Cash dividends paid (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Property, plant, and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Property, Plant, and Equipment Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Award Timing Predetermined Award Timing Predetermined [Flag] Business acquisition, goodwill, expected tax deductible amount Business Combination, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible, Amount Entity File Number Entity File Number Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Other Expense Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Tabular List, Table Tabular List [Table Text Block] Intangible Asset, Acquired, Finite-Lived [Line Items] Intangible Asset, Acquired, Finite-Lived [Line Items] Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) [Member] Interest expense (income), net Interest expense (income), net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating Trading Arrangements, by Individual Trading Arrangements, by Individual [Table] 2.150% Senior Unsecured Notes Due December 2030 2.150% Senior Unsecured Notes Due December 2030 [Member] 2.150% Senior Unsecured Notes Due December 2030 Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Adjustment to Compensation: Adjustment to Compensation [Axis] Named Executive Officers, Footnote Named Executive Officers, Footnote [Text Block] Inventories excluding reserves Inventory, Gross Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Consideration transferred: Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Stock, Class of Stock [Table] Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Current debt Short-Term Debt Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Share-based payment amortization, issuances, and cancellations (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Fair Value Transfers Fair Value Transfer, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock options exercised and other Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised And Other Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised And Other ABL Acuity Brands Lighting Segment [Member] Acuity Brands Lighting Segment Adjustment to Compensation, Amount Adjustment to Compensation Amount Share-based payment expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Employee Stock Option Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Option [Member] Award Timing MNPI Disclosure Award Timing MNPI Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Income taxes paid during the period Income Taxes Paid ABL Acuity Brands Lighting [Member] Acuity Brands Lighting Total stockholders’ equity Beginning balance Ending balance Equity, Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications OCI, before Reclassifications, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items] Share-based payment expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] AIS Acuity Intelligent Spaces [Member] Acuity Intelligent Spaces Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Fair Value Measured on Recurring Basis Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Defined Benefit Pension Plans Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension plans Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Miscellaneous (income) expense, net: Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Capital expenditures Segment, Expenditure, Addition to Long-Lived Assets Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Total Compensation Amount Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Non-service components of net periodic pension cost Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component Treasury Stock, at cost Treasury Stock, Common [Member] Karen J. Holcom, Trading Arrangement, Common Stock [Member] Karen J. Holcom, Trading Arrangement, Common Stock Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote Adjustment to Non-PEO NEO Compensation Footnote [Text Block] Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Line Items] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Forgone Recovery due to Disqualification of Tax Benefits, Amount Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Company Selected Measure Amount Company Selected Measure Amount Award Timing MNPI Considered Award Timing MNPI Considered [Flag] Deferred issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Gross Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Operating lease right-of-use assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Operating Lease Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Operating Lease Assets Name Measure Name Letters of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Schedule of Components of Share-Based Payment Expense Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table Text Block] Current operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Current Before Tax Amount Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Schedule of Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities [Table Text Block] Unsecured Debt Unsecured Debt [Member] Award Timing Method Award Timing Method [Text Block] Award Type Award Type [Axis] Non-current deferred revenues Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Foreign Currency Items Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Long-term debt Long-Term Debt Schedule of Tax Expense or Benefit Allocated to Each Component of Other Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Total assets Segment assets Assets Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Cash flows from operating activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Weighted Average Useful Life (Years) Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Non-PEO NEO Average Compensation Actually Paid Amount Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Other Measure [Text Block] Cash consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Total identifiable assets Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Asset Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Prior Year Equity Awards Vested in Covered Year [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Not Adopted [Text Block] Business Combination [Domain] Business Combination [Domain] Beginning balance (in shares) Ending balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Debt issuance price as a percentage of face value (as percent) Debt, Issuance Price, Percentage of Face Value Debt, Issuance Price, Percentage of Face Value PEO PEO [Member] Schedule of Disaggregated Revenues Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year Dividends or Other Earnings Paid on Equity Awards not Otherwise Reflected in Total Compensation for Covered Year [Member] Schedule of Product Warranty Liability Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Prepayments and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Restatement Determination Date Restatement Determination Date Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash, Cash Equivalent, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalent, Continuing Operation Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Applicable margins as determined by leverage ratio or ratings level Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Tax-related items Taxes Payable, Current Beginning balance Ending balance Standard Product Warranty Accrual Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Pension Adjustments Service Cost Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Total property, plant, and equipment, at cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Restatement does not require Recovery Restatement Does Not Require Recovery [Text Block] Business Combination [Table] Business Combination [Table] Customer incentive programs Contract With Customer, Customer Incentive Liabilities, Current Contract With Customer, Customer Incentive Liabilities, Current Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Schedule of Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired and Liability Assumed [Table Text Block] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure Compensation Actually Paid vs. Company Selected Measure [Text Block] Refunds to customers Contract with Customer, Refund Liability, Current City Area Code City Area Code Acquisitions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Award Timing, How MNPI Considered Award Timing, How MNPI Considered [Text Block] Other items Other Nonoperating Income Buildings and leasehold improvements Building and Building Improvements [Member] All Trading Arrangements All Trading Arrangements [Member] Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote Equity Awards Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Vs Peer Group [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Contract Balances Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] Cash flows from investing activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Pay vs Performance Disclosure Pay vs Performance Disclosure [Table] Net cash provided by operating activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Term of instrument (in years) Debt Instrument, Term Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Other Asset, Current Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill, beginning balance Goodwill, ending balance Goodwill Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote Equity Valuation Assumption Difference, Footnote [Text Block] PEO Total Compensation Amount PEO Total Compensation Amount Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Identifiable assets: Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Asset [Abstract] Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted [Flag] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Inventories Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Inventory, Current Supplemental cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Receivable, Current Other Performance Measure, Amount Other Performance Measure, Amount Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash dividends paid on common stock Dividends Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other comprehensive (loss) income items: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Individual: Individual [Axis] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Net cash used for investing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Change in Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for All Pension Plans Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Interest paid during the period Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activity Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability Forgone Recovery, Explanation of Impracticability [Text Block] Repayments of term loan borrowings Repayments of Long-Term Debt Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Business combination, acquisition related costs Business Combination, Acquisition-Related Cost, Expense Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Trademarks Trademarks [Member] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Schedule of Net Periodic Pension Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Other liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Liability Assumed, Other Liability, Noncurrent Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return Compensation Actually Paid vs. Total Shareholder Return [Text Block] Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Repurchases of common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Schedule of Changes in Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Other long-term assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Interest on debt Interest Payable, Current Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key PEO Name PEO Name Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year Prior Year End Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Any Prior Year that Fail to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Covered Year [Member] Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Gross Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Outstanding Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Schedule of Changes in Stockholders' Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Comprehensive income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Arrangement Duration Trading Arrangement Duration Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Current deferred revenues Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Prepayments and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Exercise Price Award Exercise Price Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Additional 402(v) Disclosure Additional 402(v) Disclosure [Text Block] Other investing activities Payment for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activity Share-based Payments Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Identifiable Intangible Asset, Excluding Goodwill Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired, Cash and Cash Equivalent ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Underlying Security Market Price Change Underlying Security Market Price Change, Percent Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Pension Plans Retirement Benefits [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Business Combination [Line Items] Business Combination [Line Items] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Stockholders’ equity: Equity, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year Vesting Date Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted and Vested in Covered Year [Member] Direct sales network Sales Channel, Through Direct Sales Network [Member] Sales Channel, Through Direct Sales Network [Member] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Interest rate (as percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Reserve for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Raw materials, supplies, and work in process Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials Long-term operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, Transaction between Entities under Common Control, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract] Business Combination, Asset Acquisition, Transaction between Entities under Common Control, and Joint Venture Formation [Abstract] Fair Value as of Grant Date Award Grant Date Fair Value Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method Stock Price or TSR Estimation Method [Text Block] Net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Disposal Group, Held-for-Sale, Not Discontinued Operations Disposal Group, Held-for-Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Schedule of Other (Income) Expenses Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Total Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 [Member] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Assets in fair value hierarchy Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Carrying and estimated fair values of financial instruments Long-Term Debt, Fair Value Changed Peer Group, Footnote Changed Peer Group, Footnote [Text Block] Other investments Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount Payments and other deductions Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Decrease for Payments Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote Adjustment To PEO Compensation, Footnote [Text Block] Machinery, equipment, and information technology Machinery and Equipment [Member] Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Title Trading Arrangement, Individual Title Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Peer Group Total Shareholder Return Amount Operating lease liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities, Operating Lease Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities, Operating Lease Liabilities Restatement Determination Date: Restatement Determination Date [Axis] Non-PEO NEO Non-PEO NEO [Member] Outstanding letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Disposal group, including discontinued operation, property, plant and equipment (excluding impairment) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment (Excluding Impairment) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment (Excluding Impairment) Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payment for) Other Financing Activity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Liabilities assumed: Business Combination, Recognized Liability Assumed, Liability [Abstract] Other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Land Land [Member] Name Trading Arrangement, Individual Name All Award Types Award Type [Domain] Equity Awards Adjustments Equity Awards Adjustments [Member] Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote Pension Benefits Adjustments, Footnote [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Compensation Amount Outstanding Recovery Compensation Amount Aggregate principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Credit Agreement Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation Disclosure [Line Items] Revenue recognized from beginning balances of contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Estimate of Fair Value Measurement Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value MNPI Disclosure Timed for Compensation Value [Flag] Name Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Individual Name Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Not Yet Determined [Text Block] Independent sales network Sales Channel, Through Independent Sales Network [Member] Sales Channel, Through Independent Sales Network [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Karen J. Holcom [Member] Karen J. Holcom Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Product warranty costs Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Current Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost Aggregate Pension Adjustments Service Cost [Member] Fair Value Plan Asset Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Inventories Total inventories Inventory, Net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Minimum Minimum [Member] Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Company Selected Measure Name Company Selected Measure Name Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Debt and Lines of Credit Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 50.0 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Aggregate Available Trading Arrangement, Securities Aggregate Available Amount Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Non-current deferred revenues, recognition period Revenue, Performance Obligation, Recognition Period Revenue, Performance Obligation, Recognition Period Product warranty costs Standard Product Warranty Accrual, Increase for Warranties Issued Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member] Total liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Liability Assumed, Liability All Executive Categories All Executive Categories [Member] Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 500.0 shares authorized; 55.0 and 54.9 shares issued, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding (in shares) Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Acuity Brands Lighting Segment and Acuity Intelligent Spaces Segment Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and contingencies (see Commitments and Contingencies footnote) Commitments and Contingencies Non-GAAP Measure Description Non-GAAP Measure Description [Text Block] Other investments Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. [Member] Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. Business Combination [Axis] Business Combination [Axis] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Interest expense (income), net: Interest Income (Expense), Operating and Nonoperating [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Text Block] Underlying Securities Award Underlying Securities Amount Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Other items Other Nonoperating Expense Document Period End Date Document Period End Date PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount PEO Actually Paid Compensation Amount Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures, Table Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Karen J. Holcom, Trading Arrangement, Stock Option [Member] Karen J. Holcom, Trading Arrangement, Stock Option Deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Liability Assumed, Deferred Tax Liability Document Type Document Type Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Name Outstanding Recovery, Individual Name Net sales Total sales Net sales Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax All Individuals All Individuals [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Purchases of property, plant, and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Name Forgone Recovery, Individual Name Total current assets Assets, Current Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Fair Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested Year-over-Year Change in Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Prior Years That are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] The Credit Agreement The Credit Agreement [Member] The Credit Agreement Proceeds from stock option exercises and other Proceeds, Issuance of Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Including Option Exercised Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Aggregate Erroneous Compensation Amount Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation, Gain (Loss) Payments of taxes withheld on net settlement of equity awards Payment, Tax Withholding, Share-Based Payment Arrangement Peer Group Issuers, Footnote Peer Group Issuers, Footnote [Text Block] Erroneous Compensation Analysis Erroneous Compensation Analysis [Text Block] Other comprehensive loss items, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Stock options exercised and other (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Options Exercised And Other Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Stock Options Exercised And Other Interest expense (income), net Interest Income (Expense), Operating and Nonoperating Other operating activities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated [Flag] Disposal group, including discontinued operation, number of assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Number Of Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Number Of Assets Defined benefit plans, net of tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax and Reclassification Adjustment, Attributable to Parent Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Foreign currency transaction losses Gain (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction, before Tax Accounts payable Business Combination, Recognized Liability Assumed, Accounts Payable, Current Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery Erroneously Awarded Compensation Recovery [Table] Accounts receivable, less reserve for doubtful accounts of $4.1 and $4.3, respectively Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Sales commissions Accrued Sales Commission, Current Treasury stock (in shares) Treasury Stock, Common, Shares Earnings per share Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Total other expense (income) Nonoperating Income (Expense) Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Developed technology and patents Developed Technology And Patents [Member] The exclusive legal right granted by the government to the owner of the patents and developed technology to exploit the technology for a period of time specified by law. QSC, LLC QSC, LLC [Member] QSC, LLC Gross profit Gross Profit Recognized actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] OEM and other Sales Channel, Through Original Equipment Manufacturer And Other [Member] Sales Channel, Through Original Equipment Manufacturer And Other [Member] Award Timing Disclosures [Line Items] Schedule of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Standard warranty term (in years) Standard Product Warranty Period Standard Product Warranty Period Changes in Stockholders' Equity Equity [Text Block] Additional borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Net income Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Expiration Date Trading Arrangement Expiration Date Other current liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Property, plant, and equipment, net Property, plant, and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Repurchases of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Adoption Date Trading Arrangement Adoption Date Base Rate Base Rate [Member] Reclassifications Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block] Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income Compensation Actually Paid vs. Net Income [Text Block] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures Awards Close in Time to MNPI Disclosures [Table] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Operating profit Operating Income (Loss) Line of Credit Line of Credit [Member] Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested Year-end Fair Value of Equity Awards Granted in Covered Year that are Outstanding and Unvested [Member] Executive Category: Executive Category [Axis] Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Borrowings from term loan Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt Less: Reserves Inventory Valuation Reserves Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table Aggregate Grant Date Fair Value of Equity Award Amounts Reported in Summary Compensation Table [Member] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Miscellaneous (income) expense, net Miscellaneous (income) expense, net Miscellaneous income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows from operating activities: Adjustment to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activity [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in Compensation Table Equity Awards Adjustments, Excluding Value Reported in the Compensation Table [Member] Term Loan Facility Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Total identifiable net assets Business Combination, Recognized Asset Acquired to Liability Assumed, Excess (Less) All Adjustments to Compensation All Adjustments to Compensation [Member] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Line of credit facility, additional borrowing capacity Line Of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Increase (Decrease) To Borrowing Capacity Line Of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Increase (Decrease) To Borrowing Capacity Treasury stock, at cost, of 24.3 and 24.2 shares, respectively Treasury Stock, Common, Value Corporate accounts Sales Channel, Through Corporate Accounts Network [Member] Sales Channel, Through Corporate Accounts Network [Member] Termination Date Trading Arrangement Termination Date Net cash used for financing activities Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activity, Including 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