Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income credited to patrons' investment	$ 7,445	$ 9,732
Accumulated other comprehensive gain/(loss)-interest swap	45
Add (deduct) noncash items:
Depreciation	2,405	2,162
Amortization	174	154
(Gain) loss on property and equipment disposals	4	(1)
Loss allocated from unconsolidated marketing subsidiaries	(5)	(1)
Noncash portion of patronage capital credits	(23)	(32)
Deferred income taxes	(22)	(22)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable and advances	18,368	6,067
Inventory and prepaid expenses	(103,229)	(146,677)
Deferred charges and other assets	2,777	3,370
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities	46,164	72,064
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	(25,897)	(53,184)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant and equipment		1
Tax exempt bond trust draw	2,893	4,731
Capital expenditures	(2,034)	(3,662)
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities	859	1,070
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of short-term debt	31,368	57,233
Checks outstanding	933	206
Payment of long-term debt and capital leases	(956)	(950)
Payment of financing fees		(390)
Equity payment to estate		(10)
Payment of allocated patronage	(6,192)	(4,020)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities	25,153	52,069
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH	115	(45)
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR	46	129
CASH, END OF PERIOD	161	84
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Interest	426	381
Income taxes, net of refunds	1	548
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Unit retain deductions from patron payable		2,456
Proceeds for bond issuance transferred to restricted investment		$ 8,815