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Trade Accounts Receivable
12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2014
Trade Accounts Receivable [Abstract]  
Trade Accounts Receivable

 

2.TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest.  The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable balance.  We determine the allowance for doubtful accounts based upon historical write-off experience and current economic conditions, and we review the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts on a regular basis.  Receivable balances past due over 90 days, which exceed a specified dollar amount, are reviewed individually for collectibility.  Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.  We do not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers nor do we generally require collateral or other security agreements from our customers.

 

Activity in our allowance for doubtful accounts was comprised of the following for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YEAR ENDED

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUGUST 31,

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

Beginning balance

$

982 

$

851 

$

798 

Charged to costs and expenses

 

141 

 

190 

 

224 

Deductions

 

(205)

 

(59)

 

(171)

Ending balance

$

918 

$

982 

$

851 

 

Deductions on the foregoing table represent the write-off of amounts deemed uncollectible during the fiscal year presented.  During fiscal 2012, our recoveries of previously written off accounts totaled approximately $72,000 and was included in amounts charged to costs and expenses in the above table.  Recoveries of amounts previously written off were insignificant in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013.