaries	705.1			87.3			—			—			(792.4		)	—
Total Assets	$	959.8		$	1,276.5		$	124.7		$	168.3		$	(792.4	)	$	1,736.9

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	0.8		$	218.0		$	—		$	13.9		$	—		$	232.7
Intercompany payable (receivable)	83.4			(28.3		)	(98.1		)	43.0			—			—
Other accrued liabilities	12.6			103.2			—			16.3			—			132.1
Total Current Liabilities	96.8			292.9			(98.1		)	73.2			—			364.8
Long-Term Debt	—			353.5			—			—			—			353.5
Deferred Income Taxes	(32.0		)	68.2			—			(2.8		)	—			33.4
Other Long-Term Liabilities	61.0			64.7			—			25.5			—			151.2
Total Stockholders’ Equity	834.0			497.2			222.8			72.4			(792.4		)	834.0
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	959.8		$	1,276.5		$	124.7		$	168.3		$	(792.4	)	$	1,736.9

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS



	At August 31, 2011
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	127.2		$	0.1		$	—		$	42.9		$	—		$	170.2
Accounts receivable, net	—			228.3			—			34.3			—			262.6
Inventories	—			156.7			—			9.2			—			165.9
Other current assets	6.0			19.8			—			6.0			—			31.8
Total Current Assets	133.2			404.9			—			92.4			—			630.5
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			111.3			—			31.9			—			143.2
Goodwill	—			519.8			2.7			36.7			—			559.2
Intangible assets	—			106.8			125.5			1.9			—			234.2
Other long-term assets	3.5			19.1			—			7.7			—			30.3
Investments in subsidiaries	741.3			105.7			—			0.1			(847.1		)	—
Total Assets	$	878.0		$	1,267.6		$	128.2		$	170.7		$	(847.1	)	$	1,597.4

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1.6		$	191.2		$	—		$	11.0		$	—		$	203.8
Intercompany payable (receivable)	78.1			(43.0		)	(78.6		)	43.5			—			—
Other accrued liabilities	14.5			100.7			—			12.4			—			127.6
Total Current Liabilities	94.2			248.9			(78.6		)	66.9			—			331.4
Long-Term Debt	—			353.4			—			—			—			353.4
Deferred Income Taxes	(30.0		)	69.8			—			(3.4		)	—			36.4
Other Long-Term Liabilities	56.8			48.2			—			14.2			—			119.2
Total Stockholders’ Equity	757.0			547.3			206.8			93.0			(847.1		)	757.0
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	878.0		$	1,267.6		$	128.2		$	170.7		$	(847.1	)	$	1,597.4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Year Ended August 31, 2012
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales:
External sales	$	—		$	1,726.4		$	—	$	207.3		$	—		$	1,933.7
Intercompany sales	—			—			30.2		67.5			(97.7		)	—
Total Sales	—			1,726.4			30.2		274.8			(97.7		)	1,933.7
Cost of Products Sold	—			1,002.9			—		210.3			(67.5		)	1,145.7
Gross Profit	—			723.5			30.2		64.5			(30.2		)	788.0
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	25.4			508.4			3.5		59.6			(30.2		)	566.7
Intercompany charges	(35.4		)	30.7			—		4.7			—			—
Special Charge	—			12.4			—		0.9			—			13.3
Operating Profit (Loss)	10.0			172.0			26.7		(0.7		)	—			208.0
Interest expense (income), net	8.9			22.2			—		(0.4		)	—			30.7
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	(115.4		)	1.3			—		0.1			114.0			—
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	(0.3		)	(2.1		)	—		0.7			—			(1.7		)
Income (Loss) before Provision for Income Taxes	116.8			150.6			26.7		(1.1		)	(114.0		)	179.0
Provision for Income Taxes	0.5			49.2			10.8		2.2			—			62.7
Net Income	$	116.3		$	101.4		$	15.9	$	(3.3	)	$	(114.0	)	$	116.3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Year Ended August 31, 2011
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales:
External sales	$	—		$	1,603.4		$	—	$	192.3		$	—		$	1,795.7
Intercompany sales	—			—			27.7		71.8			(99.5		)	—
Total Sales	—			1,603.4			27.7		264.1			(99.5		)	1,795.7
Cost of Products Sold	—			934.1			—		203.4			(71.8		)	1,065.7
Gross Profit	—			669.3			27.7		60.7			(27.7		)	730.0
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	25.3			483.8			4.6		55.3			(27.7		)	541.3
Intercompany charges	(35.8		)	30.9			—		4.9			—			—
Operating Profit	10.5			154.6			23.1		0.5			—			188.7
Interest expense (income), net	8.4			21.8			—		(0.3		)	—			29.9
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	(103.9		)	(3.1		)	—		0.1			106.9			—
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	(0.3		)	1.6			—		(0.1		)	—			1.2
Income before Provision for Income Taxes	106.3			134.3			23.1		0.8			(106.9		)	157.6
Provision for Income Taxes	0.8			41.9			9.3		0.1			—			52.1
Net Income	$	105.5		$	92.4		$	13.8	$	0.7		$	(106.9	)	$	105.5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Year Ended August 31, 2010
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales:
External sales	$	—		$	1,437.8		$	—	$	189.1		$	—		$	1,626.9
Intercompany sales	—			—			25.3		62.4			(87.7		)	—
Total Sales	—			1,437.8			25.3		251.5			(87.7		)	1,626.9
Cost of Products Sold	—			842.6			—		185.2			(62.4		)	965.4
Gross Profit	—			595.2			25.3		66.3			(25.3		)	661.5
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	24.3			440.6			4.1		51.7			(25.3		)	495.4
Intercompany charges	(33.6		)	28.6			—		5.0			—			—
Special Charge	0.6			7.3			—		0.5			—			8.4
Operating Profit	8.7			118.7			21.2		9.1			—			157.7
Interest expense (income), net	7.8			21.8			—		(0.2		)	—			29.4
Loss on early debt extinguishment	—			10.5			—		—			—			10.5
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	(78.2		)	(6.9		)	—		0.1			85.0			—
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	(0.3		)	(1.0		)	—		0.3			—			(1.0		)
Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes	79.4			94.3			21.2		8.9			(85.0		)	118.8
Provision for Income Taxes	0.4			28.3			7.4		3.7			—			39.8
Income from Continuing Operations	79.0			66.0			13.8		5.2			(85.0		)	79.0
Income from Discontinued Operations	0.6			—			—		—			—			0.6
Net Income	$	79.6		$	66.0		$	13.8	$	5.2		$	(85.0	)	$	79.6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Year Ended August 31, 2012
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$	141.9		$	29.8		$	—	$	2.5		$	(2.0	)	$	172.2
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	—			(27.7		)	—		(3.7		)	—			(31.4		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	—			0.1			—		—			—			0.1
Investments in subsidiaries	(3.8		)	—			—		—			3.8			—
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	—			(3.8		)	—		—			—			(3.8		)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(3.8		)	(31.4		)	—		(3.7		)	3.8			(35.1		)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	7.6			—			—		—			—			7.6
Repurchases of common stock	(9.2		)	—			—		—			—			(9.2		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	4.9			—			—		—			—			4.9
Intercompany dividends	—			—			—		(2.0		)	2.0			—
Intercompany capital	—			3.8			—		—			(3.8		)	—
Dividends paid	(22.0		)	—			—		—			—			(22.0		)
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(18.7		)	3.8			—		(2.0		)	(1.8		)	(18.7		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	—			(2.3		)	—		(1.8		)	—			(4.1		)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	119.4			(0.1		)	—		(5.0		)	—			114.3
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	127.2			0.1			—		42.9			—			170.2
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	246.6		$	—		$	—	$	37.9		$	—		$	284.5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Year Ended August 31, 2011
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$	126.3		$	18.0		$	—	$	16.8		$	—		$	161.1
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	—			(20.0		)	—		(3.3		)	—			(23.3		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	—			1.2			—		—			—			1.2
Investments in subsidiaries	(90.4		)	—			—		—			90.4			—
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	—			(90.4		)	—		—			—			(90.4		)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(90.4		)	(109.2		)	—		(3.3		)	90.4			(112.5		)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	6.5			—			—		—			—			6.5
Repurchases of common stock	(61.0		)	—			—		—			—			(61.0		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	5.3			—			—		—			—			5.3
Intercompany capital	—			90.4			—		—			(90.4		)	—
Dividends paid	(22.6		)	—			—		—			—			(22.6		)
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(71.8		)	90.4			—		—			(90.4		)	(71.8		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	—			0.5			—		1.9			—			2.4
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(35.9		)	(0.3		)	—		15.4			—			(20.8		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	163.1			0.4			—		27.5			—			191.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	127.2		$	0.1		$	—	$	42.9		$	—		$	170.2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Year Ended August 31, 2010
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities	$	232.7		$	(91.3	)	$	—	$	19.1		$	—		$	160.5
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	—			(19.4		)	—		(2.5		)	—			(21.9		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	—			0.1			—		0.1			—			0.2
Investments in subsidiaries	(14.6		)	—			—		—			14.6			—
Acquisitions of businesses	(8.0		)	(14.6		)	—		—			—			(22.6		)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(22.6		)	(33.9		)	—		(2.4		)	14.6			(44.3		)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	—			(237.9		)	—		—			—			(237.9		)
Issuance of long-term debt	—			346.5			—		—			—			346.5
Intercompany borrowings (payments)	—			2.4			—		(2.4		)	—			—
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	6.5			—			—		—			—			6.5
Repurchases of common stock	(36.1		)	—			—		—			—			(36.1		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	2.8			—			—		—			—			2.8
Intercompany capital	—			14.6			—		—			(14.6		)	—
Dividends paid	(22.6		)	—			—		—			—			(22.6		)
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(49.4		)	125.6			—		(2.4		)	(14.6		)	59.2
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	—			(0.6		)	—		(2.5		)	—			(3.1		)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	160.7			(0.2		)	—		11.8			—			172.3
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	2.4			0.6			—		15.7			—			18.7
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	163.1		$	0.4		$	—	$	27.5		$	—		$	191.0

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)



	Fiscal Year 2012
	1st Quarter⁽¹⁾		2nd Quarter⁽²⁾		3rd Quarter⁽²⁾		4th Quarter⁽²⁾
Net Sales	$	474.3	$	457.7	$	487.5	$	514.3
Gross Profit	$	193.6	$	181.9	$	202.0	$	210.5
Net Income	$	29.9	$	19.5	$	33.6	$	33.3
Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.71	$	0.46	$	0.80	$	0.78
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.70	$	0.46	$	0.79	$	0.78



	Fiscal Year 2011
	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
Net Sales	$	425.0	$	416.2	$	458.3	$	496.2
Gross Profit	$	176.1	$	163.9	$	189.6	$	200.4
Net Income	$	24.4	$	19.9	$	27.0	$	34.2
Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.57	$	0.46	$	0.63	$	0.80
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.56	$	0.45	$	0.62	$	0.79

_______________________________________


⁽¹⁾	Gross Profit, Net Income, Basic Earnings per Share, and Diluted Earnings per Share for fiscal 2012 include pre-tax expenses related to the realignment of responsibilities primarily within various SD&A departments of $2.7.

⁽²⁾

Gross Profit, Net Income, Basic Earnings per Share, and Diluted Earnings per Share for fiscal 2012 include pre-tax expenses incurred in the closing of the Cochran, GA manufacturing facility and other streamlining activities. The adjustments for these restructuring charges were comprised of the following: a) $10.6 of special charge primarily related to severance and production transfer costs; b) non-cash impairments of $1.2 attributable to the abandonment of usable inventory that will not be transferred to other facilities; and c) incremental costs incurred due to manufacturing inefficiencies directly related to the Cochran facility closure, which amounted to approximately $3.2.

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Schedule II

Acuity Brands, Inc.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the Years Ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010

(In millions)



	Balance at		Additions and Reductions Charged to
	Beginning of Year		Costs and Expenses	Other Accounts⁽¹⁾		Deductions	Balance at End of Year
Year Ended August 31, 2012:
Reserve for doubtful accounts	$	1.8	0.4	—		0.8	$	1.4
Reserve for estimated warranty and recall costs	$	4.2	5.6	—		5.8	$	4.0
Reserve for estimated returns and allowances	$	4.9	39.6	—		40.6	$	3.9
Self-insurance reserve⁽²⁾	$	9.1	5.8	0.5		6.9	$	8.5
Year Ended August 31, 2011:
Reserve for doubtful accounts	$	2.0	0.4	0.1		0.7	$	1.8
Reserve for estimated warranty and recall costs	$	3.6	5.1	0.6		5.1	$	4.2
Reserve for estimated returns and allowances	$	4.8	45.5	—		45.4	$	4.9
Self-insurance reserve⁽²⁾	$	9.5	6.0	—		6.4	$	9.1
Year Ended August 31, 2010:
Reserve for doubtful accounts	$	1.9	0.8	(0.1	)	0.6	$	2.0
Reserve for estimated warranty and recall costs	$	3.4	4.9	0.2		4.9	$	3.6
Reserve for estimated returns and allowances	$	4.4	42.8	—		42.4	$	4.8
Self-insurance reserve⁽²⁾	$	11.7	3.6	0.2		6.0	$	9.5

_______________________________________


⁽¹⁾	Includes recoveries and adjustments credited to the reserve.


⁽²⁾	Includes reserves for workers’ compensation, auto, product, and general liability claims.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Aug. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Acuity Brands and its wholly-owned subsidiaries after elimination of significant intercompany transactions and accounts.
Revenue Recognition	The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the Company’s price to the customer is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. Customers take delivery at the time of shipment for terms designated free on board shipping point. For sales designated free on board destination, customers take delivery when the product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site. Provisions for certain rebates, sales incentives, product returns, and discounts to customers are recorded in the same period the related revenue is recorded. The Company also maintains one-time or on-going marketing and trade-promotion programs with certain customers that require the Company to estimate and accrue the expected costs of such programs. These arrangements include cooperative marketing programs, merchandising of the Company’s products, and introductory marketing funds for new products and other trade-promotion activities conducted by the customer. Costs associated with these programs are reflected within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income in accordance with the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”), which in most instances requires such costs be recorded as a reduction of revenue. The Company provides for limited product return rights to certain distributors and customers primarily for slow moving or damaged items subject to certain defined criteria. The Company monitors product returns and, at the time revenue is recognized, records a provision for the estimated amount of future returns based primarily on historical experience and specific notification of pending returns. Although historical product returns generally have been within expectations, there can be no assurance that future product returns will not exceed historical amounts. A significant increase in product returns could have a material impact on the Company’s operating results in future periods. Revenue is earned on services and the sale of products. Revenue is recognized for the sale of products when the above criteria are met and for services rendered in the period of performance.
Revenue Recognition for Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables	A small portion of the Company's revenues are derived from the combination of any or all of: (i) the sale and license of its products, (ii) fees associated with training, installation, and technical support services, and (iii) monitoring and lighting control services. Certain agreements, particularly related to lighting controls systems, represent multiple-element arrangements that include tangible products that contain software that is essential to the functionality of the systems and undelivered elements that primarily relate to installation and monitoring and lighting control services. The undelivered elements associated with installations and monitoring and lighting control services are reviewed and analyzed to determine separability in relation to the delivered elements and appropriate pricing treatment based on (a) vendor-specific objective evidence, (b) third-party evidence, or (c) management estimates. If deemed separate units of accounting, the revenue and associated cost of sales related to the delivered elements are recognized at the time of delivery, while those related to the undelivered elements are recognized appropriately based on the period of performance. If the separation criterion for the undelivered elements is not met due to the undelivered elements being essential to the functionality of the lighting controls systems, all revenue and cost of sales attributable to the contract are deferred at the time of sale and are both generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective contract periods.
Use of Estimates	The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash in excess of daily requirements is invested in time deposits and marketable securities and is included in the accompanying balance sheets at fair value. Acuity Brands considers time deposits and marketable securities with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	The Company records accounts receivable at net realizable value. This value includes an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts to reflect losses anticipated on accounts receivable balances. The allowance is based on historical write-offs, an analysis of past due accounts based on the contractual terms of the receivables, and economic status of customers, if known.
Reclassifications	Certain prior-period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Inventories	Inventories include materials, direct labor, in-bound freight, and related manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost (on a first-in, first-out or average cost basis) or market
Subsequent Events	The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure for occurrences and transactions after the date of the consolidated financial statements at August 31, 2012.
Intangible Assets	Through multiple acquisitions, the Company acquired intangible assets consisting primarily of trademarks and trade names associated with specific products with finite lives, definite-lived distribution networks, patented technology, non-compete agreements, and customer relationships, which are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Indefinite lived intangible assets consist of trade names that are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely. Significant estimates and assumptions were used to determine the fair value of these acquired intangible assets, including estimated future net sales, customer attrition rates, royalty rates, and discount rates.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	The Company tests indefinite lived intangible assets and goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently as facts and circumstances change, as required by ASC Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). The goodwill impairment test has three steps: a qualitative review and a two-step quantitative method. The preliminary step (“Step 0”) allows for a qualitative analysis to determine the likelihood of impairment. If the qualitative review results in a more likely than not probability of impairment, the first quantitative step is required. The first step identifies potential impairments by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. The fair values are determined based on a combination of valuation techniques including the expected present value of future cash flows, a market multiple approach, and a comparable transaction approach. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired and the second step is not necessary. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the second step calculates the possible impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying value. If the implied fair value of the goodwill is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded. The impairment test for unamortized trade names consists of comparing the fair value of the asset with its carrying value. The Company estimates the fair value of unamortized trade names using a fair value model based on discounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount exceeds the measured fair value, an impairment loss would be recorded in the amount of the excess. Significant assumptions, including estimated future net sales, operating margins, royalty rates, and discount rates, were used in the determination of estimated fair value for indefinite lived intangible assets. Prior to fiscal 2012, similar assumptions were used in determining the estimated fair value of goodwill. In fiscal 2012, certain qualitative factors and judgment were used to determine the likelihood of goodwill impairment for the Company’s one reporting unit.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs	The Company includes shipping and handling fees billed to customers in Net Sales. Shipping and handling costs associated with inbound freight and freight between manufacturing facilities and distribution centers are generally recorded in Cost of Products Sold. Other shipping and handling costs are included in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses
Share-Based Compensation	The Company recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions in the financial statements based on the estimated fair value of the equity or liability instrument issued. The Company accounts for stock options, restricted shares, and share units representing certain deferrals into the Director Deferred Compensation Plan or the Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan (both of which are discussed further in the Share-Based Payments footnote) based on the grant-date fair value estimated under the current provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”).
Depreciation	For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is determined principally on a straight-line basis using estimated useful lives of plant and equipment (10 to 40 years for buildings and related improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment), while accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the life of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement.
Research and Development	Research and development (“R&D”) expense, which is included in Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, is expensed as incurred.
Advertising	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included within Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Interest Expense, Net	Interest expense, net, is comprised primarily of interest expense on long-term debt, revolving credit facility borrowings, and loans collateralized by assets related to a company-owned life insurance program, partially offset by interest income on cash and cash equivalents.
Foreign Currency Transaction	The functional currency for the foreign operations of the Company is the local currency. The translation of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted average exchange rate each month during the year. The gains or losses resulting from the balance sheet translation are included in Comprehensive Income in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income and are excluded from net income.
Income Taxes	The Company is taxed at regular corporate rates after adjusting income reported for financial statement purposes for certain items that are treated differently for income tax purposes. Deferred income tax expenses (benefits) result from changes during the year in cumulative temporary differences between the tax basis and book basis of assets and liabilities.

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventory



	August 31,
	2012			2011
Raw materials, supplies, and work in process⁽¹⁾	$	120.2		$	97.6
Finished goods	84.6			78.5
	204.8			176.1
Less: Reserves	(10.7		)	(10.2		)
Total Inventory	$	194.1		$	165.9

_______________________________________


⁽¹⁾	Due to the immaterial amount of estimated work in process and the short lead times for the conversion of raw materials to finished goods, the Company does not believe the segregation of raw materials and work in process to be meaningful information.

Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets

Summarized information for the Company’s acquired intangible assets is as follows:



	August 31,
	2012					2011
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
Patents and patented technology	$	50.7	$	(18.2	)	$	42.7	$	(14.5	)
Trademarks and trade names	25.4		(6.2		)	24.0		(5.1		)
Distribution network	61.8		(25.0		)	61.8		(23.5		)
Customer relationships	54.3		(10.7		)	55.6		(6.4		)
Other	5.7		(3.1		)	5.9		(2.4		)
Total	$	197.9	$	(63.2	)	$	190.0	$	(51.9	)
Unamortized trade names	$	96.1				$	96.1

Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the year are summarized as follows:



Goodwill:
Balance as of August 31, 2011	$	559.2
Acquisitions	0.8
Adjustments for acquired businesses	(3.7		)
Currency translation adjustments	(1.4		)
Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	554.9

Schedule of Other Long-Term Assets

Other long-term assets consist of the following:



	August 31,
	2012		2011
Long-term investments⁽¹⁾	$	0.7	$	1.2
Assets held for sale	2.8		3.0
Deferred debt issuance costs	2.7		2.3
Capitalized software costs	3.8		4.9
Deferred contract costs	14.8		13.1
Miscellaneous	4.1		3.8
Total	$	28.9	$	28.3

_______________________________________

⁽¹⁾

Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist of the following:



	August 31,
	2012		2011
Deferred compensation and postretirement benefits other than pensions⁽¹⁾	$	32.3	$	31.7
Postemployment benefit obligation⁽²⁾	0.4		0.4
Uncertain tax positions liability, including interest⁽³⁾	7.5		7.1
Acquisition-related liabilities⁽⁴⁾	5.2		4.3
Deferred revenue	5.3		4.6
Deferred rent	1.1		1.7
Miscellaneous	2.7		1.6
Total	$	54.5	$	51.4

_______________________________________

⁽¹⁾


⁽²⁾	Postemployment benefit obligation — ASC Topic 712, Compensation — Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits, requires the accrual of the estimated cost of benefits provided by an employer to former or inactive employees after employment but before retirement. The Company’s accrual relates primarily to a liability for life insurance coverage for certain eligible employees.


⁽³⁾	See the Income Taxes footnote for more information.


⁽⁴⁾	Acquisition-related liabilities - Amounts represent contingent payments and other obligations related to recent acquisitions.

Schedule of Interest Expense, Net

The following table summarizes the components of interest expense, net:



	Years Ended August 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Interest expense	$	31.3		$	30.4		$	29.8
Interest income	(0.6		)	(0.5		)	(0.4		)
Interest expense, net	$	30.7		$	29.9		$	29.4

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

The following table presents information about assets and liabilities required to be carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of August 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Fair Value Measurements as of:
	August 31, 2012				August 31, 2011
	Level 1		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Total Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	284.5	$	284.5	$	170.2	$	170.2
Short-term investments⁽¹⁾	0.6		0.6		0.8		0.8
Long-term investments⁽¹⁾	0.7		0.7		1.2		1.2
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plan obligations⁽¹⁾(current portion)	$	0.6	$	0.6	$	0.8	$	0.8
Deferred compensation plan obligations⁽¹⁾(long-term portion)	0.7		0.7		1.2		1.2

_______________________________________


⁽¹⁾	The Company maintains certain investments that generate returns that offset changes in certain liabilities related to a self-directed, non-qualified deferred compensation plan structured as a rabbi trust primarily for certain retired executives and other highly compensated employees.

Schedule of Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values and estimated fair values of certain of the Company’s financial instruments were as follows at August 31, 2012 and 2011:



	August 31, 2012				August 31, 2011
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Liabilities:
Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount	$	349.5	$	407.5	$	349.4	$	373.9
Industrial revenue bond	4.0		4.0		4.0		4.0

Tabular disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities. Such certain disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate) and (2) the methodology and assumptions used in developing such estimates of fair value.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph b-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph a, c(1), c(2), c(3), d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 18
-Subparagraph c(2), d, e, f
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 19
-Subparagraph a, b, c(1), d(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13467-108611

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13476-108611

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6447952&loc=d3e13220-108610

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Pension and Profit Sharing Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Schedule of Domestic and International Pension Plans

The following tables reflect the status of the Company’s domestic (U.S.-based) and international pension plans at August 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Domestic Plans						International Plans
	August 31,						August 31,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	136.3		$	134.6		$	35.8		$	35.1
Service cost	2.7			3.1			0.1			0.1
Interest cost	6.6			6.5			1.9			1.8
Actuarial loss (gain)	29.1			(1.6		)	11.1			(2.4		)
Curtailment	0.1			—			—			—
Plan Settlements	—			—			—			(0.1		)
Benefits paid	(6.7		)	(6.3		)	(1.1		)	(0.7		)
Other	—			—			(0.9		)	2.0
Benefit obligation at end of year	168.1			136.3			46.9			35.8
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	83.9		$	75.7		$	26.5		$	21.8
Actual return on plan assets	7.9			8.7			2.3			1.4
Employer contributions	10.5			5.8			1.0			2.7
Benefits paid	(6.7		)	(6.3		)	(1.1		)	(0.7		)
Other	—			—			(0.6		)	1.3
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	95.6			83.9			28.1			26.5
Funded status at end of year:
Funded Status	$	(72.5	)	$	(52.4	)	$	(18.8	)	$	(9.3	)
Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	$	(72.5	)	$	(52.4	)	$	(18.8	)	$	(9.3	)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of:
Current liabilities	$	(1.2	)	$	(1.2	)	$	—		$	—
Non-current liabilities	(71.3		)	(51.2		)	(18.8		)	(9.3		)
Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	$	(72.5	)	$	(52.4	)	$	(18.8	)	$	(9.3	)
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$	168.0		$	136.2		$	46.9		$	35.7
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income:
Prior service cost	$	(0.6	)	$	(0.7	)	$	—		$	—
Net actuarial loss	(80.4		)	(55.8		)	(22.8		)	(13.4		)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	(81.0	)	$	(56.5	)	$	(22.8	)	$	(13.4	)
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated comprehensive income over the next fiscal year:
Prior service cost	$	0.1		$	0.1		$	—		$	—
Net actuarial loss	4.6			3.2			1.8			0.9

Schedule of Net Periodic Pension Cost

Components of net periodic pension cost for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 included the following:



	Domestic Plans									International Plans
	2012			2011			2010			2012			2011			2010
Service cost	$	2.7		$	3.1		$	2.7		$	0.1		$	0.1		$	0.1
Interest cost	6.6			6.5			6.8			1.9			1.8			1.7
Expected return on plan assets	(6.5		)	(5.9		)	(5.9		)	(1.7		)	(1.6		)	(1.5		)
Amortization of prior service cost	0.1			0.1			0.1			—			—			—
Curtailment	0.1			—			0.2			—			—			0.1
Recognized actuarial loss	3.2			3.7			2.7			0.9			1.1			0.8
Net periodic pension cost	$	6.2		$	7.5		$	6.6		$	1.2		$	1.4		$	1.2

Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions Used

Weighted average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligation are as follows:



	Domestic Plans				International Plans
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Discount rate	3.8	%	5.0	%	3.7	%	5.6	%
Rate of compensation increase	5.5	%	5.5	%	2.5	%	3.4	%

Weighted average assumptions used in computing net periodic benefit cost are as follows:



	Domestic Plans						International Plans
	2012		2011		2010		2012		2011		2010
Discount rate	5.0	%	5.0	%	6.0	%	5.6	%	4.9	%	5.6	%
Expected return on plan assets	7.5	%	7.8	%	8.0	%	5.5	%	6.6	%	6.8	%
Rate of compensation increase	5.5	%	5.5	%	5.5	%	3.4	%	3.1	%	4.5	%

Schedule of Pension Plan Asset Allocation

The following tables present the fair value of the domestic pension plan assets by major category as of August 31, 2012 and 2011:



			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value as of		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets	August 31, 2012		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Mutual Funds:
US equity securities	$	35.6	$	35.6	$	—	$	—
International equity securities	9.2		9.2		—		—
Equity Securities	10.0		10.0		—		—
Real Estate Fund	4.7		—		—		4.7
Short-Term Investments	5.3		5.3		—		—
Fixed-Income Investments	30.8		—		30.8		—
	$	95.6



			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value as of		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets	August 31, 2011		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Mutual Funds:
US equity securities	$	30.1	$	30.1	$	—	$	—
International equity securities	9.1		9.1		—		—
Equity Securities	9.2		9.2		—		—
Real Estate Fund	4.2		—		—		4.2
Short-Term Investments	2.5		2.5		—		—
Fixed-Income Investments	28.8		—		28.8		—
	$	83.9

The following tables present the fair value of the international pension plan assets by major category as of August 31, 2012 and 2011:



			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value as of		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets	August 31, 2012		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Equity Securities	$	18.9	$	18.9	$	—	$	—
Real Estate Fund	1.4		—		—		1.4
Short-Term Investments	6.4		6.4		—		—
Fixed-Income Investments	1.4		—		1.4		—
	$	28.1



			Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value as of		Quoted Market Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
Assets	August 31, 2011		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Equity Securities	$	20.3	$	20.3	$	—	$	—
Real Estate Fund	0.6		—		—		0.6
Short-Term Investments	1.6		1.6		—		—
Fixed-Income Investments	4.0		—		4.0		—
	$	26.5

Schedule of Domestic Pension Plans' Level 3 Assets

The tables below present a rollforward of the domestic and international pension plans’ Level 3 assets for the years ended August 31, 2012 and 2011:



	Domestic Real Estate Fund
	Year Ended August 31,
	2012		2011
Balance, beginning of year	$	4.2	$	3.5
Income	—		0.2
Net unrealized gain relating to instruments still held at the reporting date	0.4		0.4
Shares purchased, including from dividend reinvestment	0.1		0.1
Balance, end of year	$	4.7	$	4.2



	International Real Estate Fund
	Year Ended August 31,
	2012		2011
Balance, beginning of year	$	0.6	$	0.4
Shares purchased, including from dividend reinvestment	0.8		0.2
Balance, end of year	$	1.4	$	0.6

Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments

Benefit payments are expected to be paid as follows for the years ending August 31:



	Domestic Plans		International Plans
2013	$	6.8	$	1.2
2014	6.9		1.2
2015	7.1		1.2
2016	7.3		1.3
2017	7.7		1.3
2018-2022	45.5		6.8

Tabular disclosure of one or more of the entity's defined benefit pension plans or one or more other defined benefit postretirement plans, separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans including the entity's schedule of fair value of plan assets for defined benefit or other postretirement plans.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 4, 7, 16, 20, 21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 55
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6930749&loc=d3e4179-114921

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
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-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e2410-114920

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e2439-114920

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6962843&loc=d3e2417-114920

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments

Debt and Lines of Credit (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

The Company’s debt at August 31, 2012 and 2011 consisted of the following:



	August 31,
	2012		2011
Senior unsecured public notes due December 2019 with an effective interest rate of 6%, net of unamortized discount of $0.5	$	349.5	$	349.4
Industrial revenue bond due 2021	4.0		4.0
Total debt outstanding	$	353.5	$	353.4

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 3
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Common Stock and Related Matters [Abstract]

Common Stock and Related Matters (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Schedule of Changes in Common Stock

Changes in common stock for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows:



	Common Stock
	Shares	Amount
		(At par)
Balance at August 31, 2009	49.8	$	0.5
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures	0.2	—
Stock options exercised	0.4	—
Balance at August 31, 2010	50.4	$	0.5
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures	0.3	—
Stock options exercised	0.3	—
Balance at August 31, 2011	51.0	$	0.5
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures	0.2	—
Stock options exercised	0.3	—
Balance at August 31, 2012	51.5	$	0.5

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

The following table calculates basic earnings per common share and diluted earnings per common share for the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010:



	Years Ended August 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:
Income from continuing operations	$	116.3		$	105.5		$	79.0
Less: Income attributable to participating securities	(2.2		)	(1.9		)	(1.4		)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	114.1		$	103.6		$	77.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41.4			42.2			42.5
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$	2.75		$	2.46		$	1.83
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:
Income from continuing operations	$	116.3		$	105.5		$	79.0
Less: Income attributable to participating securities	(2.2		)	(1.9		)	(1.4		)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$	114.1		$	103.6		$	77.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41.4			42.2			42.5
Common stock equivalents	0.5			0.6			0.8
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	41.9			42.8			43.3
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$	2.72		$	2.42		$	1.79
Basic Earnings per Share from Discontinued Operations:
Income from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	0.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41.4			42.2			42.5
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	0.01
Diluted Earnings per Share from Discontinued Operations:
Income from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	0.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41.4			42.2			42.5
Common stock equivalents	0.5			0.6			0.8
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	41.9			42.8			43.3
Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations	$	—		$	—		$	0.01

Share-Based Payments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Schedule of Restricted Stock Award Activity

Activity related to restricted stock awards during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012 was as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at August 31, 2011	0.8		$	40.68
Granted	0.3		$	47.20
Vested	(0.3)		$	38.78
Forfeited	—	*	$	39.82
Outstanding at August 31, 2012	0.8		$	44.11

Schedule of Stock Options, Weighted Average Assumptions

The following weighted average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted in the fiscal years ended August 31:



	2012	2011	2010
Dividend yield	1.0%	1.3%	1.5 - 1.8%
Expected volatility	43.2%	41.8%	40.9 - 41.2%
Risk-free interest rate	1.1%	1.2%	2.1 - 2.5%
Expected life of options	5 years	5 years	5 years
Weighted-average fair value of options	$16.43	$16.95	$11.19 - $13.39

Schedule of Stock Option Transactions

Stock option transactions for the stock option plans and stock option agreements during the years ended August 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were as follows:



	Outstanding			Exercisable
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at August 31, 2009	1.7		$24.69	1.3		$22.09
Granted	0.2		$34.44
Exercised	(0.4)		$16.73
Cancelled	—		$—
Outstanding at August 31, 2010	1.5		$27.78	1.1		$26.03
Granted	0.2		$50.56
Exercised	(0.3)		$21.18
Cancelled	(0.1)		$39.57
Outstanding at August 31, 2011	1.3		$31.67	1.0		$28.81
Granted	0.1		$46.29
Exercised	(0.3)		$22.02
Cancelled	—	*	$35.64
Outstanding at August 31, 2012	1.1		$36.25	1.0		$33.06
Range of option exercise prices:
$10.00 – $20.00 (average life – 1.2 years)	—	*	$18.54	—	*	$18.54
$20.01 – $30.00 (average life – 2.3 years)	0.3		$25.59	0.3		$25.59
$30.01 – $40.00 (average life – 5.6 years)	0.4		$34.94	0.4		$35.00
$40.01 – $50.00 (average life – 7.3 years)	0.3		$43.56	0.2		$40.29
$50.01 – $60.00 (average life – 8.1 years)	0.1		$50.56	0.1		$50.56

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Changes in Product Warranty and Recall Reserves



	FY2012			FY2011
Balance at September 1	$	4.2		$	3.6
Adjustments to the warranty and recall reserve	5.6			5.7
Payments made during the period	(5.8		)	(5.1		)
Balance at August 31	$	4.0		$	4.2

Special Charges (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Fiscal 2008-2010 Actions

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Schedule of Changes in Reserves

The changes in the reserves related to the program during the year ended August 31, 2012 (included in Accrued compensation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) are summarized as follows:



	Severance			Exit Costs
Balance as of September 1, 2011	$	3.5		$	0.3
Special charge adjustment	(0.2		)	—
Payments made during the period	(3.1		)	(0.3		)
Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	0.2		$	—

Fiscal 2012 Actions

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

Schedule of Changes in Reserves

The changes in the reserves related to the program during the year ended August 31, 2012 (included in Accrued compensation on the Consolidated Balance Sheets) are summarized as follows:



	Severance
Balance as of September 1, 2011	$	—
Special charge	11.7
Payments made during the period	(6.1		)
Balance as of August 31, 2012	$	5.6

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following components:



	Years Ended August 31,
	2012		2011		2010
Provision for current federal taxes	$	47.9	$	36.9	$	24.0
Provision for current state taxes	5.4		3.9		4.0
Provision for current foreign taxes	3.7		2.3		4.7
Provision for deferred taxes	5.7		9.0		7.1
Total provision for income taxes	$	62.7	$	52.1	$	39.8

Schedule of Reconciliation of Federal Statutory Rate to Total Provision for Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the total provision for income taxes is as follows:



	Years Ended August 31,
	2012			2011			2010
Federal income tax computed at statutory rate	$	62.6		$	55.1		$	41.6
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit	4.5			4.0			2.6
Foreign permanent differences and rate differential	(1.2		)	(0.8		)	(0.6		)
Other, net	(3.2		)	(6.2		)	(3.8		)
Total provision for income taxes	$	62.7		$	52.1		$	39.8

Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Income Taxes

Components of the net deferred income taxes at August 31, 2012 and 2011 include:



	August 31,
	2012			2011
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities:
Depreciation	$	(6.0	)	$	(5.5	)
Goodwill and intangibles	(88.2		)	(82.6		)
Other liabilities	(6.1		)	(6.1		)
Total deferred income tax liabilities	(100.3		)	(94.2		)
Deferred Income Tax Assets:
Self-insurance	3.2			3.8
Pension	30.4			20.4
Deferred compensation	26.0			25.5
Bonuses	1.9			1.4
Net operating losses*	13.7			13.1
Other accruals not yet deductible	12.5			13.2
Other assets	6.5			6.1
Total deferred income tax assets	94.2			83.5
Valuation Allowance*	(10.2		)	(7.7		)
Net deferred income tax (liabilities) assets	$	(16.3	)	$	(18.4	)

_______________________________________


*	A substantial portion of the deferred income tax asset and valuation allowance relates to cumulative net operating losses incurred by Renaissance up to the date of acquisition.

Schedule of Change in Unrecognized Income Tax Benefit



	FY2012			FY2011
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at September 1	$	6.8		$	6.7
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	0.2			0.4
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1.1			0.6
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(0.3		)	(0.2		)
Reductions due to settlements	(0.1		)	(0.2		)
Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations	(0.7		)	(0.5		)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at August 31	$	7.0		$	6.8

Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas

Geographic Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

The geographic distribution of the Company’s net sales, operating profit, income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes, and long-lived assets is summarized in the following table for the years ended August 31:



	2012		2011		2010
Net sales⁽¹⁾
Domestic⁽²⁾	$	1,728.1	$	1,604.5	$	1,446.1
International	205.6		191.2		180.8
Total	$	1,933.7	$	1,795.7	$	1,626.9
Operating profit
Domestic⁽²⁾	$	197.7	$	175.4	$	139.9
International	10.3		13.3		17.8
Total	$	208.0	$	188.7	$	157.7
Income before Provision for Income Taxes
Domestic⁽²⁾	$	171.6	$	145.5	$	101.1
International	7.4		12.1		17.7
Total	$	179.0	$	157.6	$	118.8
Long-lived assets⁽³⁾
Domestic⁽²⁾	$	141.9	$	140.8	$	130.4
International	30.3		32.7		31.8
Total	$	172.2	$	173.5	$	162.2

_______________________________________


⁽¹⁾	Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location.


⁽²⁾	Domestic amounts include net sales (including export sales), operating profit, income before provision for income taxes, and long-lived assets for U.S. based operations.


⁽³⁾	Long-lived assets include net property, plant, and equipment, deferred compensation plan assets, long-term deferred income tax assets, and other long-term assets for continuing operations.

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidaing Financial Statements [Abstract]

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS



	At August 31, 2012
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	246.6		$	—		$	—		$	37.9		$	—		$	284.5
Accounts receivable, net	—			228.2			—			35.6			—			263.8
Inventories	—			183.8			—			10.3			—			194.1
Other current assets	4.5			26.2			—			5.9			—			36.6
Total Current Assets	251.1			438.2			—			89.7			—			779.0
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			109.6			—			29.6			—			139.2
Goodwill	—			516.1			2.7			36.1			—			554.9
Intangible assets	—			104.5			122.0			4.3			—			230.8
Other long-term assets	3.6			20.8			—			8.6			—			33.0
Investments in subsidiaries	705.1			87.3			—			—			(792.4		)	—
Total Assets	$	959.8		$	1,276.5		$	124.7		$	168.3		$	(792.4	)	$	1,736.9

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	0.8		$	218.0		$	—		$	13.9		$	—		$	232.7
Intercompany payable (receivable)	83.4			(28.3		)	(98.1		)	43.0			—			—
Other accrued liabilities	12.6			103.2			—			16.3			—			132.1
Total Current Liabilities	96.8			292.9			(98.1		)	73.2			—			364.8
Long-Term Debt	—			353.5			—			—			—			353.5
Deferred Income Taxes	(32.0		)	68.2			—			(2.8		)	—			33.4
Other Long-Term Liabilities	61.0			64.7			—			25.5			—			151.2
Total Stockholders’ Equity	834.0			497.2			222.8			72.4			(792.4		)	834.0
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	959.8		$	1,276.5		$	124.7		$	168.3		$	(792.4	)	$	1,736.9

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS



	At August 31, 2011
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor			Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	127.2		$	0.1		$	—		$	42.9		$	—		$	170.2
Accounts receivable, net	—			228.3			—			34.3			—			262.6
Inventories	—			156.7			—			9.2			—			165.9
Other current assets	6.0			19.8			—			6.0			—			31.8
Total Current Assets	133.2			404.9			—			92.4			—			630.5
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	—			111.3			—			31.9			—			143.2
Goodwill	—			519.8			2.7			36.7			—			559.2
Intangible assets	—			106.8			125.5			1.9			—			234.2
Other long-term assets	3.5			19.1			—			7.7			—			30.3
Investments in subsidiaries	741.3			105.7			—			0.1			(847.1		)	—
Total Assets	$	878.0		$	1,267.6		$	128.2		$	170.7		$	(847.1	)	$	1,597.4

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1.6		$	191.2		$	—		$	11.0		$	—		$	203.8
Intercompany payable (receivable)	78.1			(43.0		)	(78.6		)	43.5			—			—
Other accrued liabilities	14.5			100.7			—			12.4			—			127.6
Total Current Liabilities	94.2			248.9			(78.6		)	66.9			—			331.4
Long-Term Debt	—			353.4			—			—			—			353.4
Deferred Income Taxes	(30.0		)	69.8			—			(3.4		)	—			36.4
Other Long-Term Liabilities	56.8			48.2			—			14.2			—			119.2
Total Stockholders’ Equity	757.0			547.3			206.8			93.0			(847.1		)	757.0
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	878.0		$	1,267.6		$	128.2		$	170.7		$	(847.1	)	$	1,597.4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Year Ended August 31, 2012
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales:
External sales	$	—		$	1,726.4		$	—	$	207.3		$	—		$	1,933.7
Intercompany sales	—			—			30.2		67.5			(97.7		)	—
Total Sales	—			1,726.4			30.2		274.8			(97.7		)	1,933.7
Cost of Products Sold	—			1,002.9			—		210.3			(67.5		)	1,145.7
Gross Profit	—			723.5			30.2		64.5			(30.2		)	788.0
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	25.4			508.4			3.5		59.6			(30.2		)	566.7
Intercompany charges	(35.4		)	30.7			—		4.7			—			—
Special Charge	—			12.4			—		0.9			—			13.3
Operating Profit (Loss)	10.0			172.0			26.7		(0.7		)	—			208.0
Interest expense (income), net	8.9			22.2			—		(0.4		)	—			30.7
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	(115.4		)	1.3			—		0.1			114.0			—
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	(0.3		)	(2.1		)	—		0.7			—			(1.7		)
Income (Loss) before Provision for Income Taxes	116.8			150.6			26.7		(1.1		)	(114.0		)	179.0
Provision for Income Taxes	0.5			49.2			10.8		2.2			—			62.7
Net Income	$	116.3		$	101.4		$	15.9	$	(3.3	)	$	(114.0	)	$	116.3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Year Ended August 31, 2011
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales:
External sales	$	—		$	1,603.4		$	—	$	192.3		$	—		$	1,795.7
Intercompany sales	—			—			27.7		71.8			(99.5		)	—
Total Sales	—			1,603.4			27.7		264.1			(99.5		)	1,795.7
Cost of Products Sold	—			934.1			—		203.4			(71.8		)	1,065.7
Gross Profit	—			669.3			27.7		60.7			(27.7		)	730.0
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	25.3			483.8			4.6		55.3			(27.7		)	541.3
Intercompany charges	(35.8		)	30.9			—		4.9			—			—
Operating Profit	10.5			154.6			23.1		0.5			—			188.7
Interest expense (income), net	8.4			21.8			—		(0.3		)	—			29.9
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	(103.9		)	(3.1		)	—		0.1			106.9			—
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	(0.3		)	1.6			—		(0.1		)	—			1.2
Income before Provision for Income Taxes	106.3			134.3			23.1		0.8			(106.9		)	157.6
Provision for Income Taxes	0.8			41.9			9.3		0.1			—			52.1
Net Income	$	105.5		$	92.4		$	13.8	$	0.7		$	(106.9	)	$	105.5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	Year Ended August 31, 2010
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Sales:
External sales	$	—		$	1,437.8		$	—	$	189.1		$	—		$	1,626.9
Intercompany sales	—			—			25.3		62.4			(87.7		)	—
Total Sales	—			1,437.8			25.3		251.5			(87.7		)	1,626.9
Cost of Products Sold	—			842.6			—		185.2			(62.4		)	965.4
Gross Profit	—			595.2			25.3		66.3			(25.3		)	661.5
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses	24.3			440.6			4.1		51.7			(25.3		)	495.4
Intercompany charges	(33.6		)	28.6			—		5.0			—			—
Special Charge	0.6			7.3			—		0.5			—			8.4
Operating Profit	8.7			118.7			21.2		9.1			—			157.7
Interest expense (income), net	7.8			21.8			—		(0.2		)	—			29.4
Loss on early debt extinguishment	—			10.5			—		—			—			10.5
Equity earnings in subsidiaries	(78.2		)	(6.9		)	—		0.1			85.0			—
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net	(0.3		)	(1.0		)	—		0.3			—			(1.0		)
Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes	79.4			94.3			21.2		8.9			(85.0		)	118.8
Provision for Income Taxes	0.4			28.3			7.4		3.7			—			39.8
Income from Continuing Operations	79.0			66.0			13.8		5.2			(85.0		)	79.0
Income from Discontinued Operations	0.6			—			—		—			—			0.6
Net Income	$	79.6		$	66.0		$	13.8	$	5.2		$	(85.0	)	$	79.6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Year Ended August 31, 2012
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$	141.9		$	29.8		$	—	$	2.5		$	(2.0	)	$	172.2
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	—			(27.7		)	—		(3.7		)	—			(31.4		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	—			0.1			—		—			—			0.1
Investments in subsidiaries	(3.8		)	—			—		—			3.8			—
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	—			(3.8		)	—		—			—			(3.8		)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(3.8		)	(31.4		)	—		(3.7		)	3.8			(35.1		)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	7.6			—			—		—			—			7.6
Repurchases of common stock	(9.2		)	—			—		—			—			(9.2		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	4.9			—			—		—			—			4.9
Intercompany dividends	—			—			—		(2.0		)	2.0			—
Intercompany capital	—			3.8			—		—			(3.8		)	—
Dividends paid	(22.0		)	—			—		—			—			(22.0		)
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(18.7		)	3.8			—		(2.0		)	(1.8		)	(18.7		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	—			(2.3		)	—		(1.8		)	—			(4.1		)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	119.4			(0.1		)	—		(5.0		)	—			114.3
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	127.2			0.1			—		42.9			—			170.2
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	246.6		$	—		$	—	$	37.9		$	—		$	284.5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Year Ended August 31, 2011
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$	126.3		$	18.0		$	—	$	16.8		$	—		$	161.1
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	—			(20.0		)	—		(3.3		)	—			(23.3		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	—			1.2			—		—			—			1.2
Investments in subsidiaries	(90.4		)	—			—		—			90.4			—
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	—			(90.4		)	—		—			—			(90.4		)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(90.4		)	(109.2		)	—		(3.3		)	90.4			(112.5		)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	6.5			—			—		—			—			6.5
Repurchases of common stock	(61.0		)	—			—		—			—			(61.0		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	5.3			—			—		—			—			5.3
Intercompany capital	—			90.4			—		—			(90.4		)	—
Dividends paid	(22.6		)	—			—		—			—			(22.6		)
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(71.8		)	90.4			—		—			(90.4		)	(71.8		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	—			0.5			—		1.9			—			2.4
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(35.9		)	(0.3		)	—		15.4			—			(20.8		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	163.1			0.4			—		27.5			—			191.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	127.2		$	0.1		$	—	$	42.9		$	—		$	170.2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	Year Ended August 31, 2010
	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Subsidiary Guarantor		Non- Guarantors			Eliminations			Consolidated
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities	$	232.7		$	(91.3	)	$	—	$	19.1		$	—		$	160.5
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	—			(19.4		)	—		(2.5		)	—			(21.9		)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	—			0.1			—		0.1			—			0.2
Investments in subsidiaries	(14.6		)	—			—		—			14.6			—
Acquisitions of businesses	(8.0		)	(14.6		)	—		—			—			(22.6		)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(22.6		)	(33.9		)	—		(2.4		)	14.6			(44.3		)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	—			(237.9		)	—		—			—			(237.9		)
Issuance of long-term debt	—			346.5			—		—			—			346.5
Intercompany borrowings (payments)	—			2.4			—		(2.4		)	—			—
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	6.5			—			—		—			—			6.5
Repurchases of common stock	(36.1		)	—			—		—			—			(36.1		)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	2.8			—			—		—			—			2.8
Intercompany capital	—			14.6			—		—			(14.6		)	—
Dividends paid	(22.6		)	—			—		—			—			(22.6		)
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(49.4		)	125.6			—		(2.4		)	(14.6		)	59.2
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	—			(0.6		)	—		(2.5		)	—			(3.1		)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	160.7			(0.2		)	—		11.8			—			172.3
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	2.4			0.6			—		15.7			—			18.7
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	163.1		$	0.4		$	—	$	27.5		$	—		$	191.0

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)



	Fiscal Year 2012
	1st Quarter⁽¹⁾		2nd Quarter⁽²⁾		3rd Quarter⁽²⁾		4th Quarter⁽²⁾
Net Sales	$	474.3	$	457.7	$	487.5	$	514.3
Gross Profit	$	193.6	$	181.9	$	202.0	$	210.5
Net Income	$	29.9	$	19.5	$	33.6	$	33.3
Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.71	$	0.46	$	0.80	$	0.78
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.70	$	0.46	$	0.79	$	0.78



	Fiscal Year 2011
	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
Net Sales	$	425.0	$	416.2	$	458.3	$	496.2
Gross Profit	$	176.1	$	163.9	$	189.6	$	200.4
Net Income	$	24.4	$	19.9	$	27.0	$	34.2
Basic Earnings per Share	$	0.57	$	0.46	$	0.63	$	0.80
Diluted Earnings per Share	$	0.56	$	0.45	$	0.62	$	0.79

_______________________________________


⁽¹⁾	Gross Profit, Net Income, Basic Earnings per Share, and Diluted Earnings per Share for fiscal 2012 include pre-tax expenses related to the realignment of responsibilities primarily within various SD&A departments of $2.7.

⁽²⁾

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details)	Aug. 31, 2012 segments
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	1

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2007
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Common stock, par value per share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations	$ 0.0	$ 0.0	$ 0.6
Zep Inc.
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Common stock, par value per share				$ 0.01

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group apportioned to the parent that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items after deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

Raw materials, supplies, and work in process

Significant Accounting Policies - Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Receivables from The Home Depot	$ 263.8	$ 262.6
Receivables \| Home Depot
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Receivables from The Home Depot	$ 39.7	$ 38.1
Net sales \| Home Depot
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Net sales to The Home Depot as percentage of total net sales	10.00%		11.00%

Significant Accounting Policies - Inventories (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Inventory, Net [Abstract]

^[1]

$ 120.2

$ 97.6

Finished goods

84.6

78.5

Inventory Gross

204.8

176.1

Less: Reserves

(10.7)

(10.2)

Total Inventory

$ 194.1

$ 165.9

[1]	Due to the immaterial amount of estimated work in process and the short lead times for the conversion of raw materials to finished goods, the Company does not believe the segregation of raw materials and work in process to be meaningful information.

The amount of the valuation account as of the balance sheet date which reduces the carrying amount of inventory to net realizable value; takes into consideration such factors as market value, excessive quantities based on expected sales, technological obsolescence, and shrinkage. May also provide for estimated product returns or price concessions pertaining to product cost.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 3
-Section A
-Paragraph 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 4
-Paragraph 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 4
-Paragraph 8, 9, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 09
-Article 12

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 330
-SubTopic 10
-Section 35
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6386567&loc=d3e3927-108312

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 330
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.BB)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6386940&loc=d3e100047-122729

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-09)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e24092-122690

Deferred debt issuance costs

Significant Accounting Policies - Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($) segments	Aug. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Goodwill and Acquired Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 197.9	$ 190.0
Accumulated Amortization	(63.2)	(51.9)
Amortization expense of finite-lived intangible assets	11.2	10.2	$ 7.1
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
Amortization expense in fiscal 2013	10.1
Amortization expense in fiscal 2014	10.0
Amortization expense in fiscal 2015	9.8
Amortization expense in fiscal 2016	9.2
Amortization expense in fiscal 2017	8.9
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Balance at Beginning of Period	559.2
Acquisitions	0.8
Adjustments	(3.7)
Currency translation adjustments	(1.4)
Goodwill, Balance at End of Period	$ 554.9	559.2
Number of operating segments \| segments	1
Unamortized trade names
Goodwill and Acquired Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 96.1	96.1
Patents and patented technology
Goodwill and Acquired Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	50.7	42.7
Accumulated Amortization	(18.2)	(14.5)
Trademarks and trade names
Goodwill and Acquired Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	25.4	24.0
Accumulated Amortization	(6.2)	(5.1)
Distribution network
Goodwill and Acquired Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	61.8	61.8
Accumulated Amortization	(25.0)	(23.5)
Customer relationships
Goodwill and Acquired Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	54.3	55.6
Accumulated Amortization	(10.7)	(6.4)
Other
Goodwill and Acquired Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	5.7	5.9
Accumulated Amortization	$ (3.1)	$ (2.4)

Significant Accounting Policies - Other Long-Term Assets and Liabilities (Details)
$ in Millions

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

USD ($)

properties

Aug. 31, 2011

USD ($)

Other Long-Term Assets [Abstract]

Long-term investments

^[1]

$ 0.7

$ 1.2

Assets held for sale

2.8

3.0

2.7

2.3

Capitalized software costs

3.8

4.9

Deferred sales and marketing costs

14.8

13.1

Miscellaneous

4.1

3.8

Total

28.9

28.3

Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]

Assets held for sale, total

7.6

Assets held for sale, noncurrent

$ 2.8

3.0

Number of Real Estate Properties Held For Sale | properties

Other Long-Term Liabilities [Abstract]

Deferred compensation and postretirement benefits other than pensions

^[2]

$ 32.3

31.7

Postemployment benefit obligation

^[3]

0.4

Uncertain tax positions liability, including interest

^[4]

7.5

7.1

Acquisition-related liabilities

^[5]

5.2

4.3

Deferred revenue

5.3

4.6

Deferred rent

1.1

1.7

Miscellaneous

2.7

1.6

Total

$ 54.5

$ 51.4

Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Automatic Contribution Rate

3.00%

Other Current Assets [Member]

Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]

Assets held-for-sale, current

$ 4.8

Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]

Other Long-Term Assets [Abstract]

Assets held for sale

2.8

Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Line Items]

Assets held for sale, noncurrent

$ 2.8

[1]	Long-term investments — The Company maintains certain investments that generate returns that offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements. The investments primarily consist of marketable equity securities and fixed income securities, are stated at fair value (Level 1), and are classified as trading in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments — Debt and Equity Securities. Realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income and generally offset the change in the deferred compensation liability. The decrease since August 31, 2011 was due primarily to payments made to certain participants in these deferred compensation arrangements.
[2]	Deferred compensation and postretirement benefits other than pensions — The Company maintains several non-qualified retirement plans for the benefit of eligible employees, primarily deferred compensation plans. The deferred compensation plans provide for elective deferrals of an eligible employee’s compensation and, in some cases, matching contributions by the Company. In addition, one plan provides for an automatic contribution by the Company of 3% of an eligible employee’s compensation. The Company maintains certain long-term investments that offset a portion of the deferred compensation liability. The Company maintains life insurance policies on certain current and former officers and other key employees as a means of satisfying a portion of these obligations.
[3]	Postemployment benefit obligation — ASC Topic 712, Compensation — Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits, requires the accrual of the estimated cost of benefits provided by an employer to former or inactive employees after employment but before retirement. The Company’s accrual relates primarily to a liability for life insurance coverage for certain eligible employees.
[4]	See the Income Taxes footnote for more information.
[5]	Acquisition-related liabilities - Amounts represent contingent payments and other obligations related to recent acquisitions.

Significant Accounting Policies - Selling, Distribution and Administrative Expneses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-based expense	$ 15.9	$ 14.2	$ 12.5
Income tax benefit for share-based compensation	5.6	4.7	4.2
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	4.9	5.3	2.8
Financing activities
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	4.9	5.3	2.8
Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Other shipping and handling costs	81.5	78.7	70.1
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Research and development expense	34.7	31.3	26.6
Advertising costs	12.6	13.4	12.0
Service arrangements with customers	$ 5.7	$ 5.2	$ 4.9

Significant Accounting Policies - Depreciation (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($) yr	Aug. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation expense \| $	$ 27.5	$ 28.8	$ 28.5
Building and related improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of plant and equipment, minimum	10
Useful lives of plant and equipment, maximum	40
Machinery and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful lives of plant and equipment, minimum	3
Useful lives of plant and equipment, maximum	15

Significant Accounting Policies - Interest Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Interest Revenue (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest expense	$ 31.3	$ 30.4	$ 29.8
Interest income	(0.6)	(0.5)	(0.4)
Interest expense, net	$ 30.7	$ 29.9	$ 29.4

Significant Accounting Policies - Foreign Currency Translation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Miscellaneous expense (income), net
Foreign Currency Translation [Line Items]
Gains (or losses) relating to foreign currency items	$ 1.2	$ (1.5)	$ 0.7

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount | Carrying Value

Carrying and estimated fair value of financial instruments

$ 349.5

$ 349.4

Senior unsecured public notes, net of unamortized discount | Fair Value

Carrying and estimated fair value of financial instruments

407.5

373.9

Industrial revenue bond | Carrying Value

Carrying and estimated fair value of financial instruments

4.0

Industrial revenue bond | Fair Value

Carrying and estimated fair value of financial instruments

4.0

Fair value measured on recurring basis | Level 1

Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

284.5

170.2

Fair value measured on recurring basis | Level 1 | Short-term investments

Assets:

Fair value measured on recurring basis | Level 1 | Long-term investments

^[1]

0.6

0.8

Assets:

^[1]

0.7

1.2

Deferred compensation plan obligations (current portion)

^[1]

0.6

0.8

Deferred compensation plan obligations (long-term portion)

0.7

1.2

Fair value measured on recurring basis | Fair Value

Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

284.5

170.2

Fair value measured on recurring basis | Fair Value | Short-term investments

Assets:

Fair value measured on recurring basis | Fair Value | Long-term investments

^[1]

0.6

0.8

Assets:

^[1]

0.7

1.2

Deferred compensation plan obligations (current portion)

^[1]

0.6

0.8

Deferred compensation plan obligations (long-term portion)

$ 0.7

$ 1.2

[1]	The Company maintains certain investments that generate returns that offset changes in certain liabilities related to a self-directed, non-qualified deferred compensation plan structured as a rabbi trust primarily for certain retired executives and other highly compensated employees.

Pension and Profit Sharing Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of:
Current liabilities	$ (1.2)	$ (1.2)
Non-current liabilities	(90.1)	(60.5)
Domestic Plans
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	136.3	134.6
Service cost	2.7	3.1	$ 2.7
Interest cost	6.6	6.5	6.8
Actuarial loss (gain)	29.1	(1.6)
Curtailment	0.1	0.0	0.2
Plan Settlements	0.0	0.0
Benefits paid	(6.7)	(6.3)
Other	0.0	0.0
Benefit obligation at end of year	168.1	136.3	134.6
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	83.9	75.7
Actual return on plan assets	7.9	8.7
Employer contributions	10.5	5.8
Benefits paid	(6.7)	(6.3)
Other	0.0	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	95.6	83.9	75.7
Funded status at end of year:
Funded Status	(72.5)	(52.4)
Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	(72.5)	(52.4)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of:
Current liabilities	(1.2)	(1.2)
Non-current liabilities	(71.3)	(51.2)
Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	(72.5)	(52.4)
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	168.0	136.2
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income:
Prior service cost	(0.6)	(0.7)
Net actuarial loss	(80.4)	(55.8)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income	(81.0)	(56.5)
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated comprehensive income over the next fiscal year:
Prior service cost	0.1	0.1	0.1
Net actuarial loss	4.6	3.2
International Plans
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	35.8	35.1
Service cost	0.1	0.1	0.1
Interest cost	1.9	1.8	1.7
Actuarial loss (gain)	11.1	(2.4)
Curtailment	0.0	0.0	0.1
Plan Settlements	0.0	(0.1)
Benefits paid	(1.1)	(0.7)
Other	(0.9)	2.0
Benefit obligation at end of year	46.9	35.8	35.1
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	26.5	21.8
Actual return on plan assets	2.3	1.4
Employer contributions	1.0	2.7
Benefits paid	(1.1)	(0.7)
Other	(0.6)	1.3
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	28.1	26.5	21.8
Funded status at end of year:
Funded Status	(18.8)	(9.3)
Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	(18.8)	(9.3)
Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets Consist of:
Current liabilities	0.0	0.0
Non-current liabilities	(18.8)	(9.3)
Net amount recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	(18.8)	(9.3)
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	46.9	35.7
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income:
Prior service cost	0.0	0.0
Net actuarial loss	(22.8)	(13.4)
Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income	(22.8)	(13.4)
Estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated comprehensive income over the next fiscal year:
Prior service cost	0.0	0.0	$ 0.0
Net actuarial loss	$ 1.8	$ 0.9

Pension and Profit Sharing Plans - Net Periodic Pension Cost and Pension Plan Asset Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Domestic Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 2.7	$ 3.1	$ 2.7
Interest cost	6.6	6.5	6.8
Expected return on plan assets	(6.5)	(5.9)	(5.9)
Amortization of prior service cost	0.1	0.1	0.1
Curtailment	0.1	0.0	0.2
Recognized actuarial loss	3.2	3.7	2.7
Net periodic pension cost	$ 6.2	$ 7.5	$ 6.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.80%	5.00%
Rate of compensation increase	5.50%	5.50%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	5.00%	5.00%	6.00%
Expected return on plan assets	7.50%	7.80%	8.00%
Rate of compensation increase	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Reduction in net periodic pension cost per 100 basis point increase in benefig obligation discount rate	$ 1.1
Additional net periodic pension cost per 100 basis point decrease in expected retun on plan assets rate	$ 0.9
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Targeted asset allocation, equity securities	55.00%
Targeted asset allocation, fixed income securities	40.00%
Targeted asset allocation, real estate funds	5.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract]
Equity securities	57.30%	57.70%
Fixed income securities	37.80%	37.30%
Real estate	4.90%	5.00%
Total	100.00%	100.00%
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 0.1	$ 0.1	$ 0.1
Interest cost	1.9	1.8	1.7
Expected return on plan assets	(1.7)	(1.6)	(1.5)
Amortization of prior service cost	0.0	0.0	0.0
Curtailment	0.0	0.0	0.1
Recognized actuarial loss	0.9	1.1	0.8
Net periodic pension cost	$ 1.2	$ 1.4	$ 1.2
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.70%	5.60%
Rate of compensation increase	2.50%	3.40%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	5.60%	4.90%	5.60%
Expected return on plan assets	5.50%	6.60%	6.80%
Rate of compensation increase	3.40%	3.10%	4.50%
Reduction in net periodic pension cost per 100 basis point increase in benefig obligation discount rate	$ 0.3
Additional net periodic pension cost per 100 basis point decrease in expected retun on plan assets rate	$ 0.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Targeted asset allocation, equity securities	70.00%
Targeted asset allocation, fixed income securities	25.00%
Targeted asset allocation, real estate funds	5.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Abstract]
Equity securities	70.00%	76.00%
Fixed income securities	25.00%	22.00%
Real estate	5.00%	2.00%
Total	100.00%	100.00%

Pension and Profit Sharing Plans - Fair Value Measurements and Benefit Payments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012
Defined Contribution Pension
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined contribution plan, cost recognized	$ 4.1	$ 4.0
Common stock included in defined contribution plan, market value			$ 7.7
Common stock included in defined contribution plan as precentage of total fair value of assets in plan	3.50%
Domestic Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	$ 95.6	83.9	95.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	83.9	75.7
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	95.6	83.9
Employer expected contribution to defined benefit plans in next fiscal year			7.8
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
2013			6.8
2014			6.9
2015			7.1
2016			7.3
2017			7.7
2018-2022			45.5
Domestic Plans \| Mutual Funds: US equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	35.6	30.1	35.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	30.1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	35.6	30.1
Domestic Plans \| Mutual Funds: International equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	9.2	9.1	9.2
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	9.1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	9.2	9.1
Domestic Plans \| Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	10.0	9.2	10.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	9.2
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	10.0	9.2
Domestic Plans \| Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	4.7	4.2	4.7
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4.2
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	4.7	4.2
Domestic Plans \| Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	5.3	2.5	5.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2.5
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	5.3	2.5
Domestic Plans \| Fixed-income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	30.8	28.8	30.8
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	28.8
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	30.8	28.8
Domestic Plans \| Level 1 \| Mutual Funds: US equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	35.6	30.1	35.6
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	30.1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	35.6	30.1
Domestic Plans \| Level 1 \| Mutual Funds: International equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	9.2	9.1	9.2
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	9.1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	9.2	9.1
Domestic Plans \| Level 1 \| Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	10.0	9.2	10.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	9.2
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	10.0	9.2
Domestic Plans \| Level 1 \| Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Domestic Plans \| Level 1 \| Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	5.3	2.5	5.3
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2.5
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	5.3	2.5
Domestic Plans \| Level 1 \| Fixed-income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Domestic Plans \| Level 2 \| Mutual Funds: US equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Domestic Plans \| Level 2 \| Mutual Funds: International equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Domestic Plans \| Level 2 \| Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Domestic Plans \| Level 2 \| Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Domestic Plans \| Level 2 \| Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Domestic Plans \| Level 2 \| Fixed-income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	30.8	28.8	30.8
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	28.8
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	30.8	28.8
Domestic Plans \| Level 3 \| Mutual Funds: US equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Domestic Plans \| Level 3 \| Mutual Funds: International equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Domestic Plans \| Level 3 \| Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Domestic Plans \| Level 3 \| Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	4.2	4.2	4.7
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4.2	3.5
Income	0.0	0.2
Net unrealized gain relating to instruments still held at the reporting date	0.4	0.4
Shares purchased, including from dividend reinvestment	0.1	0.1
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	4.7	4.2
Domestic Plans \| Level 3 \| Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
Domestic Plans \| Level 3 \| Fixed-income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
International Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	28.1	26.5	28.1
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	26.5	21.8
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	28.1	26.5
Employer expected contribution to defined benefit plans in next fiscal year			1.1
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
2013			1.2
2014			1.2
2015			1.2
2016			1.3
2017			1.3
2018-2022			6.8
International Plans \| Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	18.9	20.3	18.9
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	20.3
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18.9	20.3
International Plans \| Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	1.4	0.6	1.4
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.6
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1.4	0.6
International Plans \| Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	6.4	1.6	6.4
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1.6
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	6.4	1.6
International Plans \| Fixed-income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	1.4	4.0	1.4
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1.4	4.0
International Plans \| Level 1 \| Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	18.9	20.3	18.9
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	20.3
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	18.9	20.3
International Plans \| Level 1 \| Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
International Plans \| Level 1 \| Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	6.4	1.6	6.4
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1.6
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	6.4	1.6
International Plans \| Level 1 \| Fixed-income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
International Plans \| Level 2 \| Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
International Plans \| Level 2 \| Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
International Plans \| Level 2 \| Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
International Plans \| Level 2 \| Fixed-income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	1.4	4.0	1.4
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1.4	4.0
International Plans \| Level 3 \| Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
International Plans \| Level 3 \| Real Estate Fund
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	1.4	0.6	1.4
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.6	0.4
Shares purchased, including from dividend reinvestment	0.8	0.2
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1.4	0.6
International Plans \| Level 3 \| Short-term Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0.0	0.0
International Plans \| Level 3 \| Fixed-income Investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets by major category	0.0	0.0	$ 0.0
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0.0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 0.0	$ 0.0

Debt and Lines of Credit - Debt (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Debt and Lines of Credit - Debt (Details)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) yr	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 02, 2009 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt outstanding		$ 353,500,000	$ 353,400,000
Loss due to prepayment of promissory note		$ 0	0	$ (10,500,000)
Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, interest rate		6.00%
Long-term debt, unamortized discount		$ 500,000
Senior Unsecured Notes \| Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt outstanding		349,500,000	349,400,000
Industrial Revenue Bond \| Industrial revenue bond
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt outstanding		$ 4,000,000	$ 4,000,000
Long-term debt, interest rate		0.30%
ABL \| Senior Unsecured Notes \| Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes					$ 350,000,000
Long-term debt, interest rate					6.00%
Senior unsecurred notes, discount rate	99.797%
Senior unsecurred notes, maturity terms (years) \| yr	10
Capitalized deferred issuance costs	$ 3,100,000

Debt and Lines of Credit - Lines of Credit (Details) - Lines of Credit		3 Months Ended
	Jan. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($)	May 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Oct. 19, 2007 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit		$ 9,900,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Executed revolving credit facility				$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Maximum Leverage Ratio		3.50
Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio			2.50
Outstanding letters of credit		$ 5,700,000
Additional borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility		$ 244,300,000
Maximum \| Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Applicable margins as determined by leverage ratio			1.65%
Commitment fees rate		0.35%
Maximum \| Prior Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Write-off of deferred issuance costs	$ 100,000
Minimum \| Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Applicable margins as determined by leverage ratio			1.075%
Commitment fees rate		0.175%

Common Stock and Related Matters (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Common Stock [Roll Forward]
Common Stock, Shares, Balance beginning of period	50,956,137
Common Stock, Shares, Balance end of period	51,508,358	50,956,137
Common Stock, Amount (at par), Balance beginning of period	$ 0.5
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures, Amount	10.3	$ 8.4	$ 9.0
Stock options exercised, Amount	7.3	6.2	6.2
Common Stock, Amount (at par), Balance end of period	0.5	0.5
Treasury Stock Transactions, Excluding Value of Shares Reissued [Abstract]
Repurchases of common stock	$ (9.2)	$ (61.0)	$ (36.1)
Remaining repurchased shares recorded as treasury stock	9,719,255	9,467,255
Treasury stock at original repurchase cost	$ (420.2)	$ (411.0)
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred stock authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)
July 2010 Plan
Treasury Stock Transactions, Excluding Value of Shares Reissued [Abstract]
Reacquired shares of outstanding common stock	252,000
Repurchases of common stock	$ (9.2)
Number of repurchase shares, authorized			2,000,000
October 2011 Plan
Treasury Stock Transactions, Excluding Value of Shares Reissued [Abstract]
Reacquired shares of outstanding common stock	0
Number of repurchase shares, authorized	2,000,000
Number of repurchase shares authorized as percentage of outstanding common stock	5.00%
Common Stock
Common Stock [Roll Forward]
Common Stock, Shares, Balance beginning of period	51,000,000	50,400,000	49,800,000
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures, Shares	200,000	300,000	200,000
Stock options exercised, Shares	300,000	300,000	400,000
Common Stock, Shares, Balance end of period	51,500,000	51,000,000	50,400,000
Common Stock, Amount (at par), Balance beginning of period	$ 0.5	$ 0.5	$ 0.5
Issuance of restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures, Amount	0.0	0.0	0.0
Stock options exercised, Amount	0.0	0.0	0.0
Common Stock, Amount (at par), Balance end of period	$ 0.5	$ 0.5	$ 0.5

Common Stock and Related Matters - Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Basic Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:
Income from continuing operations	$ 116.3	$ 105.5	$ 79.0
Less: Income attributable to participating securities	(2.2)	(1.9)	(1.4)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$ 114.1	$ 103.6	$ 77.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41,400	42,200	42,500
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations	$ 2.75	$ 2.46	$ 1.83
Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations:
Income from continuing operations	$ 116.3	$ 105.5	$ 79.0
Less: Income attributable to participating securities	(2.2)	(1.9)	(1.4)
Income from continuing operations available to common shareholders	$ 114.1	$ 103.6	$ 77.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41,400	42,200	42,500
Common stock equivalents	500	600	800
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	41,900	42,800	43,300
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations	$ 2.72	$ 2.42	$ 1.79
Basic Earnings per Share from Discontinued Operations:
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations	$ 0.0	$ 0.0	$ 0.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41,400	42,200	42,500
Basic earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.01
Diluted Earnings per Share from Discontinued Operations:
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations	$ 0.0	$ 0.0	$ 0.6
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	41,400	42,200	42,500
Common stock equivalents	500	600	800
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	41,900	42,800	43,300
Diluted earnings (loss) per share from discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.01
Stock Options
Earnings per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share (in shares)	180	135

Share-Based Payments (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2007

Oct. 31, 2003

Aug. 31, 2012

USD ($)

$ / shares

Aug. 31, 2011

USD ($)

$ / shares

Aug. 31, 2010

USD ($)

$ / shares

Jan. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2009

$ / shares

Jan. 31, 2007

Nov. 30, 2001

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]

Expected life of options | yr

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]

Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares

$ 33.06

$10.00 – $20.00 (average life – 1.2 years)

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Outstanding

^[1]

Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares

$ 18.54

Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Exercisable

Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable | $ / shares

$ 18.54

$20.01 – $30.00 (average life – 2.3 years)

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Outstanding

300,000

Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares

$ 25.59

Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Exercisable

300,000

Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable | $ / shares

$ 25.59

$30.01 – $40.00 (average life – 5.6 years)

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Outstanding

400,000

Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares

$ 34.94

Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Exercisable

400,000

Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable | $ / shares

$ 35.00

$40.01 – $50.00 (average life – 7.3 years)

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Outstanding

300,000

Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares

$ 43.56

Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Exercisable

200,000

Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable | $ / shares

$ 40.29

$50.01 – $60.00 (average life – 8.1 years)

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Outstanding

100,000

Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares

$ 50.56

Range of option exercise prices: Number of Shares, Exercisable

100,000

Range of option exercise prices: Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable | $ / shares

$ 50.56

Stock Options

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]

2,300,000

2,600,000

2,900,000

Unrecognized compensation cost | $

$ 2.7

Unrecognized compensation cost period of recognition (years) | yr

1.3

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]

Dividend yield

1.00%

1.30%

Expected volatility

43.20%

41.80%

Expected volatility, minimum

40.90%

Expected volatility, maximum

41.20%

Risk-free interest rate

1.10%

1.20%

Risk-free interest rate, minimum

2.10%

Risk-free interest rate, maximum

2.50%

Expected life of options | yr

Weighted-average fair value of options | $ / shares

$ 16.43

$ 16.95

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]

Beginning of period, Outstanding, Number of Shares

1,300,000

1,500,000

1,700,000

Granted, Number of Shares

100,000

200,000

Exercised, Number of Shares

(300,000)

(400,000)

Cancelled, Number of Shares

^[1]

(100,000)

End of period, Outstanding, Number of Shares

1,100,000

1,300,000

1,500,000

Beginning of period, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares

$ 31.67

$ 27.78

$ 24.69

Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares

46.29

50.56

34.44

Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares

22.02

21.18

16.73

Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares

35.64

39.57

0.00

End of period, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares

$ 36.25

$ 31.67

$ 27.78

Exercisable, Number of Shares, Outstanding

1,000,000

1,100,000

1,300,000

Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding | $ / shares

$ 28.81

$ 26.03

$ 22.09

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Total intrinsic value of stock options excpected to vest | $

$ 11.7

$ 8.9

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised | $

32.1

Total intrinsic value of stock options outstanding | $

32.1

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercisable | $

$ 26.7

Stock Options | $10.00 – $20.00 (average life – 1.2 years)

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Range of option exercise prices: lower range limit | $ / shares

$ 10.00

Range of option exercise prices: upper range limit | $ / shares

$ 20.00

Stock Options | $20.01 – $30.00 (average life – 2.3 years)

1 year 2 months 12 days

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Range of option exercise prices: lower range limit | $ / shares

$ 20.01

Range of option exercise prices: upper range limit | $ / shares

$ 30.00

Stock Options | $30.01 – $40.00 (average life – 5.6 years)

2 years 3 months 18 days

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Range of option exercise prices: lower range limit | $ / shares

$ 30.01

Range of option exercise prices: upper range limit | $ / shares

$ 40.00

Stock Options | $40.01 – $50.00 (average life – 7.3 years)

5 years 7 months 6 days

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Range of option exercise prices: lower range limit | $ / shares

$ 40.01

Range of option exercise prices: upper range limit | $ / shares

$ 50.00

Stock Options | $50.01 – $60.00 (average life – 8.1 years)

7 years 3 months 18 days

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Range of option exercise prices: lower range limit | $ / shares

$ 50.01

Range of option exercise prices: upper range limit | $ / shares

$ 60.00

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]

8 years 1 month 6 days

Stock Options | Minimum

Dividend yield

1.50%

Weighted-average fair value of options | $ / shares

$ 11.19

Stock Options | Maximum

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]

Dividend yield

1.80%

Weighted-average fair value of options | $ / shares

$ 13.39

Restricted Stock

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]

Beginning of period, Outstanding, Number of Shares

800,000

Granted, Number of Shares

300,000

Vested, Number of Shares

(300,000)

Forfeited, Number of Shares

^[2]

End of period, Outstanding, Number of Shares

800,000

Beginning of period, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares

$ 40.68

Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares

47.20

Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares

38.78

Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares

39.82

End of period, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share | $ / shares

$ 44.11

$ 40.68

Unrecognized compensation cost | $

$ 23.5

Unrecognized compensation cost period of recognition (years) | yr

1.7

Total fair value of shares vested | $

$ 12.6

$ 11.8

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of shares authorized for issuance

8,100,000

Amended Plan

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Increase in the number of shares available for grant

500,000

5,000,000

Number of shares available for grant with shareholders approval

2,000,000

Amended Plan | Maximum

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of shares available for grant without shareholder approval

3,000,000

Amended Plan | Stock Options

Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Stock Options [Abstract]

Share-based compensation vesting period (years)

3 years

Share-based compensation, expiration period

10 years

Amended Plan | Restricted Stock

Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]

Comensation expense recognized in continuing operations | $

$ 13.1

$ 11.4

$ 9.8

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]

End of period, Outstanding, Number of Shares

790,000

Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Stock Options [Abstract]

Share-based compensation vesting period (years)

4 years

Directors' Plan

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of shares authorized for issuance

300,000

Directors' Plan | Stock Options

Share-based Compensation Arrangement, Stock Options [Abstract]

Share-based compensation vesting period (years)

1 year

Share-based compensation, expiration period

10 years

Shares (whole units) granted under Director's Plan

200,000

Nonemployee Directors' Stock Option Plan, Amended | Stock Options

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of shares authorized for issuance

1,500,000

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

1,100,000

Employee discount on purchases of common stock

5.00%

Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

86,000

Deferred compensation, number of share units outstanding

136,000

Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Minimum

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Deferred compensation, deferral percentage of annual retainer

50.00%

2011 Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Common stock reserved for issuance (in shares)

300,000

Supplemental Deferred Savings Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)

Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, End of Period [Abstract]

Deferred compensation, number of share units outstanding

28,000

[1]	Represents outstanding or exercisable shares of less than 0.1.
[2]	Represents restricted shares of less than 0.1.

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Self-insured retention for each claim per occurence	$ 500,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal 2013	15,300,000
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal 2014	11,400,000
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal 2015	8,100,000
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal 2016	7,500,000
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal 2017	5,800,000
Minimum lease payments under noncancelable lease for fiscal year after 2017	6,300,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net [Abstract]
Total rent expense	15,700,000	$ 15,800,000	$ 16,600,000
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Payment Schedule [Abstract]
Purchase obligations in fiscal 2013	99,500,000
Purchase obligation in fiscal 2014	1,500,000
Purchase obligation in fiscal 2015	1,500,000
Purchase obligation in fiscal 2016	1,500,000
Purchase obligation beyond fiscal 2016	0
Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	4,200,000	3,600,000
Adjustments to the warranty and recall reserve	5,600,000	5,700,000
Payments made during the period	(5,800,000)	(5,100,000)
Balance, end of period	$ 4,000,000	$ 4,200,000	$ 3,600,000
Total work force covered by collective bargaining agreements
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Payment Schedule [Abstract]
Collective bargaining agreements, percentage of work force	60.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year [Member]
Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Payment Schedule [Abstract]
Collective bargaining agreements, percentage of work force	55.00%

Special Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			60 Months Ended
Special Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 31, 2012
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Special charge			$ 13.3	$ 0.0	$ 8.4
Fiscal 2008-2010 Actions \| Severance and employee-related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative special charges						$ 49.5
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period		$ 3.5	3.5
Special charge adjustment			(0.2)
Payments made during the period			(3.1)
Balance, end of period			0.2	3.5		0.2
Fiscal 2008-2010 Actions \| Facility closing
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period		0.3	0.3
Special charge adjustment			0.0
Payments made during the period			(0.3)
Balance, end of period			0.0	0.3		0.0
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Severance and employee-related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax expenses related to restructuring		2.7
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period		$ 0.0	0.0
Special charge			11.7
Payments made during the period			(6.1)
Balance, end of period			5.6	$ 0.0		$ 5.6
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Facility closing
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expected pre-tax expense			11.4
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Employee severance and benefits
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Expected pre-tax expense			7.4
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Reduction in Workforce
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax expenses related to restructuring	$ 1.2
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Special Charges \| Facility closing
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Special charge			9.4
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Special Charges \| Employee severance and benefits
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Special charge			7.6
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Special Charges \| Production transfer
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Special charge			1.4
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Special Charges \| Other miscellaneous costs
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Special charge			0.4
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Cost of Products Sold
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax expenses related to restructuring			4.4
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Cost of Products Sold \| Manufacturing inefficiencies
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax expenses related to restructuring			$ 3.2
Product Concentration Risk [Member] \| Net sales \| Maximum \| Fiscal 2012 Actions
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Net sales as percentage of total net sales			10.00%			10.00%

Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for current federal taxes	$ 47.9	$ 36.9	$ 24.0
Provision for current state taxes	5.4	3.9	4.0
Provision for current foreign taxes	3.7	2.3	4.7
Provision for deferred taxes	5.7	9.0	7.1
Total provision for income taxes	$ 62.7	$ 52.1	$ 39.8

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the domestic taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Paragraph Question 1-7

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Current Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509736

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6889476&loc=d3e330036-122817

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 289
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Current Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509736

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6889476&loc=d3e330036-122817

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 289
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6889476&loc=d3e330036-122817

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 289
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract]

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Aug. 31, 2010

Federal income tax computed at statutory rate

$ 62,600,000

$ 55,100,000

$ 41,600,000

State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit

4,500,000

4,000,000

2,600,000

Foreign permanent differences and rate differential

(1,200,000)

(800,000)

(600,000)

Other, net

(3,200,000)

(6,200,000)

(3,800,000)

Total provision for income taxes

62,700,000

52,100,000

39,800,000

Deferred Income Tax Liabilities:

Depreciation

(6,000,000)

(5,500,000)

Goodwill and intangibles

(88,200,000)

(82,600,000)

Other liabilities

(6,100,000)

Total deferred income tax liabilities

(100,300,000)

(94,200,000)

Other accruals not yet deductible

Self-insurance

3,200,000

3,800,000

Pension

30,400,000

20,400,000

Deferred compensation

26,000,000

25,500,000

Bonuses

1,900,000

1,400,000

Net operating losses

^[1]

13,700,000

13,100,000

12,500,000

13,200,000

Other assets

6,500,000

6,100,000

Total deferred income tax assets

94,200,000

83,500,000

Valuation Allowance

^[1]

(10,200,000)

(7,700,000)

Net deferred income tax (liabilities) assets

(16,300,000)

(18,400,000)

Undistributed earnings and original investments in foreign subsidiaries

40,100,000

State tax credit carryforwards

2,500,000

Unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect annual effective tax rate

6,000,000

Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]

Unrecognized tax benefits balance, beginning of period

6,800,000

6,700,000

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

200,000

400,000

Additions for tax positions of prior years

1,100,000

600,000

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

(300,000)

(200,000)

Reductions due to settlements

(100,000)

(200,000)

Reductions due to lapse of statute of limitations

(700,000)

(500,000)

Unrecognized tax benefits balance, end of period

7,000,000

$ 6,800,000

$ 6,700,000

Total accrued interest

800,000

Renaissance

Valuation allowance attributable to deferred tax assets

4,100,000

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]

Operating loss carryforwards

31,800,000

State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]

Operating loss carryforwards

17,700,000

Foreign Country [Member]

Operating loss carryforwards

$ 6,900,000

[1]	A substantial portion of the deferred income tax asset and valuation allowance relates to cumulative net operating losses incurred by Renaissance up to the date of acquisition.

Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Event (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Total cost of repurchased shares under repurchase plan	$ 9.2	$ 58.0	$ 39.1
July 2010 Plan
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Reacquired shares of outstanding common stock	252,000
Number of repurchase shares, authorized			2,000,000
October 2011 Plan
Class of Stock Disclosures [Abstract]
Reacquired shares of outstanding common stock	0
Number of repurchase shares authorized as percentage of outstanding common stock	5.00%
Number of repurchase shares, authorized	2,000,000

Equity impact of the cost of common and preferred stock that were repurchased during the period. Recorded using the cost method.

Number of operating segments | segments

Geographic Information (Details)
$ in Millions

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

USD ($)

segments

May 31, 2012

USD ($)

Feb. 29, 2012

USD ($)

Nov. 30, 2011

USD ($)

Aug. 31, 2011

USD ($)

May 31, 2011

USD ($)

Feb. 28, 2011

USD ($)

Nov. 30, 2010

USD ($)

Aug. 31, 2012

USD ($)

segments

Aug. 31, 2011

USD ($)

Aug. 31, 2010

USD ($)

Geographic Distribution

Net sales

$ 514.3

$ 487.5

$ 457.7

$ 474.3

$ 496.2

$ 458.3

$ 416.2

$ 425.0

$ 1,933.7

^[1]

$ 1,795.7

^[1]

$ 1,626.9

^[1]

Operating profit

208.0

188.7

157.7

Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes

179.0

157.6

118.8

Long-lived assets

^[2]

172.2

173.5

172.2

173.5

162.2

Domestic

Geographic Distribution

Net sales

^[1],[3]

1,728.1

1,604.5

1,446.1

Operating profit

^[3]

197.7

175.4

139.9

Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes

^[3]

171.6

145.5

101.1

Long-lived assets

^[2],[3]

141.9

140.8

141.9

140.8

130.4

International

Geographic Distribution

Net sales

^[1]

205.6

191.2

180.8

Operating profit

10.3

13.3

17.8

Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes

7.4

12.1

17.7

Long-lived assets

^[2]

$ 30.3

$ 32.7

$ 30.3

$ 32.7

$ 31.8

[1]	Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location.
[2]	Long-lived assets include net property, plant, and equipment, deferred compensation plan assets, long-term deferred income tax assets, and other long-term assets for continuing operations.
[3]	Domestic amounts include net sales (including export sales), operating profit, income before provision for income taxes, and long-lived assets for U.S. based operations.

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Aug. 31, 2009
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 284,500,000	$ 170,200,000	$ 191,000,000		$ 18,700,000
Accounts receivable, net	263,800,000	262,600,000
Inventories	194,100,000	165,900,000
Other current assets	36,600,000	31,800,000
Total Current Assets	779,000,000	630,500,000
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	139,200,000	143,200,000
Goodwill	554,900,000	559,200,000
Intangible assets	230,800,000	234,200,000
Other long-term assets	33,000,000	30,300,000
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Total Assets	1,736,900,000	1,597,400,000
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	232,700,000	203,800,000
Intercompany payable (receivable)	0	0
Other accrued liabilities	132,100,000	127,600,000
Total Current Liabilities	364,800,000	331,400,000
Long-Term Debt	353,500,000	353,400,000
Deferred Income Taxes	33,400,000	36,400,000
Other Long-Term Liabilities	151,200,000	119,200,000
Total Stockholders’ Equity	834,000,000	757,000,000	694,400,000		672,200,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	1,736,900,000	1,597,400,000
Parent
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	246,600,000	127,200,000	163,100,000		2,400,000
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Other current assets	4,500,000	6,000,000
Total Current Assets	251,100,000	133,200,000
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets	0	0
Other long-term assets	3,600,000	3,500,000
Investments in subsidiaries	705,100,000	741,300,000
Total Assets	959,800,000	878,000,000
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	800,000	1,600,000
Intercompany payable (receivable)	83,400,000	78,100,000
Other accrued liabilities	12,600,000	14,500,000
Total Current Liabilities	96,800,000	94,200,000
Long-Term Debt	0	0
Deferred Income Taxes	(32,000,000)	(30,000,000)
Other Long-Term Liabilities	61,000,000	56,800,000
Total Stockholders’ Equity	834,000,000	757,000,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	959,800,000	878,000,000
Subsidiaries Issuer
Condensed Financial Statements of Balance Sheets
Aggregate principal amount of unsecured notes				$ 350,000,000
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	100,000	400,000		600,000
Accounts receivable, net	228,200,000	228,300,000
Inventories	183,800,000	156,700,000
Other current assets	26,200,000	19,800,000
Total Current Assets	438,200,000	404,900,000
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	109,600,000	111,300,000
Goodwill	516,100,000	519,800,000
Intangible assets	104,500,000	106,800,000
Other long-term assets	20,800,000	19,100,000
Investments in subsidiaries	87,300,000	105,700,000
Total Assets	1,276,500,000	1,267,600,000
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	218,000,000	191,200,000
Intercompany payable (receivable)	(28,300,000)	(43,000,000)
Other accrued liabilities	103,200,000	100,700,000
Total Current Liabilities	292,900,000	248,900,000
Long-Term Debt	353,500,000	353,400,000
Deferred Income Taxes	68,200,000	69,800,000
Other Long-Term Liabilities	64,700,000	48,200,000
Total Stockholders’ Equity	497,200,000	547,300,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	1,276,500,000	1,267,600,000
Subsidiary Guarantor
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0		0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total Current Assets	0	0
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	2,700,000	2,700,000
Intangible assets	122,000,000	125,500,000
Other long-term assets	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	0	0
Total Assets	124,700,000	128,200,000
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany payable (receivable)	(98,100,000)	(78,600,000)
Other accrued liabilities	0	0
Total Current Liabilities	(98,100,000)	(78,600,000)
Long-Term Debt	0	0
Deferred Income Taxes	0	0
Other Long-Term Liabilities	0	0
Total Stockholders’ Equity	222,800,000	206,800,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	124,700,000	128,200,000
Non-Guarantor
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	37,900,000	42,900,000	27,500,000		15,700,000
Accounts receivable, net	35,600,000	34,300,000
Inventories	10,300,000	9,200,000
Other current assets	5,900,000	6,000,000
Total Current Assets	89,700,000	92,400,000
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	29,600,000	31,900,000
Goodwill	36,100,000	36,700,000
Intangible assets	4,300,000	1,900,000
Other long-term assets	8,600,000	7,700,000
Investments in subsidiaries	0	100,000
Total Assets	168,300,000	170,700,000
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	13,900,000	11,000,000
Intercompany payable (receivable)	43,000,000	43,500,000
Other accrued liabilities	16,300,000	12,400,000
Total Current Liabilities	73,200,000	66,900,000
Long-Term Debt	0	0
Deferred Income Taxes	(2,800,000)	(3,400,000)
Other Long-Term Liabilities	25,500,000	14,200,000
Total Stockholders’ Equity	72,400,000	93,000,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	168,300,000	170,700,000
Eliminations
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	$ 0		$ 0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Total Current Assets	0	0
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible assets	0	0
Other long-term assets	0	0
Investments in subsidiaries	(792,400,000)	(847,100,000)
Total Assets	(792,400,000)	(847,100,000)
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany payable (receivable)	0	0
Other accrued liabilities	0	0
Total Current Liabilities	0	0
Long-Term Debt	0	0
Deferred Income Taxes	0	0
Other Long-Term Liabilities	0	0
Total Stockholders’ Equity	(792,400,000)	(847,100,000)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ (792,400,000)	$ (847,100,000)

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Income Statement (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

May 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Nov. 30, 2011

Aug. 31, 2011

May 31, 2011

Feb. 28, 2011

Nov. 30, 2010

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Aug. 31, 2010

$ 1,933.7

$ 1,795.7

$ 1,626.9

0.0

$ 514.3

$ 487.5

$ 457.7

$ 474.3

$ 496.2

$ 458.3

$ 416.2

$ 425.0

1,933.7

^[1]

1,795.7

^[1]

1,626.9

^[1]

1,145.7

1,065.7

965.4

210.5

^[2]

202.0

^[2]

181.9

^[2]

193.6

^[3]

200.4

189.6

163.9

176.1

788.0

730.0

661.5

566.7

541.3

495.4

0.0

13.3

0.0

8.4

208.0

188.7

157.7

30.7

29.9

29.4

0.0

10.5

0.0

Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes

(1.7)

1.2

(1.0)

179.0

157.6

118.8

62.7

52.1

39.8

116.3

105.5

79.0

0.0

0.6

$ 33.3

^[2]

$ 33.6

^[2]

$ 19.5

^[2]

$ 29.9

^[3]

$ 34.2

$ 27.0

$ 19.9

$ 24.4

116.3

105.5

79.6

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

25.4

25.3

24.3

(35.4)

(35.8)

(33.6)

0.0

0.6

10.0

10.5

8.7

8.9

8.4

7.8

0.0

(115.4)

(103.9)

(78.2)

Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes

(0.3)

116.8

106.3

79.4

0.5

0.8

0.4

79.0

0.6

116.3

105.5

79.6

Subsidiaries Issuer

1,726.4

1,603.4

1,437.8

0.0

1,726.4

1,603.4

1,437.8

1,002.9

934.1

842.6

723.5

669.3

595.2

508.4

483.8

440.6

30.7

30.9

28.6

12.4

7.3

172.0

154.6

118.7

22.2

21.8

10.5

1.3

(3.1)

(6.9)

Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes

(2.1)

1.6

(1.0)

150.6

134.3

94.3

49.2

41.9

28.3

66.0

0.0

101.4

92.4

66.0

Subsidiary Guarantor

0.0

30.2

27.7

25.3

30.2

27.7

25.3

0.0

30.2

27.7

25.3

3.5

4.6

4.1

0.0

0.0

26.7

23.1

21.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes

0.0

26.7

23.1

21.2

10.8

9.3

7.4

13.8

0.0

15.9

13.8

Non-Guarantor

207.3

192.3

189.1

67.5

71.8

62.4

274.8

264.1

251.5

210.3

203.4

185.2

64.5

60.7

66.3

59.6

55.3

51.7

4.7

4.9

5.0

0.9

0.5

(0.7)

0.5

9.1

(0.4)

(0.3)

(0.2)

0.0

0.1

Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes

0.7

(0.1)

0.3

(1.1)

0.8

8.9

2.2

0.1

3.7

5.2

0.0

(3.3)

0.7

5.2

Eliminations

0.0

(97.7)

(99.5)

(87.7)

(97.7)

(99.5)

(87.7)

(67.5)

(71.8)

(62.4)

(30.2)

(27.7)

(25.3)

(30.2)

(27.7)

(25.3)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

114.0

106.9

85.0

Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes

0.0

(114.0)

(106.9)

(85.0)

0.0

(85.0)

0.0

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

$ (114.0)

$ (106.9)

$ (85.0)

[1]	Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location.
[2]	Gross Profit, Net Income, Basic Earnings per Share, and Diluted Earnings per Share for fiscal 2012 include pre-tax expenses incurred in the closing of the Cochran, GA manufacturing facility and other streamlining activities. The adjustments for these restructuring charges were comprised of the following: a) $10.6 of special charge primarily related to severance and production transfer costs; b) non-cash impairments of $1.2 attributable to the abandonment of usable inventory that will not be transferred to other facilities; and c) incremental costs incurred due to manufacturing inefficiencies directly related to the Cochran facility closure, which amounted to approximately $3.2.
[3]	Gross Profit, Net Income, Basic Earnings per Share, and Diluted Earnings per Share for fiscal 2012 include pre-tax expenses related to the realignment of responsibilities primarily within various SD&A departments of $2.7.

Supplemental Guarantor Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements - Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	$ 172.2	$ 161.1	$ 160.5
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(31.4)	(23.3)	(21.9)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0.1	1.2	0.2
Investments in subsidiaries	0.0	0.0	0.0
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	(3.8)	(90.4)	(22.6)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(35.1)	(112.5)	(44.3)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt	0.0	0.0	(237.9)
Issuance of long-term debt	0.0	0.0	346.5
Intercompany borrowings (payments)			0.0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	7.6	6.5	6.5
Repurchases of common stock	(9.2)	(61.0)	(36.1)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	4.9	5.3	2.8
Intercompany dividends	0.0
Intercompany capital	0.0	0.0	0.0
Dividends paid	(22.0)	(22.6)	(22.6)
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(18.7)	(71.8)	59.2
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations:
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(4.1)	2.4	(3.1)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	114.3	(20.8)	172.3
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	170.2	191.0	18.7
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	284.5	170.2	191.0
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	141.9	126.3	232.7
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	0.0	0.0	0.0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0.0	0.0	0.0
Investments in subsidiaries	(3.8)	(90.4)	(14.6)
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	0.0	0.0	(8.0)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(3.8)	(90.4)	(22.6)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt			0.0
Issuance of long-term debt			0.0
Intercompany borrowings (payments)			0.0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	7.6	6.5	6.5
Repurchases of common stock	(9.2)	(61.0)	(36.1)
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	4.9	5.3	2.8
Intercompany dividends	0.0
Intercompany capital	0.0	0.0	0.0
Dividends paid	(22.0)	(22.6)	(22.6)
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(18.7)	(71.8)	(49.4)
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations:
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	119.4	(35.9)	160.7
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	127.2	163.1	2.4
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	246.6	127.2	163.1
Subsidiaries Issuer
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	29.8	18.0	(91.3)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(27.7)	(20.0)	(19.4)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0.1	1.2	0.1
Investments in subsidiaries	0.0	0.0	0.0
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	(3.8)	(90.4)	(14.6)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(31.4)	(109.2)	(33.9)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt			(237.9)
Issuance of long-term debt			346.5
Intercompany borrowings (payments)			2.4
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0.0	0.0	0.0
Repurchases of common stock	0.0	0.0	0.0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0.0	0.0	0.0
Intercompany dividends	0.0
Intercompany capital	3.8	90.4	14.6
Dividends paid	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	3.8	90.4	125.6
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations:
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(2.3)	0.5	(0.6)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(0.1)	(0.3)	(0.2)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	0.1	0.4	0.6
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	0.0	0.1	0.4
Subsidiary Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	0.0	0.0	0.0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0.0	0.0	0.0
Investments in subsidiaries	0.0	0.0	0.0
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt			0.0
Issuance of long-term debt			0.0
Intercompany borrowings (payments)			0.0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0.0	0.0	0.0
Repurchases of common stock	0.0	0.0	0.0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0.0	0.0	0.0
Intercompany dividends	0.0
Intercompany capital	0.0	0.0	0.0
Dividends paid	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations:
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	0.0	0.0	0.0
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	2.5	16.8	19.1
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	(3.7)	(3.3)	(2.5)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0.0	0.0	0.1
Investments in subsidiaries	0.0	0.0	0.0
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	(3.7)	(3.3)	(2.4)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt			0.0
Issuance of long-term debt			0.0
Intercompany borrowings (payments)			(2.4)
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0.0	0.0	0.0
Repurchases of common stock	0.0	0.0	0.0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0.0	0.0	0.0
Intercompany dividends	(2.0)
Intercompany capital	0.0	0.0	0.0
Dividends paid	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(2.0)	0.0	(2.4)
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations:
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(1.8)	1.9	(2.5)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(5.0)	15.4	11.8
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	42.9	27.5	15.7
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	37.9	42.9	27.5
Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements of Cash Flows
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	(2.0)	0.0	0.0
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities:
Purchases of property, plant, and equipment	0.0	0.0	0.0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	0.0	0.0	0.0
Investments in subsidiaries	3.8	90.4	14.6
Acquisitions of business and intangible assets	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities	3.8	90.4	14.6
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities:
Repayments of long-term debt			0.0
Issuance of long-term debt			0.0
Intercompany borrowings (payments)			0.0
Proceeds from stock option exercises and other	0.0	0.0	0.0
Repurchases of common stock	0.0	0.0	0.0
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments	0.0	0.0	0.0
Intercompany dividends	2.0
Intercompany capital	(3.8)	(90.4)	(14.6)
Dividends paid	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	(1.8)	(90.4)	(14.6)
Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations:
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	0.0	0.0	0.0
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	0.0	0.0	0.0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$ 0.0	$ 0.0	$ 0.0

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

May 31, 2012

Feb. 29, 2012

Nov. 30, 2011

Aug. 31, 2011

May 31, 2011

Feb. 28, 2011

Nov. 30, 2010

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Aug. 31, 2010

Net Sales

$ 514.3

$ 487.5

$ 457.7

$ 474.3

$ 496.2

$ 458.3

$ 416.2

$ 425.0

$ 1,933.7

^[1]

$ 1,795.7

^[1]

$ 1,626.9

^[1]

210.5

^[2]

202.0

^[2]

181.9

^[2]

193.6

^[3]

200.4

189.6

163.9

176.1

788.0

730.0

661.5

Diluted Earnings per Share

$ 33.3

^[2]

$ 33.6

^[2]

$ 19.5

^[2]

$ 29.9

^[3]

$ 34.2

$ 27.0

$ 19.9

$ 24.4

$ 116.3

$ 105.5

$ 79.6

Basic Earnings per Share

$ 0.78

^[2]

$ 0.80

^[2]

$ 0.46

^[2]

$ 0.71

^[3]

$ 0.80

$ 0.63

$ 0.46

$ 0.57

$ 2.75

$ 2.46

$ 1.84

$ 0.78

^[2]

$ 0.79

^[2]

$ 0.46

^[2]

$ 0.70

^[3]

$ 0.79

$ 0.62

$ 0.45

$ 0.56

$ 2.72

$ 2.42

$ 1.80

[1]	Net sales are attributed to each country based on the selling location.
[2]	Gross Profit, Net Income, Basic Earnings per Share, and Diluted Earnings per Share for fiscal 2012 include pre-tax expenses incurred in the closing of the Cochran, GA manufacturing facility and other streamlining activities. The adjustments for these restructuring charges were comprised of the following: a) $10.6 of special charge primarily related to severance and production transfer costs; b) non-cash impairments of $1.2 attributable to the abandonment of usable inventory that will not be transferred to other facilities; and c) incremental costs incurred due to manufacturing inefficiencies directly related to the Cochran facility closure, which amounted to approximately $3.2.
[3]	Gross Profit, Net Income, Basic Earnings per Share, and Diluted Earnings per Share for fiscal 2012 include pre-tax expenses related to the realignment of responsibilities primarily within various SD&A departments of $2.7.

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 210
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-Article 9

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Number 07-4
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
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-Paragraph 19

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

Reserve for doubtful accounts

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special Charge		$ 13.3	$ 0.0	$ 8.4
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Severance and employee-related costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax expenses related to restructuring	$ 2.7
Special Charge		11.7
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Cost of Products Sold
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax expenses related to restructuring		4.4
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Cost of Products Sold \| Severance and production transfer costs
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Special Charge		10.6
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Cost of Products Sold \| Non-cash asset impairments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax expenses related to restructuring		1.2
Fiscal 2012 Actions \| Cost of Products Sold \| Manufacturing inefficiencies
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pre-tax expenses related to restructuring		$ 3.2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions

12 Months Ended

Aug. 31, 2012

Aug. 31, 2011

Aug. 31, 2010

Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at Beginning of Year

$ 1.8

$ 2.0

$ 1.9

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense

0.4

0.8

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts

^[1]

0.0

0.1

(0.1)

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at End of Year

0.8

0.7

0.6

1.4

1.8

2.0

Reserve for estimated warranty and recall costs

Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at Beginning of Year

4.2

3.6

3.4

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense

5.6

5.1

4.9

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts

^[1]

0.0

0.6

0.2

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at End of Year

5.8

5.1

4.9

4.0

4.2

3.6

Reserve for estimated returns and allowances

Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at Beginning of Year

4.9

4.8

4.4

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense

39.6

45.5

42.8

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts

^[1]

0.0

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at End of Year

40.6

45.4

42.4

3.9

4.9

4.8

Self-insurance reserve

Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance at Beginning of Year

^[2]

9.1

9.5

11.7

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense

^[2]

5.8

6.0

3.6

Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Other Accounts

^[1],[2]

0.5

0.0

0.2