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Document And Entity Information (USD $)
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12 Months Ended | ||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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Nov. 19, 2013
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Feb. 28, 2013
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| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |||
| Entity Registrant Name | Northern Technologies International Corporation | ||
| Document Type | 10-K | ||
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --08-31 | ||
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 4,434,838 | ||
| Entity Public Float | $ 48,100,000 | ||
| Amendment Flag | false | ||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000875582 | ||
| Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
| Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
| Entity Filer Category | Smaller Reporting Company | ||
| Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | No | ||
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 31, 2013 | ||
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2013 | ||
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY |
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- Definition
If the value is true, then the document is an amendment to previously-filed/accepted document. No definition available.
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- Definition
End date of current fiscal year in the format --MM-DD. No definition available.
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- Definition
This is focus fiscal period of the document report. For a first quarter 2006 quarterly report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, the first fiscal quarter should be given as the fiscal period focus. Values: FY, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, H1, H2, M9, T1, T2, T3, M8, CY. No definition available.
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- Definition
This is focus fiscal year of the document report in CCYY format. For a 2006 annual report, which may also provide financial information from prior periods, fiscal 2006 should be given as the fiscal year focus. Example: 2006. No definition available.
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- Definition
The end date of the period reflected on the cover page if a periodic report. For all other reports and registration statements containing historical data, it is the date up through which that historical data is presented. If there is no historical data in the report, use the filing date. The format of the date is CCYY-MM-DD. No definition available.
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- Definition
The type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word "Other". No definition available.
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- Definition
A unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Indicate number of shares or other units outstanding of each of registrant's classes of capital or common stock or other ownership interests, if and as stated on cover of related periodic report. Where multiple classes or units exist define each class/interest by adding class of stock items such as Common Class A [Member], Common Class B [Member] or Partnership Interest [Member] onto the Instrument [Domain] of the Entity Listings, Instrument. No definition available.
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- Definition
Indicate "Yes" or "No" whether registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. This information should be based on the registrant's current or most recent filing containing the related disclosure. No definition available.
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- Definition
Indicate whether the registrant is one of the following: (1) Large Accelerated Filer, (2) Accelerated Filer, (3) Non-accelerated Filer, (4) Smaller Reporting Company (Non-accelerated) or (5) Smaller Reporting Accelerated Filer. Definitions of these categories are stated in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. This information should be based on the registrant's current or most recent filing containing the related disclosure. No definition available.
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- Definition
State aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to price at which the common equity was last sold, or average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The public float should be reported on the cover page of the registrants form 10K. No definition available.
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- Definition
The exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Indicate "Yes" or "No" if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. No definition available.
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- Definition
Indicate "Yes" or "No" if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Is used on Form Type: 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, 20-F, 6-K, 10-K/A, 10-Q/A, 20-F/A, 6-K/A, N-CSR, N-Q, N-1A. No definition available.
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- Details
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- Details
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- Definition
Amounts due for royalties and service fees outside of the normal course of business from entities in which the reporting entity shares joint control with another party or group, due within 1 year (or 1 business cycle). No definition available.
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- Definition
Amount due from customers or clients, but not joint ventures, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. No definition available.
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- Definition
Amounts due from joint ventures, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold to joint ventures in the normal course of business. No definition available.
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- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Value received from shareholders in common stock-related transactions that are in excess of par value or stated value and amounts received from other stock-related transactions. Includes only common stock transactions (excludes preferred stock transactions). May be called contributed capital, capital in excess of par, capital surplus, or paid-in capital. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold or consumed after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Represents the caption on the face of the balance sheet to indicate that the entity has entered into (1) purchase or supply arrangements that will require expending a portion of its resources to meet the terms thereof, and (2) is exposed to potential losses or, less frequently, gains, arising from (a) possible claims against a company's resources due to future performance under contract terms, and (b) possible losses or likely gains from uncertainties that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events that are deemed likely to occur do occur or fail to occur. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable common stock (or common stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer). This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The carrying amount of consideration received or receivable as of the balance sheet date on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including sales, license fees, and royalties, but excluding interest income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount after allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards expected to be realized or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount after allocation of valuation allowances of noncurrent deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for obligations related to services received from employees, such as accrued salaries and bonuses, payroll taxes and fringe benefits. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Amount after amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying amount due within one year of the balance sheet date (or one operating cycle, if longer) from tax authorities as of the balance sheet date representing refunds of overpayments or recoveries based on agreed-upon resolutions of disputes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Gross amount, as of the balance sheet date, of merchandise, goods, commodities, or supplies held for future sale or to be used in manufacturing, servicing or production process. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of liabilities and equity items, including the portion of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (that is, noncontrolling interest, previously referred to as minority interest). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of the portions of long-term notes payable due within one year or the operating cycle if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Details
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- Definition
Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Aggregate par or stated value of issued nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer). This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable preferred shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of asset related to consideration paid in advance for costs that provide economic benefits within a future period of one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount after accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)
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Aug. 31, 2013
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Aug. 31, 2012
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| Trade excluding joint ventures, allowance for doubtful accounts (in Dollars) | $ 20,000 | $ 20,000 |
| Preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share) | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| Preferred stock, shares authorized | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Preferred stock, shares issued | 0 | 0 |
| Preferred stock, shares outstanding | 0 | 0 |
| Common stock par value (in Dollars per share) | $ 0.02 | $ 0.02 |
| Common stock, shares authorized | 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 |
| Common stock, shares issued | 4,432,036 | 4,421,636 |
| Common stock, shares outstanding | 4,432,036 | 4,421,636 |
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- Definition
A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that are expected to be uncollectible. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Face amount or stated value per share of common stock. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The maximum number of common shares permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Total number of common shares of an entity that have been sold or granted to shareholders (includes common shares that were issued, repurchased and remain in the treasury). These shares represent capital invested by the firm's shareholders and owners, and may be all or only a portion of the number of shares authorized. Shares issued include shares outstanding and shares held in the treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Number of shares of common stock outstanding. Common stock represent the ownership interest in a corporation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Face amount per share of no-par value preferred stock nonredeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The maximum number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) permitted to be issued by an entity's charter and bylaws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total number of nonredeemable preferred shares (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) issued to shareholders (includes related preferred shares that were issued, repurchased, and remain in the treasury). May be all or portion of the number of preferred shares authorized. Excludes preferred shares that are classified as debt. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Aggregate share number for all nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) held by stockholders. Does not include preferred shares that have been repurchased. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Royalties and service fees from transactions directly with the reporting entity's joint ventures outside the normal course of business. No definition available.
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- Details
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- Details
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- Definition
Net sales either directly to end users or to distributors worldwide, but not sales to the reporting entity's joint ventures and not sales by the reporting entity's joint ventures. No definition available.
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- Definition
Net sales by the reporting entity to the reporting entity's joint ventures, but not sales by the reporting entity either directly to end users or to distributors or sales by the reporting entity’s joint ventures. No definition available.
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- Details
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- Definition
Total costs related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The aggregate total of expenses of managing and administering the affairs of an entity, including affiliates of the reporting entity, which are not directly or indirectly associated with the manufacture, sale or creation of a product or product line. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Aggregate revenue less cost of goods and services sold or operating expenses directly attributable to the revenue generation activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount before accretion (amortization) of purchase discount (premium) of interest income on nonoperating securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense. No definition available.
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
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- Definition
Other costs incurred during the reporting period related to other revenue generating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Reflects the sum of all other revenue and income recognized by the entity in the period not otherwise specified in the income statement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The total amount of other operating income, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, from items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The aggregate costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility, and costs allocated in accounting for a business combination to in-process projects deemed to have no alternative future use. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Expenses recognized in the period that are directly related to the selling and distribution of products or services. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)
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12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
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Aug. 31, 2013
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Aug. 31, 2012
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| $ 4,753,501 | $ 3,575,646 | |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) – FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT | 56,909 | (2,250,689) |
| COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | 4,810,410 | 1,324,957 |
| COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS | 1,404,938 | 96,118 |
| COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC | $ 3,405,472 | $ 1,228,839 |
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- Definition
Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount after tax of (increase) decrease in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to noncontrolling interests. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Changes in additional paid in capital related to exercise of share-based payments awards (such as stock options) and the amount of recognized equity-based compensation during the period (such as nonvested shares). No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance from payment of dividends or other distributions by the non-wholly owned subsidiary or partially owned entity, included in the consolidation of the parent entity, to the noncontrolling interest holders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Increase in noncontrolling interest balance because of a business combination that occurred during the period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares of stock issued as of the balance sheet date, including shares that had been issued and were previously outstanding but which are now held in the treasury. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares issued during the period as a result of an employee stock purchase plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares of stock issued during the period that is attributable to transactions involving issuance of stock not separately disclosed. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of share options (or share units) exercised during the current period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate change in value for stock issued during the period as a result of employee stock purchase plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Value of shares of stock issued during the period that is attributable to transactions involving issuance of stock not separately disclosed. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Value of stock issued as a result of the exercise of stock options. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net change during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from joint ventures for royalties and service fees outside of the normal course of business. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net change during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers or clients, but not joint ventures, for the credit sale of goods and services. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net change during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from joint ventures for the credit sale of goods and services that have been delivered or sold to joint ventures in the normal course of business. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate amount of recurring noncash expense charged against earnings in the period to allocate the cost of assets over their estimated remaining economic lives. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow associated with the acquisition of business during the period (for example, cash that was held by the acquired business). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are the amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Includes effect from exchange rate changes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes production and non-production related depreciation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of increase (decrease) from the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalent balances held in foreign currencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of property, plant and equipment assets, excluding oil and gas property and timber property. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the period in the amount due for taxes based on the reporting entity's earnings or attributable to the entity's income earning process (business presence) within a given jurisdiction. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of expenses incurred but not yet paid. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the account that represents the temporary difference that results from Income or Loss that is recognized for accounting purposes but not for tax purposes and vice versa. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in income taxes receivable, which represents the amount due from tax authorities for refunds of overpayments or recoveries of income taxes paid. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the value of prepaid expenses and other assets not separately disclosed in the statement of cash flows, for example, deferred expenses, intangible assets, or income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities, including discontinued operations. Financing activity cash flows include obtaining resources from owners and providing them with a return on, and a return of, their investment; borrowing money and repaying amounts borrowed, or settling the obligation; and obtaining and paying for other resources obtained from creditors on long-term credit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from investing activities, including discontinued operations. Investing activity cash flows include making and collecting loans and acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments and property, plant, and equipment and other productive assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities, including discontinued operations. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value not defined as investing or financing activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of cash outflow in the form of ordinary dividends provided by the non-wholly owned subsidiary to noncontrolling interests. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow to acquire asset without physical form usually arising from contractual or other legal rights, excluding goodwill. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow associated with the investment in or advances to an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Dividends received on equity and other investments during the current period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock options. This item inherently excludes any excess tax benefit, which the entity may have realized and reported separately. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash inflow associated with the amount received from the stock plan during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow for a borrowing supported by a written promise to pay an obligation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock or unit options distributed to employees as compensation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 1 - Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|||||||||||||
| Disclosure Text Block [Abstract] | |||||||||||||
| Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] |
1. NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Business – Northern Technologies International Corporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) develops and markets proprietary environmentally beneficial products and services in over 60 countries either directly or via a network of joint ventures, independent distributors and agents. The Company’s primary business is corrosion prevention marketed mainly under the ZERUST® brand. The Company has been selling its proprietary ZERUST® rust and corrosion inhibiting products and services to the automotive, electronics, electrical, mechanical, military and retail consumer markets for over 35 years, and more recently, has targeted and expanded into
the oil and gas industry. The Company also sells a portfolio of bio-based and biodegradable (compostable) polymer resin compounds and finished products marketed under the Natur-Tec® brand. These products are intended to reduce the Company’s customers’ carbon footprint and provide environmentally sound disposal options.
The Company participates, either directly or indirectly, in 23 active joint venture arrangements in North America, Europe and Asia. Each of these joint ventures generally manufactures and markets products in the geographic territory to which it is assigned. While most of the Company’s joint ventures exclusively sell rust and corrosion inhibiting products, some of the joint ventures sell the Company’s Natur-Tec® resin compounds and finished products. The profits of joint ventures are shared by the respective joint venture owners in accordance with their respective ownership percentages. The Company typically owns 50% or less of its joint venture entities and does not control the decisions of these entities, including dividend declaration or amount in any given
year.
The Company has evaluated events occurring after the date of the consolidated financial statements for events requiring recording or disclosure in the financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation - The Company evaluates its voting and variable interests in entities on a qualitative and quantitative basis. The Company consolidates entities when it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact an entity’s economic success and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entity. All such relationships are evaluated on an ongoing basis. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Northern Technologies International Corporation, its wholly owned subsidiary, Northern Technologies Holding Company, LLC, and its majority owned subsidiary in Brazil, Zerust Prevenção de Corrosão S.A. (Zerust Brazil) and, effective September 1, 2012, majority owned holding
company, NTI ASEAN LLC (NTI Asean). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements do not include the accounts of any of the Company’s joint ventures.
Noncontrolling interest – The Company owns 85% of Zerust Brazil. The remaining 15% is accounted for as a noncontrolling interest and reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements. Effective September 1, 2012, the Company owns 60% of NTI Asean. The remaining 40% is accounted for as a noncontrolling interest and reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements. The Company allocates gains and losses to the noncontrolling interest even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance, reducing the losses attributed to the controlling interest, changes in ownership interests are treated as equity transactions if control is maintained.
Net Sales –The Company includes net sales to its joint ventures and net sales to unaffiliated customers as separate line items on its consolidated statements of operations. There are no sales originating from the Company’s joint ventures included in the amount, as the Company’s investments in its joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method.
Revenue Recognition – The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of its products when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the product has been delivered, the price is fixed and determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. These criteria are met when risk of loss and title pass to the customer, distributor or joint venture entity.
Deferred Joint Venture Revenue – The Company periodically sponsors a worldwide joint venture conference, in which all of its joint ventures are invited to participate. It defers a portion of its service fees received from its joint ventures in each accounting period leading up to the next conference, reflecting that the Company has not earned portions of the payments received. It is anticipated that the next joint venture conference will be held in the summer of 2014. At both August 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had deferred $288,000 of joint venture fees for services related to this future conference, which represents the amount that the Company expects to spend to hold the conference. This amount is based on the historical experience of the Company, current conditions, and the intentions of
the Company’s management. The Company does not anticipate deferring any additional service fees until after the next conference.
Accounts Receivable – Payment terms for the Company’s unaffiliated customers are determined based on credit risk and vary by customer. The Company typically offers standard payment terms to unaffiliated customers of net 30 days. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable. The Company reviews the credit histories of its customers before extending unsecured credit. The Company presents accounts and notes receivable, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Each quarter, the Company prepares an analysis of its ability to collect outstanding receivables that provides a basis for an allowance estimate for doubtful accounts. In doing so, the Company evaluates the age of its receivables, past collection history, current financial conditions of key customers
and its joint ventures, and economic conditions. Based on this evaluation, the Company establishes a reserve for specific accounts and notes receivable that it believes are uncollectible, as well as an estimate of uncollectible receivables not specifically known. The Company believes that an analysis of historical trends and its current knowledge of potential collection problems provide the Company with sufficient information to establish a reasonable estimate for an allowance for doubtful accounts. In the event the Company determined that a smaller or larger uncollectible accounts reserve is appropriate, the Company would record a credit or charge to selling expense in the period that it made such a determination. Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $20,000 at both August 31, 2013 and 2012. Accounts are considered past due based on terms agreed upon between the Company and
the customer. Accounts receivable are written-off only after all collection attempts have failed and are based on individual credit evaluation and specific circumstances of the customer.
Receivables from Joint Ventures – Trade receivables from joint ventures arise from sales the Company makes to its joint ventures of products. Payment terms for the Company’s joint ventures also are determined based on credit risk; however, additional consideration also is given to the individual joint venture due to the transportation time associated with ocean delivery of most products and certain other factors. Generally, accounts receivable from the Company’s joint ventures unpaid after 90 days are considered past due. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable. The Company periodically reviews amounts due from its joint ventures for collectability, and based on past experience and continuous review of the balances due, has determined an allowance for
doubtful accounts related to its joint venture receivables is not necessary.
Fees for Services Provided to Joint Ventures – The Company provides certain services to its joint ventures including consulting, legal, travel, insurance, technical and marketing services. The Company receives fees for the services it provides to its joint ventures. The fees for services received by the Company from its joint ventures are generally based on either a flat fee or a percentage of net sales by the Company’s joint ventures depending on local laws and tax regulations. The Company recognizes revenues related to fees for services provided to its joint ventures when earned, amounts are determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Under the Company’s agreements with its joint ventures, amounts are earned when product is shipped from joint venture
facilities. The Company reviews the financial situation of each of its joint ventures to assist in the likelihood of collections on amounts earned. The Company elects to account for these fees on a cash basis for certain joint ventures if uncertainty exists surrounding the collection of such fees.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company includes as cash and cash equivalents highly liquid, short-term investments with maturity of three months or less when purchased, which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash. The Company maintains its cash in high quality financial institutions. The balances, at times, may exceed federally insured limits.
Inventories - Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market.
Property and Depreciation - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated service lives of the various assets as follows:
Investments in Joint Ventures - Investments in the Company’s joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, investments are initially recorded at cost and are adjusted for dividends, distributed and undistributed earnings and losses, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and additional investments. In the event the Company’s share of joint venture’s cumulative losses exceed the Company’s investment balance, the balance is reported at zero value until proportionate income exceeds the losses. The Company assesses its joint ventures for impairment on an annual basis as of August 31 of each year as part of its fiscal year end analysis. In addition to the annual review for impairment, the Company reviews the operating results of each joint
venture on a quarterly basis in comparison to its historical operating results and its accrual of fees for services provided to joint ventures. If the operating results of a joint venture do not meet financial performance expectations, an additional evaluation is performed on the joint venture. If an investment were determined to be impaired, then a reserve is created to reflect the impairment on the financial results of the Company. The Company’s evaluation of its investments in joint ventures requires the Company to make assumptions about future cash flows of its joint ventures. These assumptions require significant judgment and actual results may differ from assumed or estimated amounts.
Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets - The Company reviews its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company determines potential impairment by comparing the carrying value of the assets with expected net cash flows expected to be provided by operating activities of the business or related products. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future net cash flows is less than the carrying value, the Company evaluates if an impairment loss should be recognized. An impairment loss is measured by comparing the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset.
Income Taxes - The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In the event the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (2) those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold. The Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.
Foreign Currency Translation (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) - The functional currency of Zerust Brazil and each unconsolidated international joint venture is the applicable local currency. The translation of the applicable foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using an average monthly exchange rate. Translation gains or losses are reported as an element of other comprehensive income.
The Company (excluding Zerust Brazil, NTI Asean and its joint ventures) conducts all foreign transactions based on the U.S. dollar. Since investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method, any changes in foreign currency exchange rates are reflected as a foreign currency translation adjustment and does not change the equity in income of joint ventures reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying value of cash, short-term accounts and notes receivable, notes payable, trade accounts payables, and other accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates the carrying values based upon current market rates of interest.
Shipping and Handling - The Company records all amounts billed to customers in a sales transaction related to shipping and handling as sales. The Company records costs related to shipping and handling in cost of goods sold.
Government Grants - The Company accrues proceeds received under the grants when earned based on the terms of the contracts and offsets research and development expenses incurred in equal installments over the timelines associated with completion of the grant specific objectives and milestones.
Research and Development - The Company expenses all costs related to product research and development as incurred. The costs related to product research and development are the net amount after being reduced by reimbursements related to certain research and development contracts of $274,728 and $365,940 for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. The Company accrues proceeds received under such contracts and offsets research and development expenses incurred in equal installments over the timelines associated with completion of the contracts’ specific objectives and milestones. At August 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $0 and $96,861, respectively, of deferred amounts in other accrued liabilities as the Company had not yet performed under the obligations of the contract at that time.
Stock-Based Compensation – The Company recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions, including grants of employee stock options and transactions under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan, in its consolidated financial statements. That cost is measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock options and other stock-based awards based on the grant-date fair value of the award, and recognizes the cost over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award.
Use of Estimates - The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 2 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Table Text Block [Abstract] | |
| Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] |
2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
During February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-02: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This would be the case when a portion of the amount reclassified out of
accumulated other comprehensive income is reclassified to a balance sheet account (for example, inventory) instead of directly to income or expense in the same reporting period. The Company adopted ASU 2013-02 beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2013. There was no impact on the Company’s financial statements during fiscal 2013.
In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-05, “Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity” (“ASU 2013-05”), which resolves diversity in practice regarding the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. The amendments in ASU 2013-05 are effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2013-05 will not have a material impact on the Company’s
financial position or results of operations.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11: Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which requires unrecognized tax benefits to be presented as a decrease in a net operating loss, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward if certain criteria are met. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements during fiscal 2014.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
|
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Note 3 - NTI ASEAN
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Business Combinations [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] |
3. NTI ASEAN
NTI ASEAN LLC (NTI Asean) is an entity that holds investments in eight entities operating in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, including the following countries: China, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
Prior to September 1, 2012, the Company owned 50% of the equity and voting rights of NTI Asean and accounted for its investment using the equity method, as its ownership was considered to be less than a majority. On September 1, 2012, the Company obtained an additional 10% ownership interest in NTI Asean in exchange for a license agreement, and thereafter holds 60% of the equity and voting rights of NTI Asean.
The Company accounted for the transaction resulting in the additional ownership as a business combination. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company consolidated the results of NTI Asean. Immediately prior to the transaction, the Company re-measured the fair value of NTI Asean and determined that there was no difference between the fair value and the book value of the entity. As a result, there was no accounting impact related to the business combination in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company determined the fair value of NTI Asean using the capitalized income method, including a capitalization rate of 25%. The allocation of the total transaction amount was as follow:
The following is a summary of certain line items of the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012 as reported and on a pro forma basis, assuming the consolidation of NTI Asean on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the beginning of such period:
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The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 4 - Inventories
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| Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] |
4. INVENTORIES
Inventories consisted of the following:
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The entire disclosure for inventory. This may include, but is not limited to, the basis of stating inventory, the method of determining inventory cost, the major classes of inventory, and the nature of the cost elements included in inventory. If inventory is stated above cost, accrued net losses on firm purchase commitments for inventory and losses resulting from valuing inventory at the lower-of-cost-or-market may also be included. For LIFO inventory, may disclose the amount and basis for determining the excess of replacement or current cost over stated LIFO value and the effects of a LIFO quantities liquidation that impacts net income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 5 - Property and Equipment, Net
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| Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] |
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Property and equipment, net consisted of the following:
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The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Includes, but is not limited to, accounting policies and methodology, roll forwards, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, including composite depreciation, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, useful lives and method used, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 6 - Patents and Trademarks, Net
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| Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] |
6. PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS, NET
Patents and trademarks, net consisted of the following:
Patent and trademark costs are amortized over seven years. Costs incurred related to patents and trademarks are capitalized until filed and approved, at which time the amounts capitalized to date are amortized and any further costs, including maintenance costs, are expensed as incurred. Amortization expense is estimated to approximate $80,000 in each of the next five fiscal years.
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The entire disclosure for all or part of the information related to intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 7 - Investments in Joint Ventures
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| Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] |
7. INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES
The financial statements of the Company’s foreign joint ventures are initially prepared using the accounting principles accepted in the respective joint ventures’ countries of domicile. Amounts related to foreign joint ventures reported in the below tables and the accompanying financial statements have subsequently been adjusted to conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America in all material respects. All material profits recorded on sales from the Company to its joint ventures have been eliminated for financial reporting purposes.
Financial information from the audited and unaudited financial statements of the Company’s joint venture in Germany, Excor Korrosionsschutz – Technologien und Produkte GmbH (EXCOR), China, NTI Asean and all of the Company’s other joint ventures, are summarized as follows:
The Company records expenses that are directly attributable to the joint ventures on its consolidated statements of operations on the line “Expenses incurred in support of joint ventures”. The expenses include items such as employee compensation and benefits, travel, consulting, legal and laboratory supplies and testing expenses.
During fiscal 2013, the Company obtained an additional 10% ownership interest in NTI Asean in exchange for a license agreement. See Note 3 for additional information.
During fiscal 2012, both the Company and the other 50% owner in Harita NTI Limited agreed to receive additional equity interest in consideration for outstanding fees for services receivable of $484,545 due to each party.
The Company did not make any other joint venture investments during fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012.
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The entire disclosure for equity method investments and joint ventures. Equity method investments are investments that give the investor the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. Joint ventures are entities owned and operated by a small group of businesses as a separate and specific business or project for the mutual benefit of the members of the group. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 8 - Corporate Debt
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| Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Debt Disclosure [Text Block] |
8. CORPORATE DEBT
As of August 31, 2013, Northern Technologies Holding Company, LLC (NTI LLC) had a term loan with a principal amount of $933,414 outstanding that NTI LLC obtained from PNC Bank, National Association (PNC Bank) in connection with the purchase of NTIC’s corporate headquarters in September 2006. The term loan matures on January 10, 2016, bears interest at an annual rate based on the daily LIBOR rate plus 2.15% and is payable in consecutive monthly installments equal to approximately $6,343 (inclusive of principal but exclusive of interest). The term loan is secured by a first lien on the real estate and building owned by NTI LLC and all of the assets of the Company and is guaranteed by the Company.
The Company has a revolving line of credit with PNC Bank of $3,000,000 that expires on January 8, 2014. No amounts were outstanding under the line of credit as of August 31, 2013 and August 31, 2012. At the option of the Company, outstanding advances under the line of credit bear interest at either (a) an annual rate based on LIBOR plus 2.15% for the applicable LIBOR interest period selected by the Company or (b) at the rate publicly announced by PNC Bank from time to time as its prime rate. Interest is payable in arrears (a) for the portion of advances bearing interest under the prime rate on the last day of each month during the term thereof and (b) for the portion of advances bearing interest under the LIBOR option on the last day of the respective LIBOR interest period selected for such advance. Any unpaid interest is payable on the maturity date. As of
August 31, 2013, the interest rate was 2.82% and the weighted average rate was 3.00% for fiscal 2013. As of August 31, 2012, the interest rate was 3.18% and the weighted average rate was 3.17% for fiscal 2012. The revolving line of credit is secured by cash, receivables and inventory.
The term loan and the line of credit are governed under separate loan agreements (collectively, the Loan Agreements). The Loan Agreements contain standard covenants, including affirmative financial covenants, such as the maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, and negative covenants, which, among other things, limit the incurrence of additional indebtedness, loans and equity investments, disposition of assets, mergers and consolidations and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. Under the Loan Agreements, the Company is subject to a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10:1.00. As of August 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
On December 11, 2012, PNC Bank extended the maturity date of the line of credit from January 9, 2013 to January 8, 2014, and waived a technical covenant default by the Company to deliver quarterly compliance certificates. All other terms of the line of credit and the loan agreement and other documents evidencing the line of credit remain the same. It is anticipated that the line of credit will be extended again prior to the January 8, 2014 maturity date.
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity
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| Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] |
9. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
During fiscal 2013, the Company did not purchase or retire any shares of its common stock. The following stock options to purchase shares of common stock were exercised during fiscal 2013:
The total intrinsic value of the options exercised during fiscal 2013 was $45,533.
During fiscal 2012, the Company did not purchase or retire any shares of its common stock. The following stock options to purchase shares of common stock were exercised during fiscal 2012:
The total intrinsic value of the options exercised during fiscal 2012 was $13,872.
During fiscal 2012, the Company granted stock for payment of fiscal 2011 bonuses under the 2007 Plan for an aggregate of 42,707 shares of its common stock to various employees at a grant price of $14.42 per share. The aggregate fair value of the shares of the Company’s common stock as of the date of grant of the stock bonuses was $615,830, based on the closing sale price of a share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of common stock granted during fiscal 2012 was based on fiscal 2011 performance and was included in accrued liabilities at August 31, 2011.
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The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 10 - Net Income Per Common Share
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| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings Per Share [Text Block] |
10. NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share assumes the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method, if dilutive.
Options to purchase shares of common stock of 22,000 and 48,000 were excluded from the computation of common share equivalents for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively, as the exercise prices of such options were greater than market price of a share of common stock.
The following is a reconciliation of the earnings per share computation for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012:
The dilutive impact summarized above relates to the periods when the average market price of Company stock exceeded the exercise price of the potentially dilutive option securities granted. Earnings per common share were based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods when computing the basic earnings per share. When dilutive, stock options are included as equivalents using the treasury stock market method when computing the diluted earnings per share.
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Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation
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| Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] |
11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company has two stock-based compensation plans under which stock options and other stock-based awards have been granted, the Northern Technologies International Corporation Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2007 Plan) and the Northern Technologies International Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the ESPP). The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors administers these plans.
The 2007 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, stock unit awards, performance awards and stock bonuses to eligible recipients to enable the Company and its subsidiaries to attract and retain qualified individuals through opportunities for equity participation in the Company, and to reward those individuals who contribute to the achievement of the Company’s economic objectives. Subject to adjustment as provided in the 2007 Plan, up to a maximum of 800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock are issuable under the 2007 Plan. Options granted under the 2007 Plan generally have a term of five years and become exercisable over a three- or four-year period beginning on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant. Options are granted at per share exercise prices equal to
the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. As of August 31, 2013, only stock options and stock bonuses had been granted under the 2007 Plan.
The maximum number of shares of common stock of the Company available for issuance under the ESPP is 100,000 shares, subject to adjustment as provided in the ESPP. The ESPP provides for six-month offering periods beginning on September 1 and March 1 of each year. The purchase price of the shares is 90% of the lower of the fair market value of common stock at the beginning or end of the offering period. This discount may not exceed the maximum discount rate permitted for plans of this type under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The ESPP is compensatory for financial reporting purposes.
The fair value of option grants is determined at date of grant, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the assumptions listed below. The volatility factor used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model is based on historical stock price fluctuations and the risk free interest rate is based on U.S. treasury rates appropriate for the expected term. Dividend yield and expected volatility are estimated using historical amounts that are anticipated to be consistent with current values. Expected life of the option is based on the life of the option agreements. Based on these valuations, the Company recognized compensation expense of $306,451 and $288,396 during fiscal 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to the options that vested during such time period. As of August 31, 2013, the total compensation cost for nonvested options not yet recognized
in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations was $305,771. Stock-based compensation expense of $185,815 is expected to be recognized during fiscal 2014, based on outstanding options as of August 31, 2013. Future option grants will impact the compensation expense recognized.
The Company currently estimates a ten percent forfeiture rate for stock options, but will continue to review this estimate in future periods.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions and results for the grants:
Stock option activity during the periods indicated is as follows:
The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 were $5.53 and $7.14, respectively. The weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding as of August 31, 2013 and 2012 was 4.52 years and 2.14 years, respectively.
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The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 12 - Geographic And Segment Information
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Segment Reporting [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] |
12. GEOGRAPHIC AND SEGMENT INFORMATION
Net sales by geographic location as a percentage of total consolidated net sales were as follows:
Net sales by geographic location are based on the location of the customer.
Fees for services provided to joint ventures by geographic location as a percentage of total fees for services provided to joint ventures during fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 were as follows:
*Joint venture owned by NTI Asean.
**Joint venture owned by NTI Asean as of August 31, 2013, but not as of August 31, 2012. NTI Asean results are not included on the consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2012. (See Note 2)
The following table sets forth the Company’s net sales for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 by segment:
The following table sets forth the Company’s cost of goods sold for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 by segment:
The Company’s management utilizes product net sales and direct and indirect cost of goods sold for each product in reviewing the financial performance of a product type. Further allocation of Company expenses or assets, aside from amounts presented in the tables above, is not utilized in evaluating product performance, nor does such allocation occur for internal financial reporting.
Sales to the Company’s joint ventures are included in the foregoing geographic and segment information, however, sales by the Company’s joint ventures to other parties are not included. The foregoing geographic and segment information represents only sales and cost of goods sold recognized directly by the Company.
The geographical distribution of key financial statement data is as follows:
Total assets located in Brazil primarily consist of cash and cash equivalents, customer receivables and inventory. Total assets are periodically reviewed to assure the net realizable value from the estimated future production based on forecasted sales exceeds the carrying value of the assets.
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 13 - Retirement Plan
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12 Months Ended |
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] |
13. RETIREMENT PLAN
The Company has a 401(k) employee savings plan. Employees who meet certain age and service requirements may elect to contribute up to 15% of their salaries. The Company typically contributes the lesser of 50% of the participant’s contributions or 3.5% of the employee’s salary. The Company recognized expense for the savings plan of $175,016 and $166,201 for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively.
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The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 14 - Related Party Transactions
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12 Months Ended |
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Related Party Transactions [Abstract] | |
| Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] |
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, the Company made consulting payments totaling $100,000 per year to Bioplastic Polymers LLC, an entity owned by Ramani Narayan, Ph.D., a director of the Company, and paid royalties of $10,244 and $7,745, respectively, based on net sales of the Company’s bioplastics products.
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for related party transactions. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 15 - Income Taxes
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] |
15. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following:
Reconciliations of the expected federal income tax at the statutory rate with the provisions for income taxes for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
The Company has not provided U.S. income taxes or foreign withholding taxes with respect to its portion of the cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign joint ventures that are essentially permanent in duration. The Company’s portion of the cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign joint ventures that are essentially permanent in duration were $22,281,510 and $18,185,000 at August 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. If some or all of the undistributed earnings of the joint ventures are remitted to the Company in the future, income taxes, if any, after the application of foreign tax credits will be provided at that time. To the extent undistributed earnings of the Company’s joint ventures are distributed in the future, it is not expected to result in any material additional income tax liability after the application of foreign tax credits.
The tax effect of the temporary differences and tax carryforwards comprising the net deferred taxes shown on the consolidated balance sheets at August 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
At August 31, 2013, the Company had foreign tax credit carryforwards of approximately $4,253,900, of which approximately $285,800 will expire if not utilized by August 31, 2014. In addition, the Company had federal and state tax credit carryforwards of $1,832,200 at August 31, 2013 which begins to expire in fiscal 2019. These federal and state tax credit carryforwards consist primarily of federal and Minnesota research and development credit carryforwards.
The Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $4,253,900 with respect to the foreign tax credit carryforwards. In addition, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $1,832,200 with respect to federal and state tax credit carryforwards.
The Company records a tax valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company determined based on all available evidence, including historical data and projections of future results, that it is more likely than not that all of its deferred tax assets, except for its foreign tax credit carryforward and Minnesota research and development credit carryforwards, will be fully realized. The Company determined that its deferred tax asset related to foreign tax credit carryforwards will not be realized due to insufficient federal taxable income within the carryforward period and the fact that for ordering purposes the foreign tax credit carryforwards are not allowed to be used until after any current year foreign tax credits are utilized.
In addition, based on historical data and future projections, the Company determined that it is more likely than not that its deferred tax asset related to federal and Minnesota research and development credit carryforwards will not be realized due to insufficient federal and Minnesota taxable income within the carryforward period after considering the foreign tax credit usage.
The following is a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:
The entire amount of unrecognized tax benefits would affect the effective tax rate. It is not expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change significantly in the next 12 months.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the Company’s income tax provision. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet. The liability for the payment of interest and penalties was $0 at both August 31, 2013 and August 31, 2012.
The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, as of August 31, 2013, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state, local, or foreign examinations by tax authorities for years prior to August 31, 2010.
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies
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12 Months Ended |
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] |
16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
On August 22, 2013, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved the material terms of an annual bonus plan for the Company’s executive officers and certain officers and employees for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2014. For fiscal 2014 as in past years, the total amount available under the bonus plan for all plan participants, including executive officers, is dependent upon the Company’s earnings before interest, taxes and other income, as adjusted to take into account amounts to be paid under the bonus plan and certain other adjustments (Adjusted EBITOI). Each plan participant’s percentage of the overall bonus pool is based upon the number of plan participants, the individual’s annual base salary and the individual’s position and level of
responsibility within the company. In the case of each of the Company’s executive officer participants, 75% of the amount of their individual bonus payout will be determined based upon the Company’s actual EBITOI for fiscal 2013 compared to a pre-established target EBITOI for fiscal 2014 and 25% of the payout will be determined based upon such executive officer’s achievement of certain pre-established individual performance objectives. The payment of bonuses under the plan are discretionary and may be paid to executive officer participants in both cash and shares of NTIC common stock, the exact amount and percentages of which will be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, after the completion of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2014.
On August 31, 2012, the Compensation Committee approved the material terms of an annual bonus plan that encompasses the Company’s executive officers, members of management and key employees for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2013. Under the terms of the plan, the total amount available under the bonus plan for all plan participants, including executive officers, is up to a certain percentage of the Company’s Adjusted EBITOI and $0 if Adjusted EBITOI is below 70% of a pre-established target Adjusted EBITOI for fiscal 2013. Each plan participant’s percentage of the overall bonus pool is based upon the number of plan participants, the individual’s annual base salary and the individual’s position and level of responsibility within the company. In the case of each of the Company’s executive officer participants, 75% of the amount of
their individual bonus payout is determined based upon the Company’s actual EBITOI for fiscal 2013 compared to the pre-established target EBITOI for fiscal 2013 and 25% of the payout is determined based upon such executive officer’s achievement of certain pre-established individual performance objectives. On November 19, 2013, the Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, approved the payment of annual bonuses for fiscal 2013. For fiscal 2013, actual Adjusted EBITOI was 60% of the budgeted target Adjusted EBITOI. The Company’s Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, nonetheless, decided to pay bonuses for fiscal 2013 under the plan since the principal reason for the shortfall was reduced revenue compared to budget due to the postponed fulfillment of a ZERUST® Oil & Gas contract.
There was $959,000 accrued for bonuses under the fiscal 2013 bonus plan as of August 31, 2013. $1,248,526 was accrued for bonuses under the prior fiscal year bonus plan as of August 31, 2012.
The Company leases property located at 23205 Mercantile Road, Beachwood, Ohio. Remaining rentals payable under such leases are as follows: fiscal 2014 - $59,500 and thereafter - $0.
Two joint ventures accounted for 49.0% of the Company’s trade joint venture receivables at August 31, 2013 and three joint ventures accounted for 55.3% of the Company’s trade joint venture receivables at August 31, 2012.
From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of its business. The Company is not currently involved in any legal proceeding in which the Company believes, based on information currently available, that there is a reasonable possibility of a material loss.
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 17 - Statement of Cash Flows
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] |
17. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2013 and 2012 consist of:
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The entire disclosure for supplemental cash flow activities, including cash, noncash, and part noncash transactions, for the period. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 18 - Fair Value Measurements
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Disclosure Text Block [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] |
18. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company follows the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures with respect to assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on both a recurring and non-recurring basis. Under this guidance, fair value is defined as the exit price, or the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. The authoritative guidance also establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability, developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the
Company’s assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The categorization of financial assets and financial liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels defined as follows:
See the section below titled Valuation Techniques for further discussion of how the Company determines fair value for investments.
Assets and Liabilities That Are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis primarily relate to marketable equity securities. These items are marked-to-market at each reporting period.
The following tables provide information by level for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Valuation Techniques
Financial assets that are classified as Level 1 securities include Cash equivalents. These are valued using quoted market prices in an active market.
The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the ability to observe valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers into and out of levels within the fair value hierarchy at the end of the fiscal quarter in which the actual event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer occurs. There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2013 or August 31, 2012. When a determination is made to classify an asset or liability within Level 3, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable inputs to the overall fair value measurement.
Assets and Liabilities That Are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The following tables provide information by level for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a Nonrecurring basis:
The Company determined the fair value of NTI Asean using the capitalized income method, including a capitalization rate of 25%.
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- Definition
The entire disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities, which includes financial instruments measured at fair value that are classified in shareholders' equity, which may be measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] |
19. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
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- Definition
The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)
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12 Months Ended |
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| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] | Nature of Business – Northern Technologies International Corporation and Subsidiaries (the Company) develops and markets proprietary environmentally beneficial products and services in over 60 countries either directly or via a network of joint ventures, independent distributors and agents. The Company’s primary business is corrosion prevention marketed mainly under the ZERUST® brand. The Company has been selling its proprietary ZERUST® rust and corrosion inhibiting products and services to the automotive, electronics, electrical, mechanical, military and retail consumer markets for over 35 years, and more recently, has targeted and expanded into
the oil and gas industry. The Company also sells a portfolio of bio-based and biodegradable (compostable) polymer resin compounds and finished products marketed under the Natur-Tec® brand. These products are intended to reduce the Company’s customers’ carbon footprint and provide environmentally sound disposal options.
The Company participates, either directly or indirectly, in 23 active joint venture arrangements in North America, Europe and Asia. Each of these joint ventures generally manufactures and markets products in the geographic territory to which it is assigned. While most of the Company’s joint ventures exclusively sell rust and corrosion inhibiting products, some of the joint ventures sell the Company’s Natur-Tec® resin compounds and finished products. The profits of joint ventures are shared by the respective joint venture owners in accordance with their respective ownership percentages. The Company typically owns 50% or less of its joint venture entities and does not control the decisions of these entities, including dividend declaration or amount in any given
year.
The Company has evaluated events occurring after the date of the consolidated financial statements for events requiring recording or disclosure in the financial statements. |
| Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Principles of Consolidation - The Company evaluates its voting and variable interests in entities on a qualitative and quantitative basis. The Company consolidates entities when it has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact an entity’s economic success and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entity. All such relationships are evaluated on an ongoing basis. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Northern Technologies International Corporation, its wholly owned subsidiary, Northern Technologies Holding Company, LLC, and its majority owned subsidiary in Brazil, Zerust Prevenção de Corrosão S.A. (Zerust Brazil) and, effective September 1, 2012, majority owned holding
company, NTI ASEAN LLC (NTI Asean). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements do not include the accounts of any of the Company’s joint ventures. |
| Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Noncontrolling interest – The Company owns 85% of Zerust Brazil. The remaining 15% is accounted for as a noncontrolling interest and reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements. Effective September 1, 2012, the Company owns 60% of NTI Asean. The remaining 40% is accounted for as a noncontrolling interest and reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements. The Company allocates gains and losses to the noncontrolling interest even when such allocation might result in a deficit balance, reducing the losses attributed to the controlling interest, changes in ownership interests are treated as equity transactions if control is maintained. |
| Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Net Sales –The Company includes net sales to its joint ventures and net sales to unaffiliated customers as separate line items on its consolidated statements of operations. There are no sales originating from the Company’s joint ventures included in the amount, as the Company’s investments in its joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method.
Revenue Recognition – The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of its products when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the product has been delivered, the price is fixed and determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. These criteria are met when risk of loss and title pass to the customer, distributor or joint venture entity.
Deferred Joint Venture Revenue – The Company periodically sponsors a worldwide joint venture conference, in which all of its joint ventures are invited to participate. It defers a portion of its service fees received from its joint ventures in each accounting period leading up to the next conference, reflecting that the Company has not earned portions of the payments received. It is anticipated that the next joint venture conference will be held in the summer of 2014. At both August 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had deferred $288,000 of joint venture fees for services related to this future conference, which represents the amount that the Company expects to spend to hold the conference. This amount is based on the historical experience of the Company, current conditions, and the intentions of
the Company’s management. The Company does not anticipate deferring any additional service fees until after the next conference.
Accounts Receivable – Payment terms for the Company’s unaffiliated customers are determined based on credit risk and vary by customer. The Company typically offers standard payment terms to unaffiliated customers of net 30 days. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable. The Company reviews the credit histories of its customers before extending unsecured credit. The Company presents accounts and notes receivable, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Each quarter, the Company prepares an analysis of its ability to collect outstanding receivables that provides a basis for an allowance estimate for doubtful accounts. In doing so, the Company evaluates the age of its receivables, past collection history, current financial conditions of key customers
and its joint ventures, and economic conditions. Based on this evaluation, the Company establishes a reserve for specific accounts and notes receivable that it believes are uncollectible, as well as an estimate of uncollectible receivables not specifically known. The Company believes that an analysis of historical trends and its current knowledge of potential collection problems provide the Company with sufficient information to establish a reasonable estimate for an allowance for doubtful accounts. In the event the Company determined that a smaller or larger uncollectible accounts reserve is appropriate, the Company would record a credit or charge to selling expense in the period that it made such a determination. Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $20,000 at both August 31, 2013 and 2012. Accounts are considered past due based on terms agreed upon between the Company and
the customer. Accounts receivable are written-off only after all collection attempts have failed and are based on individual credit evaluation and specific circumstances of the customer.
Receivables from Joint Ventures – Trade receivables from joint ventures arise from sales the Company makes to its joint ventures of products. Payment terms for the Company’s joint ventures also are determined based on credit risk; however, additional consideration also is given to the individual joint venture due to the transportation time associated with ocean delivery of most products and certain other factors. Generally, accounts receivable from the Company’s joint ventures unpaid after 90 days are considered past due. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable. The Company periodically reviews amounts due from its joint ventures for collectability, and based on past experience and continuous review of the balances due, has determined an allowance for
doubtful accounts related to its joint venture receivables is not necessary.
Fees for Services Provided to Joint Ventures – The Company provides certain services to its joint ventures including consulting, legal, travel, insurance, technical and marketing services. The Company receives fees for the services it provides to its joint ventures. The fees for services received by the Company from its joint ventures are generally based on either a flat fee or a percentage of net sales by the Company’s joint ventures depending on local laws and tax regulations. The Company recognizes revenues related to fees for services provided to its joint ventures when earned, amounts are determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Under the Company’s agreements with its joint ventures, amounts are earned when product is shipped from joint venture
facilities. The Company reviews the financial situation of each of its joint ventures to assist in the likelihood of collections on amounts earned. The Company elects to account for these fees on a cash basis for certain joint ventures if uncertainty exists surrounding the collection of such fees. |
| Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block] | Deferred Joint Venture Revenue – The Company periodically sponsors a worldwide joint venture conference, in which all of its joint ventures are invited to participate. It defers a portion of its service fees received from its joint ventures in each accounting period leading up to the next conference, reflecting that the Company has not earned portions of the payments received. It is anticipated that the next joint venture conference will be held in the summer of 2014. At both August 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had deferred $288,000 of joint venture fees for services related to this future conference, which represents the amount that the Company expects to spend to hold the conference. This amount is based on the historical experience of the Company, current conditions, and the intentions of
the Company’s management. The Company does not anticipate deferring any additional service fees until after the next conference. |
| Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Accounts Receivable – Payment terms for the Company’s unaffiliated customers are determined based on credit risk and vary by customer. The Company typically offers standard payment terms to unaffiliated customers of net 30 days. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable. The Company reviews the credit histories of its customers before extending unsecured credit. The Company presents accounts and notes receivable, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Each quarter, the Company prepares an analysis of its ability to collect outstanding receivables that provides a basis for an allowance estimate for doubtful accounts. In doing so, the Company evaluates the age of its receivables, past collection history, current financial conditions of key customers
and its joint ventures, and economic conditions. Based on this evaluation, the Company establishes a reserve for specific accounts and notes receivable that it believes are uncollectible, as well as an estimate of uncollectible receivables not specifically known. The Company believes that an analysis of historical trends and its current knowledge of potential collection problems provide the Company with sufficient information to establish a reasonable estimate for an allowance for doubtful accounts. In the event the Company determined that a smaller or larger uncollectible accounts reserve is appropriate, the Company would record a credit or charge to selling expense in the period that it made such a determination. Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $20,000 at both August 31, 2013 and 2012. Accounts are considered past due based on terms agreed upon between the Company and
the customer. Accounts receivable are written-off only after all collection attempts have failed and are based on individual credit evaluation and specific circumstances of the customer. |
| Receivables from Joint Ventures, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Receivables from Joint Ventures – Trade receivables from joint ventures arise from sales the Company makes to its joint ventures of products. Payment terms for the Company’s joint ventures also are determined based on credit risk; however, additional consideration also is given to the individual joint venture due to the transportation time associated with ocean delivery of most products and certain other factors. Generally, accounts receivable from the Company’s joint ventures unpaid after 90 days are considered past due. The Company does not accrue interest on past due accounts receivable. The Company periodically reviews amounts due from its joint ventures for collectability, and based on past experience and continuous review of the balances due, has determined an allowance for
doubtful accounts related to its joint venture receivables is not necessary. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company includes as cash and cash equivalents highly liquid, short-term investments with maturity of three months or less when purchased, which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash. The Company maintains its cash in high quality financial institutions. The balances, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. |
| Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Inventories - Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. |
| Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Property and Depreciation - Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated service lives of the various assets |
| Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Investments in Joint Ventures - Investments in the Company’s joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. Under the equity method, investments are initially recorded at cost and are adjusted for dividends, distributed and undistributed earnings and losses, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and additional investments. In the event the Company’s share of joint venture’s cumulative losses exceed the Company’s investment balance, the balance is reported at zero value until proportionate income exceeds the losses. The Company assesses its joint ventures for impairment on an annual basis as of August 31 of each year as part of its fiscal year end analysis. In addition to the annual review for impairment, the Company reviews the operating results of each joint
venture on a quarterly basis in comparison to its historical operating results and its accrual of fees for services provided to joint ventures. If the operating results of a joint venture do not meet financial performance expectations, an additional evaluation is performed on the joint venture. If an investment were determined to be impaired, then a reserve is created to reflect the impairment on the financial results of the Company. The Company’s evaluation of its investments in joint ventures requires the Company to make assumptions about future cash flows of its joint ventures. These assumptions require significant judgment and actual results may differ from assumed or estimated amounts. |
| Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets - The Company reviews its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The Company determines potential impairment by comparing the carrying value of the assets with expected net cash flows expected to be provided by operating activities of the business or related products. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future net cash flows is less than the carrying value, the Company evaluates if an impairment loss should be recognized. An impairment loss is measured by comparing the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. |
| Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Income Taxes - The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes which requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The Company records net deferred tax assets to the extent the Company believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In the event the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
The Company records uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby (1) the Company determines whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (2) those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold. The Company recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. |
| Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] | Foreign Currency Translation (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) - The functional currency of Zerust Brazil and each unconsolidated international joint venture is the applicable local currency. The translation of the applicable foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using an average monthly exchange rate. Translation gains or losses are reported as an element of other comprehensive income.
The Company (excluding Zerust Brazil, NTI Asean and its joint ventures) conducts all foreign transactions based on the U.S. dollar. Since investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method, any changes in foreign currency exchange rates are reflected as a foreign currency translation adjustment and does not change the equity in income of joint ventures reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. |
| Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying value of cash, short-term accounts and notes receivable, notes payable, trade accounts payables, and other accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates the carrying values based upon current market rates of interest. |
| Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Shipping and Handling - The Company records all amounts billed to customers in a sales transaction related to shipping and handling as sales. The Company records costs related to shipping and handling in cost of goods sold. |
| Government Contractors, Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Government Grants - The Company accrues proceeds received under the grants when earned based on the terms of the contracts and offsets research and development expenses incurred in equal installments over the timelines associated with completion of the grant specific objectives and milestones. |
| Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Research and Development - The Company expenses all costs related to product research and development as incurred. The costs related to product research and development are the net amount after being reduced by reimbursements related to certain research and development contracts of $274,728 and $365,940 for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. The Company accrues proceeds received under such contracts and offsets research and development expenses incurred in equal installments over the timelines associated with completion of the contracts’ specific objectives and milestones. At August 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $0 and $96,861, respectively, of deferred amounts in other accrued liabilities as the Company had not yet performed under the obligations of the contract at that time. |
| Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] | Stock-Based Compensation – The Company recognizes compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions, including grants of employee stock options and transactions under the Company’s employee stock purchase plan, in its consolidated financial statements. That cost is measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock options and other stock-based awards based on the grant-date fair value of the award, and recognizes the cost over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award. |
| Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Use of Estimates - The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
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Disclosure of accounting policy for trade and other accounts receivable, and finance, loan and lease receivables, including those classified as held for investment and held for sale, due from Joint Ventures. This disclosure may include (1) the basis at which such receivables are carried in the entity's statements of financial position (2) how the level of the valuation allowance for receivables is determined (3) when impairments, charge-offs or recoveries are recognized for such receivables (4) the treatment of origination fees and costs, including the amortization method for net deferred fees or costs (5) the treatment of any premiums or discounts or unearned income (6) the entity's income recognition policies for such receivables, including those that are impaired, past due or placed on nonaccrual status and (7) the treatment of foreclosures or repossessions (8) the nature and amount of any guarantees to repurchase receivables. No definition available.
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The entire disclosure for the business description and basis of presentation concepts. Business description describes the nature and type of organization including but not limited to organizational structure as may be applicable to holding companies, parent and subsidiary relationships, business divisions, business units, business segments, affiliates and information about significant ownership of the reporting entity. Basis of presentation describes the underlying basis used to prepare the financial statements (for example, US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting, IFRS). No definition available.
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for cash and cash equivalents, including the policy for determining which items are treated as cash equivalents. Other information that may be disclosed includes (1) the nature of any restrictions on the entity's use of its cash and cash equivalents, (2) whether the entity's cash and cash equivalents are insured or expose the entity to credit risk, (3) the classification of any negative balance accounts (overdrafts), and (4) the carrying basis of cash equivalents (for example, at cost) and whether the carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example, common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. The accounting policy may also address the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for subsidiaries or other investments that are consolidated, including the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts or transactions and any noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for the equity method of accounting for investments in common stock or other interests including unconsolidated subsidiaries, corporate joint ventures, noncontrolling interests in real estate ventures, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies. The accounting policy may include information such as: (1) initially recording an investment in the stock of an investee at cost; (2) adjusting the carrying amount of the investment to recognize the investor's share of the earnings or losses of the investee after the date of acquisition; and (3) adjustments to reflect the investor's share of changes in the investee's capital (dividends). This disclosure may also include a detailed description of the policy for determining the amount of equity method losses recognized after an investment has been reduced to zero as a result of previous losses, reasons for not using the equity method when the investor company owns 20 percent or more of the voting stock of the investee's company (including identification of the significant investee), reasons for using the equity method when the ownership percentage is less than 20 percent, and discussion of recognition of equity method losses when an investor's total investment in an investee includes, in addition to an investment in common stock, other investments such as preferred stock and loans to the investee. An entity also may describe how such investments are assessed for impairment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for determining the fair value of financial instruments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for (1) transactions denominated in a currency other than the reporting enterprise's functional currency, (2) translating foreign currency financial statements that are incorporated into the financial statements of the reporting enterprise by consolidation, combination, or the equity method of accounting, and (3) remeasurement of the financial statements of a foreign reporting enterprise in a hyperinflationary economy. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for determining revenues and related costs. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for recognizing and measuring the impairment of long-lived assets. An entity also may disclose its accounting policy for long-lived assets to be sold. This policy excludes goodwill and intangible assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for income taxes, which may include its accounting policies for recognizing and measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities and related valuation allowances, recognizing investment tax credits, operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and other carryforwards, methodologies for determining its effective income tax rate and the characterization of interest and penalties in the financial statements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for major classes of inventories, bases of stating inventories (for example, lower of cost or market), methods by which amounts are added and removed from inventory classes (for example, FIFO, LIFO, or average cost), loss recognition on impairment of inventories, and situations in which inventories are stated above cost. If inventory is carried at cost, this disclosure includes the nature of the cost elements included in inventory. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Includes, but is not limited to, basis of assets, depreciation and depletion methods used, including composite deprecation, estimated useful lives, capitalization policy, accounting treatment for costs incurred for repairs and maintenance, capitalized interest and the method it is calculated, disposals and impairments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for trade and other accounts receivable, and finance, loan and lease receivables, including those classified as held for investment and held for sale. This disclosure may include (1) the basis at which such receivables are carried in the entity's statements of financial position (2) how the level of the valuation allowance for receivables is determined (3) when impairments, charge-offs or recoveries are recognized for such receivables (4) the treatment of origination fees and costs, including the amortization method for net deferred fees or costs (5) the treatment of any premiums or discounts or unearned income (6) the entity's income recognition policies for such receivables, including those that are impaired, past due or placed on nonaccrual status and (7) the treatment of foreclosures or repossessions (8) the nature and amount of any guarantees to repurchase receivables. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for its research and development and computer software activities including the accounting treatment for costs incurred for (1) research and development activities, (2) development of computer software for internal use, (3) computer software to be sold, leased or otherwise marketed as a separate product or as part of a product or process and (4) in-process research and development acquired in a purchase business combination. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for recognizing unearned income or deferred revenue related to transactions involving the sale of a product or performance of services. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue recognition. If the entity has different policies for different types of revenue transactions, the policy for each material type of transaction is generally disclosed. If a sales transaction has multiple element arrangements (for example, delivery of multiple products, services or the rights to use assets) the disclosure may indicate the accounting policy for each unit of accounting as well as how units of accounting are determined and valued. The disclosure may encompass important judgment as to appropriateness of principles related to recognition of revenue. The disclosure also may indicate the entity's treatment of any unearned or deferred revenue that arises from the transaction. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for stock option and stock incentive plans. This disclosure may include (1) the types of stock option or incentive plans sponsored by the entity (2) the groups that participate in (or are covered by) each plan (3) significant plan provisions and (4) how stock compensation is measured, and the methodologies and significant assumptions used to determine that measurement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for the classification of shipping and handling costs, including whether the costs are included in cost of sales or included in other income statement accounts. If shipping and handling fees are significant and are not included in cost of sales, disclosure includes both the amounts of such costs and the line item on the income statement which includes such costs. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Disclosure of accounting policy for the use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 3 - NTI ASEAN (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Business Combinations [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] |
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| Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] |
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of a material business combination completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. This table does not include leveraged buyouts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 4 - Inventories (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] |
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of merchandise, goods, commodities, or supplies held for future sale or to be used in manufacturing, servicing or production process. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 5 - Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] |
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Includes, but is not limited to, balances by class of assets, depreciation and depletion expense and method used, including composite depreciation, and accumulated deprecation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 6 - Patents and Trademarks, Net (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Disclosure Text Block [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] |
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life, by either major class or business segment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 7 - Investments in Joint Ventures (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] |
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| Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] |
|
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of condensed balance sheet, including, but not limited to, balance sheets of consolidated entities and consolidation eliminations. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of condensed income statement, including, but not limited to, income statements of consolidated entities and consolidation eliminations. No definition available.
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Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables) [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] |
|
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Stock Option Exercises [Member]
|
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| Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables) [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] |
|
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the number and weighted-average exercise prices (or conversion ratios) for share options (or share units) that were outstanding at the beginning and end of the year, vested and expected to vest, exercisable or convertible at the end of the year, and the number of share options or share units that were granted, exercised or converted, forfeited, and expired during the year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 10 - Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] |
|
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of an entity's basic and diluted earnings per share calculations, including a reconciliation of numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per-share computations for income from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] |
|
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| Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] |
|
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the number and weighted-average exercise prices (or conversion ratios) for share options (or share units) that were outstanding at the beginning and end of the year, vested and expected to vest, exercisable or convertible at the end of the year, and the number of share options or share units that were granted, exercised or converted, forfeited, and expired during the year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the significant assumptions used during the year to estimate the fair value of stock options, including, but not limited to: (a) expected term of share options and similar instruments, (b) expected volatility of the entity's shares, (c) expected dividends, (d) risk-free rate(s), and (e) discount for post-vesting restrictions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 12 - Geographic And Segment Information (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
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| Note 12 - Geographic And Segment Information (Tables) [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] |
|
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| Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] |
|
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| Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] |
|
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| Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] |
|
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|
Fees For Services Provided to Joint Ventures [Member]
|
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| Note 12 - Geographic And Segment Information (Tables) [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] |
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of all significant reconciling items in the reconciliation of total cost of goods sold from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated revenues. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of all significant reconciling items in the reconciliation of total revenues from reportable segments to the entity's consolidated revenues. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the names of foreign countries from which revenue is material and the amount of revenue from external customers attributed to those countries. An entity may also provide subtotals of geographic information about groups of countries. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of information concerning material long-lived assets (excluding financial instruments, customer relationships with financial institutions, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred taxes assets) located in identified geographic areas and/or the amount of revenue from external customers attributed to that country from which revenue is material. An entity may also provide subtotals of geographic information about groups of countries. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 15 - Income Taxes (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] |
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| Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] |
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| Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] |
|
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| Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] |
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the components of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for each year presented including, but not limited to: current tax expense (benefit), deferred tax expense (benefit), investment tax credits, government grants, the benefits of operating loss carryforwards, tax expense that results from allocating certain tax benefits either directly to contributed capital or to reduce goodwill or other noncurrent intangible assets of an acquired entity, adjustments of a deferred tax liability or asset for enacted changes in tax laws or rates or a change in the tax status of the entity, and adjustments of the beginning-of-the-year balances of a valuation allowance because of a change in circumstances that causes a change in judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset in future years. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the components of net deferred tax asset or liability recognized in an entity's statement of financial position, including the following: the total of all deferred tax liabilities, the total of all deferred tax assets, the total valuation allowance recognized for deferred tax assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the reconciliation using percentage or dollar amounts of the reported amount of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the year to the amount of income tax expense that would result from applying domestic federal statutory tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 17 - Statement of Cash Flows (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] |
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of supplemental cash flow information for the periods presented. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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Note 18 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Disclosure Text Block [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] |
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| Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] |
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value, and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques and related inputs, if any, applied during the period to each separate class of assets, liabilities, and financial instruments classified in shareholders' equity that are measured on a recurring and/or nonrecurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value, and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques and related inputs, if any, used to measure similar assets in prior periods (non-recurring basis) by class of asset or liability. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 19 - Quaterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2013
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| Note 19 - Quaterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables) [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] |
|
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Prior Period [Member]
|
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| Note 19 - Quaterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables) [Line Items] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] |
|
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure includes financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income (loss) before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle and earnings per share data. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of active joint venture arrangements the company participates, either directly or indirectly. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Reimbursements related to certain research and development contracts. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For an unclassified balance sheet, a valuation allowance for receivables due a company that are expected to be uncollectible. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying amount of consideration received or receivable as of the balance sheet date on potential earnings that were not recognized as revenue in conformity with GAAP, and which are expected to be recognized as such within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including sales, license fees, and royalties, but excluding interest income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The parent entity's interest in net assets of the subsidiary, expressed as a percentage. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of countries in which the entity operates as of balance sheet date. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. No definition available.
|
|
Note 3 - NTI ASEAN (Details)
|
1 Months Ended | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
NTI ASEAN [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2012
NTI ASEAN [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2012
NTI ASEAN [Member]
|
Sep. 30, 2012
Capitalization Rate To Determine Fair Value of NTI Asean [Member]
|
|
| Note 3 - NTI ASEAN (Details) [Line Items] | ||||
| Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 10.00% | 50.00% | ||
| Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired | 10.00% | |||
| Business Acquisition, Ownership Percentage Subsequent to Acquisition | 60.00% | |||
| Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate | 25.00% |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee subsequent to the business acquisition. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of voting equity interests acquired at the acquisition date in the business combination. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Interest rate used to find the present value of an amount to be paid or received in the future as an input to measure fair value. For example, but not limited to, weighted average cost of capital (WACC), cost of capital, cost of equity and cost of debt. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 3 - NTI ASEAN (Details) - Allocation of the total transaction amount: (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Net assets acquired (liabilities assumed): | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ 1,613,000 |
| Accounts receivables | 1,342,000 |
| Investments in joint ventures | 4,967,000 |
| Value of assets | 7,922,000 |
| Purchase price: | |
| Fair value of non-controlling interest | 3,961,000 |
| Value of previously held interest | 3,961,000 |
| Total consideration | $ 7,922,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents the fair value of the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of consideration transferred, consisting of acquisition-date fair value of assets transferred by the acquirer, liabilities incurred by the acquirer, and equity interest issued by the acquirer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of equity interests of the acquirer, including instruments or interests issued or issuable in consideration for the business combination. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of assets acquired at the acquisition date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions, acquired at the acquisition date. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount due from customers or clients for goods or services, including trade receivables, that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, and amounts due from others, including related parties expected to be converted to cash, sold or exchanged within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of assets expected to be realized or consumed after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, acquired at the acquisition date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total costs related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate revenue less cost of goods and services sold or operating expenses directly attributable to the revenue generation activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The total amount of other operating income, the components of which are not separately disclosed on the income statement, from items that are associated with the entity's normal revenue producing operation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 4 - Inventories (Details) - Inventories (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|---|---|---|
| Inventories [Abstract] | ||
| Production materials | $ 1,096,693 | $ 1,462,615 |
| Finished goods | 4,014,856 | 2,688,582 |
| $ 5,111,549 | $ 4,151,197 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before valuation and LIFO reserves of completed merchandise or goods expected to be sold within one year or operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gross amount, as of the balance sheet date, of merchandise, goods, commodities, or supplies held for future sale or to be used in manufacturing, servicing or production process. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before valuation and LIFO reserves of raw materials expected to be sold, or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 5 - Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - Components of Property and Equipment, Net (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|---|---|---|
| Components of Property and Equipment, Net [Abstract] | ||
| Land | $ 310,365 | $ 310,365 |
| Buildings and improvements | 4,613,879 | 3,406,674 |
| Machinery and equipment | 3,189,671 | 2,908,021 |
| 8,113,915 | 6,625,060 | |
| Less accumulated depreciation | (2,790,303) | (2,336,442) |
| $ 5,323,612 | $ 4,288,618 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization for physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before accumulated depreciation of building structures held for productive use including addition, improvement, or renovation to the structure, including, but not limited to, interior masonry, interior flooring, electrical, and plumbing. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before accumulated depletion of real estate held for productive use, excluding land held for sale. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before accumulated depreciation of tangible personal property used to produce goods and services, including, but is not limited to, tools, dies and molds, computer and office equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 6 - Patents and Trademarks, Net (Details) (Patents and Trademarks [Member], USD $)
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
|
Patents and Trademarks [Member]
|
|
| Note 6 - Patents and Trademarks, Net (Details) [Line Items] | |
| Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life | 7 years |
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months | $ 80,000 |
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two | 80,000 |
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three | 80,000 |
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four | 80,000 |
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five | $ 80,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. No definition available.
|
|
Note 6 - Patents and Trademarks, Net (Details) - Patents and Trademarks, Net (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|---|---|---|
| Patents and Trademarks, Net [Abstract] | ||
| Patents and trademarks | $ 2,064,128 | $ 1,945,785 |
| Less accumulated amortization | (1,003,489) | (984,604) |
| $ 1,060,639 | $ 961,181 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Accumulated amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 7 - Investments in Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|---|---|---|
|
NTI ASEAN [Member]
|
||
| Note 7 - Investments in Joint Ventures (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 10.00% | 50.00% |
|
Harita NTI Ltd [Member]
|
||
| Note 7 - Investments in Joint Ventures (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 50.00% | |
| Due from Joint Ventures (in Dollars) | $ 484,545 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For an unclassified balance sheet, amounts due from an entity in which the reporting entity shares joint control with another party or group. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of assets reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of current assets reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of current liabilities reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of equity, including noncontrolling interest, reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of noncurrent liabilities reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the entity's ownership percentage in the investee multiplied by the investee's total equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of consolidated retained earnings that represent undistributed (not yet received) earnings from 50% or less owned persons accounted for by the equity method (equity method investees). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of gross profit (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) reported by an equity method investment of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of revenue from sale of goods and services reduced by sales returns, allowances, and discounts reported by an equity method investment of the entity. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 8 - Corporate Debt (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2013
Monthly Payments [Member]
Term Loan [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2013
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Term Loan [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2013
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2013
Term Loan and Line of Credit Agreements "Loan Agreements" [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2013
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2012
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
|
|
| Note 8 - Corporate Debt (Details) [Line Items] | |||||||
| Long-term Debt, Gross (in Dollars) | $ 933,414 | ||||||
| Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate | 2.15% | 2.15% | |||||
| Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal (in Dollars) | 6,343 | ||||||
| Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity (in Dollars) | $ 3,000,000 | ||||||
| Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End | 2.82% | 3.18% | |||||
| Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate | 3.00% | 3.17% | |||||
| Debt Instrument, Covenants, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio | 1.10:1.00 | ||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the fixed charge coverage ratio for the debt instrument under the covenant terms. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of long-term debt before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the required periodic payments applied to principal. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The effective interest rate at the end of the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value | $ 45,533 | $ 13,872 |
|
Common Stock Bonuses [Member]
|
||
| Note 9 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares) | 42,707 | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share) | $ 14.42 | |
| Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Aggregate Fair Value | $ 615,830 | |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the aggregate fair value of equity-based payment equity instruments, excluding stock or unit options, as of the date of grant. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of accumulated difference between fair value of underlying shares on dates of exercise and exercise price on options exercised (or share units converted) into shares. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average price at which option holders acquired shares when converting their stock options into shares. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of share options (or share units) exercised during the current period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 10 - Net Income Per Common Share (Details) (Employee Stock Option [Member])
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
|
Employee Stock Option [Member]
|
||
| Note 10 - Net Income Per Common Share (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount | 22,000 | 48,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 10 - Net Income Per Common Share (Details) - Reconciliation of the Earnings Per Share Computations (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
May 31, 2013
|
Feb. 28, 2013
|
Nov. 30, 2012
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
May 31, 2012
|
Feb. 29, 2012
|
Nov. 30, 2011
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Reconciliation of the Earnings Per Share Computations [Abstract] | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to NTIC (in Dollars) | $ 1,615,750 | $ 927,112 | $ 434,410 | $ 389,622 | $ 3,366,894 | $ 3,448,196 | ||||
| Basic – weighted shares outstanding | 4,421,636 | 4,391,424 | ||||||||
| Weighted shares assumed upon exercise of stock options | 54,259 | 60,170 | ||||||||
| Diluted – weighted shares outstanding | 4,501,017 | 4,468,861 | 4,485,076 | 4,440,436 | 4,436,444 | 4,461,044 | 4,466,435 | 4,433,724 | 4,475,895 | 4,451,594 |
| Basic earnings per share: (in Dollars per share) | $ 0.37 | $ 0.21 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.09 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.33 | $ 0.14 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.79 |
| Diluted earnings per share: (in Dollars per share) | $ 0.36 | $ 0.21 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.09 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.33 | $ 0.14 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.75 | $ 0.78 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Additional shares included in the calculation of diluted EPS as a result of the potentially dilutive effect of share based payment arrangements using the treasury stock method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Estimated expense to be recognized for the next fiscal year following the most recent fiscal year arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Estimated forfeiture rate used for stock options. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Unrecognized cost of unvested options awarded to employees as compensation. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Period which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Discount rate from fair value on offering date that participants pay for shares. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Expected term of share-based compensation awards, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during the reporting period as calculated by applying the disclosed option pricing methodology. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average remaining contractual term for option awards outstanding, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The noncash expense that accounts for the value of stock or unit options distributed to employees as compensation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model Assumptions
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model Assumptions [Line Items] | ||
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Expected volatility | 48.00% | 48.80% |
| Expected life of option (years) | 5 years | |
| Weighted average risk-free interest rate | 0.71% | 1.31% |
|
Minimum [Member]
|
||
| Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model Assumptions [Line Items] | ||
| Expected life of option (years) | 5 years | |
|
Maximum [Member]
|
||
| Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model Assumptions [Line Items] | ||
| Expected life of option (years) | 10 years | |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The estimated dividend rate (a percentage of the share price) to be paid (expected dividends) to holders of the underlying shares over the option's term. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Expected term of share-based compensation awards, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The estimated measure of the percentage by which a share price is expected to fluctuate during a period. Volatility also may be defined as a probability-weighted measure of the dispersion of returns about the mean. The volatility of a share price is the standard deviation of the continuously compounded rates of return on the share over a specified period. That is the same as the standard deviation of the differences in the natural logarithms of the stock prices plus dividends, if any, over the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The risk-free interest rate assumption that is used in valuing an option on its own shares. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 11 - Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Stock Option Activity (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
Aug. 31, 2011
|
|
| Stock Option Activity [Abstract] | |||
| Outstanding | 260,627 | 203,873 | 189,839 |
| Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share) | $ 9.84 | $ 10.01 | $ 9.07 |
| Options Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in Dollars) | $ 1,358,325 | ||
| Options granted | 118,294 | 26,000 | |
| Options granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share) | $ 10.25 | $ 16.45 | |
| Options exercised | (37,040) | (3,966) | |
| Options exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share) | $ 9.96 | $ 8.71 | |
| Options terminated | (24,500) | (8,000) | |
| Options terminated, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share) | $ 13.12 | $ 9.23 | |
| Exercisable at August 31, 2013 | 134,998 | ||
| Exercisable at August 31, 2013 (in Dollars per share) | $ 9.48 | ||
| Exercisable at August 31, 2013 (in Dollars) | $ 768,043 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of difference between fair value of the underlying shares reserved for issuance and exercise price of vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of shares into which fully or partially vested stock options outstanding as of the balance sheet date can be currently converted under the option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The weighted-average price as of the balance sheet date at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance on vested portions of options outstanding and currently exercisable under the stock option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The number of shares under options that were cancelled during the reporting period as a result of occurrence of a terminating event specified in contractual agreements pertaining to the stock option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gross number of share options (or share units) granted during the period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount by which the current fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of options outstanding. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of options outstanding, including both vested and non-vested options. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average price at which grantees can acquire the shares reserved for issuance under the stock option plan. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average price at which option holders acquired shares when converting their stock options into shares. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average price at which grantees could have acquired the underlying shares with respect to stock options that were terminated. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Weighted average per share amount at which grantees can acquire shares of common stock by exercise of options. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of share options (or share units) exercised during the current period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For an entity that discloses a concentration risk in relation to quantitative amount, which serves as the "benchmark" (or denominator) in the equation, this concept represents the concentration percentage derived from the division. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of entity wide fees for services provided to joint ventures generated from geographic location. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total fees for services provided to joint ventures by geographic locations. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Note 12 - Geographic And Segment Information (Details) - Net Sales By Segment (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
May 31, 2013
|
Feb. 28, 2013
|
Nov. 30, 2012
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] | ||||||
| Net sales | $ 6,086,734 | $ 5,877,033 | $ 5,246,350 | $ 5,291,747 | $ 22,501,864 | $ 22,781,653 |
| Change in $ | (279,789) | |||||
| Change in % | (1.20%) | |||||
|
ZERUST [Member]
|
||||||
| Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] | ||||||
| Net sales | 20,457,198 | 20,971,275 | ||||
| Change in $ | (514,077) | |||||
| Change in % | (2.50%) | |||||
|
Natur-Tec [Member]
|
||||||
| Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] | ||||||
| Net sales | 2,044,666 | 1,810,378 | ||||
| Change in $ | $ 234,288 | |||||
| Change in % | 12.90% | |||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
No authoritative reference available. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
No authoritative reference available. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Note 12 - Geographic And Segment Information (Details) - Cost of Goods Sold By Segment (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Direct cost of goods sold | ||
| Indirect cost of goods sold | $ 15,473,212 | $ 14,528,785 |
| Indirect cost of goods sold | 68.80% | 63.80% |
|
ZERUST [Member] | Direct Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
|
||
| Direct cost of goods sold | ||
| Indirect cost of goods sold | 11,408,604 | 10,748,865 |
| Indirect cost of goods sold | 55.80% | 51.30% |
|
Natur-Tec [Member] | Direct Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
|
||
| Direct cost of goods sold | ||
| Indirect cost of goods sold | 1,731,398 | 1,585,731 |
| Indirect cost of goods sold | 84.70% | 87.60% |
|
Indirect Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
|
||
| Direct cost of goods sold | ||
| Indirect cost of goods sold | $ 2,333,210 | $ 2,194,190 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the cost of goods sold as a percentage of product sales. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total costs related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 12 - Geographic And Segment Information (Details) - Total assets by geographic distribution (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|---|---|---|
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ||
| Country | $ 49,053,949 | $ 41,877,627 |
|
Brazil [Member]
|
||
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ||
| Country | 1,419,543 | 1,610,389 |
|
North America [Member]
|
||
| Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] | ||
| Country | $ 47,634,406 | $ 40,267,238 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Note 12 - Geographic And Segment Information (Details) - Operating income by geographic distribution (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
May 31, 2013
|
Feb. 28, 2013
|
Nov. 30, 2012
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||
| Net Sales | $ 6,086,734 | $ 5,877,033 | $ 5,246,350 | $ 5,291,747 | $ 22,501,864 | $ 22,781,653 |
| Operating Income | 4,964,976 | 4,569,769 | ||||
|
Brazil [Member]
|
||||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||
| Net Sales | 2,394,486 | 4,543,982 | ||||
| Operating Income | (273,246) | 1,513,891 | ||||
|
North America [Member]
|
||||||
| Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | ||||||
| Net Sales | 20,107,378 | 18,237,671 | ||||
| Operating Income | $ 5,238,222 | $ 3,055,878 | ||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Note 13 - Retirement Plan (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
| Defined Contribution Plan Employee Contribution Percent Max | 15.00% | |
| Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Amount Of Employees Contributions Percent | 50.00% | |
| Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent | 3.50% | |
| Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized (in Dollars) | $ 175,016 | $ 166,201 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
No authoritative reference available. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
No authoritative reference available. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of the cost recognized during the period for defined contribution plans. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maximum percentage of employee gross pay the employee may contribute to a defined contribution plan. No definition available.
|
|
Note 14 - Related Party Transactions (Details) (Bioplastic Polymers LLC [Member], USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
|
Consulting Payment Expense [Member]
|
||
| Note 14 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction | $ 100,000 | $ 100,000 |
|
Royalty Payment Expense [Member]
|
||
| Note 14 - Related Party Transactions (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction | $ 10,244 | $ 7,745 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of transactions with related party during the financial reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|---|---|---|
| Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries | $ 22,281,510 | $ 18,185,000 |
| Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Foreign | 4,253,900 | |
| Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued | 0 | 0 |
|
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
|
||
| Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration | 285,800 | |
| Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance | 4,253,900 | |
|
Federal and State Tax [Member]
|
||
| Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Operating Loss Carryforwards | 1,832,200 | |
| Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance | $ 1,832,200 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible foreign operating loss carryforwards. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible operating loss carryforwards that are subject to expiration dates. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of operating loss carryforward, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of valuation allowance pertaining to the deferred tax asset representing potential future taxable deductions from tax credit carryforwards for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries intended to be permanently reinvested outside the country of domicile. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount accrued for interest on an underpayment of income taxes and penalties related to a tax position claimed or expected to be claimed in the tax return. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Provision For Income Taxes (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Current: | ||
| State | $ 8,000 | $ 25,000 |
| Foreign | 731,000 | 1,015,000 |
| 739,000 | 1,040,000 | |
| Deferred: | ||
| Federal | 118,000 | 44,000 |
| State | 7,000 | (43,000) |
| 125,000 | 1,000 | |
| $ 864,000 | $ 1,041,000 | |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of current foreign income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to taxable income (loss) from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of current state and local tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred federal income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred foreign income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred state and local tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliations of the Expected Federal Income Tax at the Statutory Rate With the Provisions For Income Taxes (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
May 31, 2013
|
Feb. 28, 2013
|
Nov. 30, 2012
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
May 31, 2012
|
Feb. 29, 2012
|
Nov. 30, 2011
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Reconciliations of the Expected Federal Income Tax at the Statutory Rate With the Provisions For Income Taxes [Abstract] | ||||||||||
| Tax computed at statutory rates | $ 1,910,000 | $ 1,570,000 | ||||||||
| State income tax, net of federal benefit | 15,000 | (17,000) | ||||||||
| Tax effect on equity in (income) loss of international joint ventures | (1,781,000) | (1,616,000) | ||||||||
| Tax effect on dividends received from joint ventures | 1,732,000 | 1,363,000 | ||||||||
| Tax effect of foreign operations | 807,000 | 556,000 | ||||||||
| Foreign tax credit | (2,524,000) | (1,729,000) | ||||||||
| Research and development credit | (364,000) | (330,000) | ||||||||
| Valuation allowance | 1,635,000 | 1,177,000 | ||||||||
| Tax-exempt income | (230,000) | |||||||||
| Non-controlling interest in partnership income | (425,000) | |||||||||
| Other | 89,000 | 67,000 | ||||||||
| $ 332,000 | $ 158,000 | $ 240,000 | $ 134,000 | $ (32,000) | $ 814,000 | $ 100,000 | $ 106,000 | $ 864,000 | $ 1,041,000 | |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to increase (decrease) in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to deduction for dividend. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries exempt from income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to foreign income tax expense (benefit). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of income tax expense or benefit for the period computed by applying the domestic federal statutory tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interest income (loss) exempt from income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to tax exempt income, equity in earnings (loss) of an unconsolidated subsidiary, minority noncontrolling interest income (loss), tax holiday, disposition of a business, disposition of an asset, repatriation of foreign earnings, repatriation of foreign earnings jobs creation act of 2004, increase (decrease) in enacted tax rate, prior year income taxes, increase (decrease) in deferred tax asset valuation allowance, and other adjustments. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to state and local income tax expense (benefit). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to tax credits. Including, but not limited to, research credit, foreign tax credit, investment tax credit, and other tax credits. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to foreign tax credit. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to income (loss) exempt from income taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Tax Effect of the Temporary Differences and Tax Carry Forwards Comprising Net Deferred Taxes: (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|---|---|---|
| Current: | ||
| Accrued bonus | $ 277,300 | $ 404,100 |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | 7,200 | 7,200 |
| Inventory costs | 24,600 | 11,900 |
| Prepaid expenses and other | (31,200) | (27,300) |
| Other accrued expenses | 85,500 | 96,200 |
| Deferred joint venture expenses | 104,100 | 104,000 |
| Total current | 467,500 | 596,100 |
| Noncurrent: | ||
| Property and equipment | (165,100) | (159,500) |
| Goodwill | 35,200 | 43,100 |
| Other intangible assets | 914,000 | 949,200 |
| Nonqualified stock options | 248,500 | 196,100 |
| Foreign tax credit carryforward | 4,253,900 | 3,438,300 |
| Research and development credit | 1,823,200 | 1,485,800 |
| New hire retention credit | 10,600 | 10,700 |
| 7,120,300 | 5,963,700 | |
| Valuation allowance | (6,086,100) | (4,933,100) |
| Total noncurrent | $ 1,034,200 | $ 1,030,600 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from deferred joint venture expenses. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from goodwill. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from intangible assets. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards expected to be realized or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from inventory. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards, net of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible foreign tax credit carryforwards. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to other deductible tax credit carryforwards not separately disclosed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible research tax credit carryforwards. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from employee bonuses. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from share-based compensation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from the allowance for doubtful accounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from other reserves and accruals not separately disclosed. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred tax consequences attributable to taxable temporary differences derived from prepaid expenses. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from property, plant, and equipment. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of the Total Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits: (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2011
|
|
| Reconciliation of the Total Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits: [Abstract] | ||
| Gross unrecognized tax benefits – beginning balance | $ 131,000 | $ 131,000 |
| Gross increases - prior period tax positions | 19,000 | |
| Gross increases – current period tax positions | 20,000 | |
| Gross unrecognized tax benefits – ending balance | $ 170,000 | $ 131,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of increase in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions that have been or will be taken in current period tax return. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of increase in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken in prior period tax returns. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months (in Dollars) | $ 59,500 | |
| Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter (in Dollars) | 0 | |
|
Fiscal 2013 Bonus Plan [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
|
||
| Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Percentage of Individual Bonus Payout Determined By Actual Versus Targeted EBITOI Results | 75.00% | |
| Percentage of Individual's Payout Determined Upon Achievement of Certain Pre-Established Individual Performance Objectives | 25.00% | |
|
Fiscal 2013 Bonus Plan [Member]
|
||
| Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Percentage of Individual Bonus Payout Determined By Actual Versus Targeted EBITOI Results | 75.00% | |
| Percentage of Individual's Payout Determined Upon Achievement of Certain Pre-Established Individual Performance Objectives | 25.00% | |
| nticAmount Of Bonus Cash Available If EBITOI Falls Below Adjusted EBITOI Threshold | 0 | |
| Adjusted EBITOI As Percentage of Target EBITOI, Threshold To Pay Bonus | 60.00% | 70.00% |
| Accrued Bonuses (in Dollars) | $ 959,000 | $ 1,248,526 |
|
Trade Joint Venture Receivables [Member]
|
||
| Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items] | ||
| Number of Joint Ventures Accounted for a Certain Percentage of Company’s Trade Joint Venture Receivables | 2 | 3 |
| Concentration Risk, Percentage | 49.00% | 55.30% |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
If the adjusted EBITOI (EBITO adjusted for amounts to be paid under the bonus plan) falls below this threshold then no cash bonuses will be paid. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
No authoritative reference available. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of Joint Ventures Accounted for a Certain Percentage of Company’s Trade Joint Venture Receivables. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of individual's bonus payout determined based upon the Company's actual EBITOI for the fiscal year compared to pre-established target EBITOI for the fiscal year. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of individual's payout determined based upon achievement of certain pre-established individual performance objectives. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for incentive compensation awarded to employees and directors or earned by them based on the terms of one or more relevant arrangements. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For an entity that discloses a concentration risk in relation to quantitative amount, which serves as the "benchmark" (or denominator) in the equation, this concept represents the concentration percentage derived from the division. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of required minimum rental payments maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of required minimum rental payments maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 17 - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information [Abstract] | ||
| Cash paid during the year for interest | $ 52,215 | $ 29,388 |
| Common stock issued in lieu of accrued payroll (0 and 42,707 shares, respectively) | 615,830 | |
| Decrease/(increase) in the Company’s investment in joint ventures and accumulated other comprehensive income due to changes in exchange rates | $ (38,578) | $ 2,219,357 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of cash paid for interest during the period net of cash paid for interest that is capitalized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before tax, after reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Value of shares issued as consideration for cash for development stage entities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 17 - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Parentheticals)
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information [Abstract] | ||
| Common stock, shares issued | 0 | 42,707 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares issued as consideration for cash for development stage entities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 18 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Disclosure Text Block [Abstract] | ||
| Fair Value Assets, Transfers Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| Fair Value Inputs, Capitalization Rate | 25.00% | |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Transfers between Level1,Level2 or Level3 No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
No authoritative reference available. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Note 18 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value Recurring Basis (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|---|---|---|
| Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] | ||
| Cash equivalents | $ 1,020,000 | $ 1,518,000 |
|
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] | ||
| Cash equivalents | $ 1,020,000 | $ 1,518,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
For an unclassified balance sheet, this item represents investments in common and preferred stocks and other forms of securities that provide ownership interests in a corporation. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 18 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Assets And Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Nonrecurring Basis (NTI ASEAN [Member], USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|---|---|
| Note 18 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Assets And Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |
| Fair market value of NTI Asean | $ 7,922,000 |
|
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
|
|
| Note 18 - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Assets And Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] | |
| Fair market value of NTI Asean | $ 7,922,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Value of the investment at close of period. For schedules of investments that are categorized, the value would be aggregated by category. For investment in and advances to affiliates, if operations of any controlled companies are different in character from those of the company, group such affiliates within divisions and by type of activities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 19 - Quaterly Information (Unaudited) (Details) - Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
May 31, 2013
|
Feb. 28, 2013
|
Nov. 30, 2012
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
May 31, 2012
|
Feb. 29, 2012
|
Nov. 30, 2011
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Fiscal year 2013: | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ 6,086,734 | $ 5,877,033 | $ 5,246,350 | $ 5,291,747 | $ 22,501,864 | $ 22,781,653 | ||||
| Gross profit | 1,992,771 | 1,822,669 | 1,612,437 | 1,600,775 | 1,474,594 | 3,661,390 | 1,494,246 | 1,622,638 | 7,028,652 | 8,252,868 |
| Income before income tax expense | 2,294,041 | 1,445,769 | 985,155 | 892,536 | 416,611 | 2,454,623 | 703,991 | 1,041,421 | 5,617,501 | 4,616,646 |
| Income tax expense | 332,000 | 158,000 | 240,000 | 134,000 | (32,000) | 814,000 | 100,000 | 106,000 | 864,000 | 1,041,000 |
| Net income | 1,962,041 | 1,287,769 | 745,155 | 758,536 | 448,611 | 1,640,623 | 603,991 | 935,421 | 4,753,501 | 3,575,646 |
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | 346,291 | 360,657 | 310,745 | 368,914 | 1,386,607 | 127,450 | ||||
| Net income attributable to NTIC | $ 1,615,750 | $ 927,112 | $ 434,410 | $ 389,622 | $ 3,366,894 | $ 3,448,196 | ||||
| Net income per share: | ||||||||||
| Basic (in Dollars per share) | $ 0.37 | $ 0.21 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.09 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.33 | $ 0.14 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.79 |
| Diluted (in Dollars per share) | $ 0.36 | $ 0.21 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.09 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.33 | $ 0.14 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.75 | $ 0.78 |
| Weighted average common shares assumed outstanding: | ||||||||||
| Basic (in Shares) | 4,431,948 | 4,421,379 | 4,418,821 | 4,406,205 | 4,403,656 | 4,399,290 | 4,398,356 | 4,355,666 | ||
| Diluted (in Shares) | 4,501,017 | 4,468,861 | 4,485,076 | 4,440,436 | 4,436,444 | 4,461,044 | 4,466,435 | 4,433,724 | 4,475,895 | 4,451,594 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate revenue less cost of goods and services sold or operating expenses directly attributable to the revenue generation activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents the weighted average total number of shares issued throughout the period including the first (beginning balance outstanding) and last (ending balance outstanding) day of the period before considering any reductions (for instance, shares held in treasury) to arrive at the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Weighted average relates to the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares have been issued and outstanding to the total time in that period. Such concept is used in determining the weighted average number of shares outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share (basic). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 19 - Quaterly Information (Unaudited) (Details) - Quater Information (Unaudited) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
May 31, 2013
|
Feb. 28, 2013
|
Nov. 30, 2012
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
May 31, 2012
|
Feb. 29, 2012
|
Nov. 30, 2011
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
| Fiscal year 2012: | ||||||||||
| Net sales | $ 5,170,307 | $ 7,804,904 | $ 4,974,328 | $ 4,832,114 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 1,992,771 | 1,822,669 | 1,612,437 | 1,600,775 | 1,474,594 | 3,661,390 | 1,494,246 | 1,622,638 | 7,028,652 | 8,252,868 |
| Income before income tax expense | 2,294,041 | 1,445,769 | 985,155 | 892,536 | 416,611 | 2,454,623 | 703,991 | 1,041,421 | 5,617,501 | 4,616,646 |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 332,000 | 158,000 | 240,000 | 134,000 | (32,000) | 814,000 | 100,000 | 106,000 | 864,000 | 1,041,000 |
| Net income | $ 1,962,041 | $ 1,287,769 | $ 745,155 | $ 758,536 | $ 448,611 | $ 1,640,623 | $ 603,991 | $ 935,421 | $ 4,753,501 | $ 3,575,646 |
| Net income per share: | ||||||||||
| Basic (in Dollars per share) | $ 0.37 | $ 0.21 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.09 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.33 | $ 0.14 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.76 | $ 0.79 |
| Diluted (in Dollars per share) | $ 0.36 | $ 0.21 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.09 | $ 0.10 | $ 0.33 | $ 0.14 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.75 | $ 0.78 |
| Weighted average common shares assumed outstanding: | ||||||||||
| Basic (in Shares) | 4,431,948 | 4,421,379 | 4,418,821 | 4,406,205 | 4,403,656 | 4,399,290 | 4,398,356 | 4,355,666 | ||
| Diluted (in Shares) | 4,501,017 | 4,468,861 | 4,485,076 | 4,440,436 | 4,436,444 | 4,461,044 | 4,466,435 | 4,433,724 | 4,475,895 | 4,451,594 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Aggregate revenue less cost of goods and services sold or operating expenses directly attributable to the revenue generation activity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This element represents the weighted average total number of shares issued throughout the period including the first (beginning balance outstanding) and last (ending balance outstanding) day of the period before considering any reductions (for instance, shares held in treasury) to arrive at the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Weighted average relates to the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares have been issued and outstanding to the total time in that period. Such concept is used in determining the weighted average number of shares outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share (basic). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|