Product Warranty Costs

3 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2011

Product Warranty Costs [Abstract]

Product Warranty Costs

Note 6. Product Warranty Costs

The Company generally offers its customers a warranty on products sold, although warranty periods vary by product type and application. The acquisition of Mastervolt during fiscal 2011 has increased the required warranty reserve, as this business has a longer base warranty period. The reserve for future warranty claims is based on historical claim rates and current warranty cost experience. The following is a rollforward of the accrued product warranty reserve (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended November 30,
	2011			2010
Beginning balances	$	23,707		$	7,868
Purchase accounting adjustment		(5,719	)		—
Provision for warranties		2,491			1,359
Warranty payments and costs incurred		(2,903	)		(1,565	)
Impact of changes in foreign currency rates		(1,109	)		105
Ending balances	$	16,467		$	7,767