Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	May 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 150	$ 152
Capital stock common, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.5	$ 0.5
Capital stock common, shares authorized (in shares)	60,000	60,000
Capital stock common, shares issued (in shares)	51,766	51,766
Treasury stock, at cost, shares (in shares)	24,644	23,917