Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
Feb. 29, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
ABL Segment and ISG Segment	ABL Segment Our ABL strategy is to increase product vitality, improve service levels, use technology to improve and differentiate both our products and our services, and drive productivity. ABL's portfolio of lighting solutions includes commercial, architectural, and specialty lighting in addition to lighting controls and components that can be combined to create integrated lighting controls systems. We offer devices such as luminaires that predominantly utilize light emitting diode (“LED”) technology designed to optimize energy efficiency and comfort for various indoor and outdoor applications. ABL's portfolio of products includes but is not limited to the following brands: A-LightTM, AculuxTM, American Electric Lighting®, CycloneTM, Dark to Light®, eldoLED®, Eureka®, Gotham®, Healthcare Lighting®, Holophane®, Hydrel®, IndyTM, IOTA®, Juno®, Lithonia Lighting®, Luminaire LEDTM, Luminis®, Mark Architectural LightingTM, nLight®, OPTOTRONIC®, Peerless®, RELOC® Wiring Solutions, and Sensor Switch®. Principal customers of ABL include electrical distributors, retail home improvement centers, electric utilities, national accounts, original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) customers, digital retailers, lighting showrooms, and energy service companies. ABL's customers are located in North America and select international markets that serve new construction, renovation and retrofit, and maintenance and repair applications. ABL's lighting and lighting controls solutions are sold primarily through a network of independent sales agencies that cover specific geographic areas and market channels, by internal sales representatives, through consumer retail channels, directly to large corporate accounts, and directly to OEM customers. Products are delivered directly from our manufacturing facilities or through a network of distribution centers, regional warehouses, and commercial warehouses using both common carriers and an internally-managed truck fleet. We market ABL's product portfolio and service capabilities to customers and/or end users in multiple channels through a broad spectrum of marketing and promotional methods, including direct customer contact, trade shows, on-site training, print and digital advertising in industry publications, product brochures, and other literature, as well as through digital marketing and social media. ABL operates training and education facilities in several locations throughout North America and Europe designed to enhance the lighting knowledge of customers and industry professionals. ISG Segment Our ISG strategy is to make spaces smarter, safer, and greener by connecting the edge to the cloud. ISG offers building management solutions and building management software. ISG's building management solutions include products for controlling heating, ventilation, air conditioning (“HVAC”), lighting, shades, refrigeration, and building access that deliver end-to-end optimization of those building systems. ISG's intelligent building software enhances the occupant experience, improves building system management, and automates labor intensive tasks while delivering operational energy efficiency and cost reductions. Through a connected and converged building system architecture, ISG's software delivers different applications, allows clients to upgrade over time with natural refresh cycles, and deploys new capabilities. Customers of ISG primarily include system integrators as well as retail stores, airports, and enterprise campuses throughout North America and select international locations. ISG products and solutions are marketed under multiple brand names, including but not limited, to Atrius®, Distech Controls®, and KE2 Therm Solutions®.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation We have prepared the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) to present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position as of February 29, 2024, our consolidated comprehensive income for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, and our consolidated cash flows for the six months ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in our annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. However, we believe that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the three years in the period ended August 31, 2023 and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 26, 2023 (File No. 001-16583) (“Form 10-K”). Our business exhibits some seasonality, with net sales being affected by weather and seasonal demand on construction and installation programs, particularly during the winter months, as well as the annual budget cycles of major customers. Historically, with certain exceptions, we have experienced our highest sales in the last two quarters of each fiscal year due to these factors.
Use of Estimates	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.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications We may reclassify certain prior period amounts to conform to the current year presentation. No material reclassifications occurred during the current period.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”) In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-09, which expands income tax disclosure requirements to include additional information related to the rate reconciliation of our effective tax rates to statutory rates as well as additional disaggregation of taxes paid. The amendments in the ASU also remove disclosures related to certain unrecognized tax benefits and deferred taxes. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, or our fiscal 2026. The amendments may be applied prospectively or retrospectively, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the requirements on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”) In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, which expands reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments in the ASU require that a public entity disclose, on an annual and interim basis, significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to an entity's chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment's profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. Annual disclosures are required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 or our fiscal 2025. Interim disclosures are required for periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, or our fiscal 2026. Retrospective application is required for all prior periods presented, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the requirements on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures. All other newly issued accounting pronouncements not yet effective have been deemed either immaterial or not applicable.
Fair Value Measurement	We utilize valuation methodologies to determine the fair values of our 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.
Fair Value Transfers	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. We may from time to time be required to remeasure the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities to fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Such adjustments typically arise if we determine that certain of our assets are impaired.
Revenue Recognition	We recognize revenue when we transfer control of goods and services to our customers. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for goods and services and is recognized net of allowances for rebates, sales incentives, product returns, and discounts to customers. We allocate the expected consideration to be collected to each distinct performance obligation identified in a sale based on its standalone selling price. Sales and use taxes collected on behalf of governmental authorities are excluded from revenues. Further details regarding revenue recognition are included within the Revenue Recognition footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K. Contract Balances Our rights related to collections from customers are unconditional and are reflected within Accounts receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at net realizable value. Further details regarding our method for developing our estimate of expected credit losses over the contractual term of our receivables are included within the Significant Accounting Policies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K. We do not have any other significant contract assets. Contract liabilities arise when we receive cash or an unconditional right to collect cash prior to the transfer of control of goods or services. Current deferred revenues primarily consist of professional service and service-type warranty fees collected prior to performing the related service as well as software licenses and are included within Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These services are expected to be performed within one year. Revenue recognized from beginning balances of contract liabilities during the six months ended February 29, 2024 totaled $6.9 million. Non-current deferred revenues primarily consist of long-term service-type warranties, which are typically recognized ratably as revenue between five and ten years from the date of sale, and are included within Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. February 29, 2024 and consist primarily of orders for physical goods that have not yet been shipped. Disaggregated Revenues Our ABL segment's lighting and lighting controls are sold primarily through independent sales agents who cover specific geographic areas and market channels, by internal sales representatives, through consumer retail channels, directly to large corporate accounts, and through other distribution methods, including directly to OEM customers. ISG sells predominantly to system integrators.

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 29, 2024

ABL Segment

Our ABL strategy is to increase product vitality, improve service levels, use technology to improve and differentiate both our products and our services, and drive productivity. ABL's portfolio of lighting solutions includes commercial, architectural, and specialty lighting in addition to lighting controls and components that can be combined to create integrated lighting controls systems. We offer devices such as luminaires that predominantly utilize light emitting diode (“LED”) technology designed to optimize energy efficiency and comfort for various indoor and outdoor applications. ABL's portfolio of products includes but is not limited to the following brands: A-LightTM, AculuxTM, American Electric Lighting®, CycloneTM, Dark to Light®, eldoLED®, Eureka®, Gotham®, Healthcare Lighting®, Holophane®, Hydrel®, IndyTM, IOTA®, Juno®, Lithonia Lighting®, Luminaire LEDTM, Luminis®, Mark Architectural LightingTM, nLight®, OPTOTRONIC®, Peerless®, RELOC® Wiring Solutions, and Sensor Switch®.

Principal customers of ABL include electrical distributors, retail home improvement centers, electric utilities, national accounts, original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) customers, digital retailers, lighting showrooms, and energy service companies. ABL's customers are located in North America and select international markets that serve new construction, renovation and retrofit, and maintenance and repair applications. ABL's lighting and lighting controls solutions are sold primarily through a network of independent sales agencies that cover specific geographic areas and market channels, by internal sales representatives, through consumer retail channels, directly to large corporate accounts, and directly to OEM customers. Products are delivered directly from our manufacturing facilities or through a network of distribution centers, regional warehouses, and commercial warehouses using both common carriers and an internally-managed truck fleet.

We market ABL's product portfolio and service capabilities to customers and/or end users in multiple channels through a broad spectrum of marketing and promotional methods, including direct customer contact, trade shows, on-site training, print and digital advertising in industry publications, product brochures, and other literature, as well as through digital marketing and social media. ABL operates training and education facilities in several locations throughout North America and Europe designed to enhance the lighting knowledge of customers and industry professionals.

ISG Segment

Our ISG strategy is to make spaces smarter, safer, and greener by connecting the edge to the cloud. ISG offers building management solutions and building management software. ISG's building management solutions include products for controlling heating, ventilation, air conditioning (“HVAC”), lighting, shades, refrigeration, and building access that deliver end-to-end optimization of those building systems. ISG's intelligent building software enhances the occupant experience, improves building system management, and automates labor intensive tasks while delivering operational energy efficiency and cost reductions. Through a connected and converged building system architecture, ISG's software delivers different applications, allows clients to upgrade over time with natural refresh cycles, and deploys new capabilities. Customers of ISG primarily include system integrators as well as retail stores, airports, and enterprise campuses throughout North America and select international locations. ISG products and solutions are marketed under multiple brand names, including but not limited, to Atrius®, Distech Controls®, and KE2 Therm Solutions®.

Basis of Presentation

We have prepared the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) to present the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of Acuity Brands, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly our consolidated financial position as of February 29, 2024, our consolidated comprehensive income for the three and six months ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023, and our consolidated cash flows for the six months ended February 29, 2024 and February 28, 2023. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in our annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. However, we believe that the disclosures included herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the three years in the period ended August 31, 2023 and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 26, 2023 (File No. 001-16583) (“Form 10-K”).

Our business exhibits some seasonality, with net sales being affected by weather and seasonal demand on construction and installation programs, particularly during the winter months, as well as the annual budget cycles of major customers. Historically, with certain exceptions, we have experienced our highest sales in the last two quarters of each fiscal year due to these factors.

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.

Reclassifications

We may reclassify certain prior period amounts to conform to the current year presentation. No material reclassifications occurred during the current period.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Yet to Be Adopted

Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (“ASU 2023-09”)

In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-09, which expands income tax disclosure requirements to include additional information related to the rate reconciliation of our effective tax rates to statutory rates as well as additional disaggregation of taxes paid. The amendments in the ASU also remove disclosures related to certain unrecognized tax benefits and deferred taxes. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, or our fiscal 2026. The amendments may be applied prospectively or retrospectively, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the requirements on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”)

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, which expands reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments in the ASU require that a public entity disclose, on an annual and interim basis, significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to an entity's chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), a description of other segment items by reportable segment, and any additional measures of a segment's profit or loss used by the CODM when deciding how to allocate resources. Annual disclosures are required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 or our fiscal 2025. Interim disclosures are required for periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, or our fiscal 2026. Retrospective application is required for all prior periods presented, and early adoption is permitted. We are currently assessing the impact of the requirements on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

All other newly issued accounting pronouncements not yet effective have been deemed either immaterial or not applicable.

Fair Value Measurement

We utilize valuation methodologies to determine the fair values of our 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.

Fair Value Transfers

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. We may from time to time be required to remeasure the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities to fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Such adjustments typically arise if we determine that certain of our assets are impaired.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when we transfer control of goods and services to our customers. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for goods and services and is recognized net of allowances for rebates, sales incentives, product returns, and discounts to customers. We allocate the expected consideration to be collected to each distinct performance obligation identified in a sale based on its standalone selling price. Sales and use taxes collected on behalf of governmental authorities are excluded from revenues.

Further details regarding revenue recognition are included within the Revenue Recognition footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K.

Contract Balances

Our rights related to collections from customers are unconditional and are reflected within Accounts receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at net realizable value. Further details regarding our method for developing our estimate of expected credit losses over the contractual term of our receivables are included within the Significant Accounting Policies footnote of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements within our Form 10-K.

We do not have any other significant contract assets. Contract liabilities arise when we receive cash or an unconditional right to collect cash prior to the transfer of control of goods or services.

Current deferred revenues primarily consist of professional service and service-type warranty fees collected prior to performing the related service as well as software licenses and are included within Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These services are expected to be performed within one year. Revenue recognized from beginning balances of contract liabilities during the six months ended February 29, 2024 totaled $6.9 million.

Non-current deferred revenues primarily consist of long-term service-type warranties, which are typically recognized ratably as revenue between five and ten years from the date of sale, and are included within Other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. February 29, 2024 and consist primarily of orders for physical goods that have not yet been shipped.

Disaggregated Revenues

Our ABL segment's lighting and lighting controls are sold primarily through independent sales agents who cover specific geographic areas and market channels, by internal sales representatives, through consumer retail channels, directly to large corporate accounts, and through other distribution methods, including directly to OEM customers. ISG sells predominantly to system integrators.