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Document And Entity Information (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Aug. 31, 2015
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Nov. 10, 2015
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Feb. 27, 2015
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|
| Entity Registrant Name | Northern Technologies International Corporation | ||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000875582 | ||
| Trading Symbol | ntic | ||
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --08-31 | ||
| Entity Filer Category | Accelerated Filer | ||
| Entity Current Reporting Status | Yes | ||
| Entity Voluntary Filers | No | ||
| Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer | No | ||
| Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) | 4,538,317 | ||
| Entity Public Float | $ 77.1 | ||
| Document Type | 10-K | ||
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 31, 2015 | ||
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2015 | ||
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | FY | ||
| Amendment Flag | false |
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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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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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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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Trading symbol of an instrument as listed on an exchange. No definition available.
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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
Represents the fair value investments in joint ventures. 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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- Details
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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 investment in debt and equity securities categorized neither as trading securities nor held-to-maturity securities and intended be sold or mature one year or operating cycle, if longer. 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
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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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
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
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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- 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 carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. This element is for unclassified presentations; for classified presentations there is a separate and distinct element. 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, 2015
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Aug. 31, 2014
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|---|---|---|
| Trade excluding joint ventures, allowance for doubtful accounts | $ 40,000 | $ 40,000 |
| Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) | 0 | 0 |
| Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | 0 | 0 |
| Common stock par value (in dollars per share) | $ 0.02 | $ 0.02 |
| Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) | 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 |
| Common stock, shares issued (in shares) | 4,539,045 | 4,504,552 |
| Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) | 4,539,045 | 4,504,552 |
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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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- 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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Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)
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12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Aug. 31, 2015
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Aug. 31, 2014
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Aug. 31, 2013
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|
| NET SALES: | |||
| Net sales, excluding joint ventures | $ 27,491,392 | $ 23,601,514 | $ 19,724,205 |
| Net sales, to joint ventures | 2,831,301 | 3,224,594 | 2,777,659 |
| Total net sales | 30,322,693 | 26,826,108 | 22,501,864 |
| Cost of goods sold | 20,555,932 | 17,803,153 | 15,473,212 |
| Gross profit | 9,766,761 | 9,022,955 | 7,028,652 |
| JOINT VENTURE OPERATIONS: | |||
| Equity in income from joint ventures | 5,936,565 | 5,920,603 | 5,237,711 |
| Fees for services provided to joint ventures | 5,715,491 | 8,142,863 | 7,352,980 |
| Total joint venture operations | 11,652,056 | 14,063,466 | 12,590,691 |
| OPERATING EXPENSES: | |||
| Selling expenses | 5,820,748 | 5,221,738 | 4,845,676 |
| General and administrative expenses | 6,531,576 | 5,393,531 | 4,605,979 |
| Expenses incurred in support of joint ventures | 1,867,570 | 1,408,014 | 1,387,197 |
| Research and development expenses | 4,047,279 | 4,368,752 | 3,815,515 |
| Total operating expenses | 18,267,173 | 16,392,035 | 14,654,367 |
| OPERATING INCOME | 3,151,644 | 6,694,386 | 4,964,976 |
| INTEREST INCOME | 34,835 | 11,617 | 34,614 |
| INTEREST EXPENSE | (20,960) | (47,322) | (52,215) |
| OTHER INCOME | 515 | 4,393 | 670,126 |
| INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE | 3,166,034 | 6,663,074 | 5,617,501 |
| INCOME TAX EXPENSE | 648,674 | 1,124,662 | 864,000 |
| NET INCOME | 2,517,360 | 5,538,412 | 4,753,501 |
| NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS | 727,789 | 1,432,040 | 1,386,607 |
| NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC | $ 1,789,571 | $ 4,106,372 | $ 3,366,894 |
| NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC PER COMMON SHARE: | |||
| Basic (in dollars per share) | $ 0.40 | $ 0.92 | $ 0.76 |
| Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ 0.38 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.75 |
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES ASSUMED OUTSTANDING: | |||
| Basic (in shares) | 4,521,788 | 4,454,836 | 4,421,636 |
| Diluted (in shares) | 4,649,060 | 4,579,498 | 4,475,895 |
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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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- Definition
Amount of Net Income (Loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- 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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- Details
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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 (Loss) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| NET INCOME | $ 2,517,360 | $ 5,538,412 | $ 4,753,501 |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME – FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT | (3,835,705) | (49,463) | 56,909 |
| COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME | (1,318,345) | 5,488,949 | 4,810,410 |
| COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS | 326,820 | 1,444,813 | 1,404,938 |
| COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC | $ (1,645,165) | $ 4,044,136 | $ 3,405,472 |
| 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 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 (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss), 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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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
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.
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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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Increase in noncontrolling interest balance because of a business combination that occurred during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of increase in noncontrolling interest from subsidiary issuance of equity interests to noncontrolling interest holders. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of shares issued which are neither cancelled nor held in the treasury. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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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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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Number of share options (or share units) exercised during the current period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Value of stock issued as a result of the exercise of stock options. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Number of shares that have been repurchased and retired during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Equity impact of the value of stock that has been repurchased and retired during the period. The excess of the purchase price over par value can be charged against retained earnings (once the excess is fully allocated to additional paid in capital). Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of gain (loss) on sale or disposal of assets, including but not limited to property and plant, intangible assets and equity in securities of subsidiaries or equity method investee. No definition available.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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.
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| 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 | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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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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| 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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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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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Amount of cash inflow (outflow) of financing activities, excluding 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities, excluding 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The cash outflow to acquire debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities which would be classified as available-for-sale securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Dividends received on equity and other investments during the current period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of cash inflow from a noncontrolling interest. Includes, but is not limited to, purchase of additional shares or other increase in noncontrolling interest ownership. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
The cash inflow associated with the sale of debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
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- 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
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| 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
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of expense related to write-down of receivables to the amount expected to be collected. Includes, but is not limited to, accounts receivable and notes receivable. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| 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
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock or unit options, amortization of restricted stock or units, and adjustment for officers' compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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|
Note 1 - Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes to Financial Statements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 biobased and compostable (fully biodegradable) polymer resins and finished products 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’s two operating segments are ZERUST and Nature-Tec.The Company participates, either directly or indirectly, in 19 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 also 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 - NTIC evaluates its voting and variable interests in entities on a qualitative and quantitative basis. NTIC consolidates entities in which it concludes 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. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Northern Technologies International Corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Northern Technologies Holding Company, LLC, NTIC (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (NTIC China), Northern Technologies India Private Limited (Natur-Tec India), NTIC’s majority-owned subsidiary in Brazil, Zerust Prevenção de Corrosão S.A.(Zerust Brazil) and NTIC’s majority-owned holding company, NTI Asean LLC (NTI Asean). NTIC’s consolidated financial statements do not include the accounts of any of its joint ventures.Non-Controlling Interests – The Company owns 85% of Zerust Brazil, 60% of NTI Asean, and 90% of Natur-Tec India. The remaining ownership is accounted for as non-controlling interests and reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements. The Company allocates gains and losses to the non-controlling 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 the Company maintains control.Reclassification - Certain amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements for the previous reporting periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reclassified dividends received from equity method from investing cash flows to operating cash flows on the consolidated statements of cash flows for all periods presented. The classification reflects the continued profitability and returns of those profits to its owners, including the Company. The reclassification did not impact net income or equity.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. Sales and use taxes charged to customers are reported on a net basis.Trade 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 determines that a smaller or larger uncollectible accounts reserve is appropriate, the Company records a credit or charge to selling expense in the period that it made such determination. Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $40,000 at August 31, 2015 and 2014. 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.The following table is a tabular rollforward for the allowance for doubtful accounts:
Trade Receivables from Joint Ventures – Trade receivables from joint ventures arise from sales of products the Company makes to its joint ventures. 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 balances. The Company periodically reviews amounts due from its joint ventures for collectability, and based on past experience and continuous review of the balances due, determined an allowance for doubtful accounts related to its joint venture receivables is not necessary at August 31, 2015 or 2014.Fees for Services Provided to Joint Ventures – The Company provides 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 accounts for these fees on a cash basis 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.Available for Sale Securities – Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses on available for sale securities are excluded from earnings.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. 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. All investments in joint ventures have positive equity as of August 31, 2015 and 2014.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 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 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 (Loss)) - The functional currency of NTIC China, Zerust Brazil, Natur-Tec India 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 (loss).The Company (excluding NTIC China, Zerust Brazil, Natur-Tec India, 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 from joint ventures reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, available for sale securities, 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 former long-term debt approximated 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.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. 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.Common Stock – The Company issues new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options.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 (generally the vesting term).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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The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 2 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement
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| Notes to Financial Statements | |
| Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] | 2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Topic 606 (Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09), which provides a framework for the recognition of revenue, with the objective that recognized revenues properly reflect amounts an entity is entitled to receive in exchange for goods and services. This guidance, which includes additional disclosure requirements regarding revenue, cash flows and obligations related to contracts with customers, was originally to be effective for the Company beginning in fiscal year 2018. In July 2015, the FASB confirmed a one year deferral of the effective date of the new revenue standard which also allows early adoption as of the original effective date. The updated guidance will be effective for the Company’s first quarter of 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements, but believes there will be no material impact, if any.In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, “ Inventory ”, which modifies the subsequent measurement of inventories recorded under a first-in-first-out or average cost method. Under the new standard, such inventories are required to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The new standard is effective for the Company’s fiscal year 2018, with prospective application. The Company does not expect the adoption of the provisions of ASU 2015-11 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.Although there are several other new accounting pronouncements issued or proposed by the FASB, which the Company has adopted or will adopt, as applicable, the Company does not believe any of these accounting pronouncements has had or will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or operating results. |
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Note 3 - NTI ASEAN
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| Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] | 3. NTI ASEAN 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 (although the joint venture agreements for the Chinese joint venture were terminated as of December 31, 2014 and liquidation of this joint venture is anticipated), 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:
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Note 4 - Inventories
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| 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 was $87,663, $86,652 and $71,405 for the years ended August 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 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 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 and from joint ventures to other joint ventures have been eliminated for financial reporting purposes. Financial information of the Company’s joint venture in Germany, Excor Korrosionsschutz – Technologien und Produkte GmbH (EXCOR), China, Tianjin-Zerust Anticorrosion Co., Ltd. (Tianjin Zerust) (See Note 8), Finland and India for the periods for which it was accounted for under the equity method and all of the Company’s other joint ventures, are summarized as follows:
On January 2, 2015, the Company announced that, effective as of December 31, 2014, the Company terminated its joint venture agreements with its previous joint venture in China, Tianjin Zerust, and began the process of liquidating the joint venture entity. Since December 31, 2014, the Company has conducted business in China through a wholly-owned subsidiary, NTIC (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. As of December 31, 2014, the Company started recognizing Tianjin Zerust based on its carrying value instead of the equity method since the Company no longer expects to significantly affect the joint venture’s operations or decision making. See Note 8. Because of the lack of financial and other information received from Tianjin Zerust, it is possible that receipt of future financial and other information from Tianjin Zerust may impact the realization of NTIC’s investment in and realization of a receivable from Tianjin Zerust. The last time the Company received financial information from Tianjin Zerust was through November 2014. NTIC as of August 31, 2015, does not believe there are any triggering events that would require an impairment test. NTIC’s current net investment is approximately $1.1 million, which is 60% of its investment in Tianjin Zerust, which was $1,883,668 as of August 31, 2015. The Company will continue to evaluate the realization of this asset on an ongoing basis and adjust if necessary. The Company records expenses that are directly attributable to the joint ventures on its consolidated statements of operations in the line item “Expenses incurred in support of joint ventures.” The expenses include items such as employee compensation and benefit expenses, travel expense and consulting expense. The Company did not make any joint venture investments during fiscal 2015. On May 31, 2014, NTI Asean purchased the other 50% ownership interest in its joint venture in Singapore for $110,988. The Company did not make any other joint venture investments during fiscal 2014. On November 30, 2013, the Company agreed to sell its indirect ownership interest in Mütec GmbH (Mütec), the Company’s former joint venture in Germany which manufactures proprietary electronic sensing instruments. In connection with the transaction, the owner of Mütec borrowed $168,000 from the Company to be repaid over four years with no interest. As of August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, $125,891 and $156,854 was due to the Company related to this transaction. |
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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 - China Operations
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| Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] | 8. CHINA OPERATIONS Effective December 31, 2014, the Company terminated its joint venture agreements with its previous joint venture in China, Tianjin Zerust, began the process of liquidating the joint venture entity, and commenced operations in China through a wholly-owned subsidiary, NTIC (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. on January 1, 2015. Effective December 31, 2014, the Company’s investment in Tianjin Zerust is reported at carrying value based on the Company’s decreased level of influence over the entity, and the Company has reclassified previously unrecognized gains on foreign currency translation from accumulated other comprehensive income. Any declines in the fair value are reflected as adjustments to the carrying value. No such adjustments were recorded during fiscal 2015. The investment in Tianjin Zerust is as follows:
The Company incurred expenses of $1,642,258 during fiscal 2015 related to the termination of the joint venture agreement with Tianjin Zerust, the initiation of the liquidation of Tianjin Zerust and the formation and initial operation of NTIC China. Such expenses consisted primarily of legal expenses and personnel expenses associated with the establishment of the subsidiary and the hiring of new personnel. These expenses are recorded as operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and are partially off-set by the gross margin contribution from sales of NTIC China. Because of the lack of financial and other information received from Tianjin Zerust, it is possible that if and when financial and other information is received from Tianjin Zerust that the Company may need to recognize an impairment charge on its investment in Tianjin Zerust. The Company estimates that its maximum exposure in terms of an impairment charge would be approximately $1,130,200 on its investment in Tianjin Zerust, or 60% of the entire investment at carrying value, which was $1,883,668 as of August 31, 2015. |
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The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 9 - Corporate Debt
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| Notes to Financial Statements | |
| Debt Disclosure [Text Block] | 9. CORPORATE DEBT The Company has a revolving line of credit with PNC Bank of $3,000,000. No amounts were outstanding under the line of credit as of both August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014. 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. The line of credit matures on January 7, 2016 The line of credit is subject to 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 agreement, the Company is subject to a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.10:1.00. As of August 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. |
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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 10 - Stockholders' Equity
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| Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] | 10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY On January 15, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $3,000,000 in shares of common stock through open market purchases or unsolicited or solicited privately negotiated transactions. This program has no expiration date but may be terminated by the Company’s Board of Directors at any time. As of August 31, 2015, up to $2,975,654 in shares of common stock remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program. During fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased and retired 1,587 shares of its common stock at a price of $15.34 per share. The following stock options to purchase shares of common stock were exercised during fiscal 2015:
The total intrinsic value of the options exercised during fiscal 2015 was $297,696. The Company granted stock options under the Northern Technologies International Corporation Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2007 Plan) to purchase an aggregate of 45,067 shares of its common stock to various employees and directors during fiscal 2015. The weighted average per share exercise price of the stock options is $20.10, which was equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. During fiscal 2014, 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 2014:
The total intrinsic value of the options exercised during fiscal 2014 was $890,955. The Company granted stock options under the 2007 Plan to purchase an aggregate of 56,373 shares of its common stock to various employees and directors during fiscal 2014. The weighted average per share exercise price of the stock options is $14.83, which was equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. 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. |
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- Definition
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 11 - Net Income Per Common Share
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes to Financial Statements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings Per Share [Text Block] | 11. 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 45,067 and 22,000 were excluded from the computation of common share equivalents for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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:
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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The entire disclosure for earnings per share. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 12 - Stock-Based Compensation
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes to Financial Statements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] | 12. 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 administer 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 ten 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. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of options. As of August 31, 2015, 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 $495,683, $454,015 and $306,451 during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to the options that vested during such time period. As of August 31, 2015, the total compensation cost for non-vested options not yet recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations was $259,585. Stock-based compensation expense of $179,785 and $79,800 is expected to be recognized during fiscal 2016 and 2017, based on outstanding options as of August 31, 2015. Future option grants will impact the compensation expense recognized. Stock-based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company currently estimates a ten percent forfeiture rate for stock options, and 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 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $11.58, $8.57, and $5.53, respectively. The weighted average remaining contractual life of the options outstanding as of August 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was 6.60 years, 5.92 and 4.52 years, respectively. |
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- Definition
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 13 - Geographic and Segment Information
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes to Financial Statements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] | 13. GEOGRAPHIC AND SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Information The Company’s chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company’s business is organized into two reportable segments: ZERUST® and Natur-Tec®. 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 compostable (fully biodegradable) polymer resins and finished products under the Natur-Tec® brand. The following tables present the Company’s business segment information in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013:
The following table sets forth the Company’s cost of goods sold for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 by segment:
The Company 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. Geographic Information Net sales by geographic location 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 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were as follows:
See note 7 for additional details on geographical information regarding equity in income from joint ventures. The geographical distribution of key financial statement data is as follows:
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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 14 - Research and Development
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes to Financial Statements | |
| Research, Development, and Computer Software Disclosure [Text Block] | 14. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The Company incurred $4,047,279, $4,368,752 and $3,815,515 of expense during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in connection with its research and development activities. These amounts are net of reimbursements related to certain research and development contracts. Such reimbursements totaled $0, $45,788 and $274,728 for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net fees are accounted for in the “Research and Development Expenses” section of the consolidated statements of operations. |
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The entire disclosure for research, development, and computer software activities, including contracts and arrangements to be performed for others and with federal government. Includes 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 in-process research and development acquired in a business combination consummated during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 15 - Retirement Plan
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes to Financial Statements | |
| Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] | 15. 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 $214,008, $188,207 and $175,016 for fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 16 - Related Party Transactions
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12 Months Ended |
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes to Financial Statements | |
| Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] | 16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS During fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company made consulting payments of $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 $21,327, $14,388, and $10,244, 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 17 - Income Taxes
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| Notes to Financial Statements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] | 17. INCOME TAXES The provision for income taxes for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 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, 2015, 2014 and 2013 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 $18,483,377, $20,540,523 and $22,281,510 at August 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. During fiscal 2015, the Company recorded deferred income tax expense of $79,000 representing foreign withholding taxes to be paid with respect to the portion of the cumulative undistributed earnings of foreign joint ventures that it determined were not essentially permanent in duration. 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 U.S. 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, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
At August 31, 2015, the Company had foreign tax credit carryforwards of approximately $4,654,800, of which approximately $187,400 will expire if not utilized by August 31, 2016. In addition, the Company had federal and state tax credit carryforwards of $2,235,200 at August 31, 2015 which begin 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 also has foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $26,800 at August 31, 2015 which begin to expire in fiscal 2020. As of August 31, 2015, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $4,654,800 with respect to the foreign tax credit carryforwards. In addition, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $2,335,100 with respect to federal and state tax credit carryforwards. As of August 31, 2014, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $4,141,100 with respect to the foreign tax credit carryforwards. In addition, the Company has recorded a valuation allowance of $1,919,800 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, federal and Minnesota research and development credit carryforwards, and capital loss 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 table is a tabular rollforward for the valuation allowance:
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. There was no liability for the payment of interest and penalties at both August 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014. The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, as of August 31, 2015, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state, local, or foreign examinations by tax authorities for years prior to August 31, 2012. |
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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 18 - Commitments and Contingencies
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes to Financial Statements | |
| Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] | 18. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES On August 18, 2015, 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 as well as certain officers and employees for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2016. For fiscal 2016 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 2016 compared to a pre-established target EBITOI for fiscal 2016 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 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 2016. On August 19, 2014, 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 as well as certain officers and employees for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2015. For fiscal 2015 as in past years, the total amount available under the bonus plan for all plan participants, including executive officers, was dependent upon the Company’s Adjusted EBITOI. Each plan participant’s percentage of the overall bonus pool was 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 was determined based upon the Company’s actual EBITOI for fiscal 2015 compared to a pre-established target EBITOI for fiscal 2015 and 25% of the payout was determined based upon such executive officer’s achievement of certain pre-established individual performance objectives. Accrued bonuses as of August 31, 2015 and 2014 were $620,000 and $1,460,000, respectively. Four joint ventures (consisting of the Company’s joint venture in Korea, India, Thailand and Tianjin Zerust) accounted for 67.0% of the Company’s trade joint venture receivables at August 31, 2015. Three joint ventures (consisting of the Company’s joint ventures in Korea, Thailand and Tianjin Zerust) accounted for 62.9% of the Company’s trade joint venture receivables at August 31, 2014. On March 23, 2015, the Company and NTI Asean filed a lawsuit in Tianjin No 1 Intermediate People’s Court against two individuals, Meng Tao and Xu Hui, related to breaches of duties and contractual commitments owed to NTI Asean under certain agreements related to the Company’s former joint venture in China, Tianjin Zerust Anti-Corrosion Technologies Ltd (Tianjin Zerust). The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that Mr. Meng Tao and Xu Hui have engaged in self-dealing, usurped business opportunities, and received economic benefits that were required to go to Tianjin Zerust. As of August 31, 2015, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate the amount of any recovery to NTI Asean, if any. On April 21, 2015, the Company and NTI Asean initiated a lawsuit in the District Court for the Second Judicial District, County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota against Cortec Corporation alleging, among other things, that Cortec Corporation aided and abetted breaches of duties and contractual commitments owed to the Company and NTI Asean related to the Company’s joint venture in China, Tianjin Zerust. From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of its business. The Company records a liability in its consolidated financial statements for costs related to claims, including future legal costs, settlements and judgments, where the Company has assessed that a loss is probable and an amount can be reasonably estimated. If the reasonable estimate of a probable loss is a range, the Company records the most probable estimate of the loss or the minimum amount when no amount within the range is a better estimate than any other amount. The Company discloses a contingent liability even if the liability is not probable or the amount is not estimable, or both, if there is a reasonable possibility that material loss may be have been incurred. In the opinion of management, as of August 31, 2015, the amount of liability, if any, with respect to these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. |
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The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 19 - Statements of Cash Flows
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| Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] | 19. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information consists 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 20 - Fair Value Measurements
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| Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] | 20. 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 and as of August 31, 2015, available for sale securities. 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, 2015 or August 31, 2014. 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. |
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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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Note 21 - Quarterly Information (Unaudited)
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| Notes to Financial Statements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] | 21. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
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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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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Principles of Consolidation - NTIC evaluates its voting and variable interests in entities on a qualitative and quantitative basis. NTIC consolidates entities in which it concludes 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. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Northern Technologies International Corporation, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Northern Technologies Holding Company, LLC, NTIC (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (NTIC China), Northern Technologies India Private Limited (Natur-Tec India), NTIC’s majority-owned subsidiary in Brazil, Zerust Prevenção de Corrosão S.A.(Zerust Brazil) and NTIC’s majority-owned holding company, NTI Asean LLC (NTI Asean). NTIC’s consolidated financial statements do not include the accounts of any of its joint ventures. |
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| Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Non-Controlling Interests – The Company owns 85% of Zerust Brazil, 60% of NTI Asean, and 90% of Natur-Tec India. The remaining ownership is accounted for as non-controlling interests and reported as part of equity in the consolidated financial statements. The Company allocates gains and losses to the non-controlling 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 the Company maintains control. |
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| Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Reclassification - Certain amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements for the previous reporting periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company reclassified dividends received from equity method from investing cash flows to operating cash flows on the consolidated statements of cash flows for all periods presented. The classification reflects the continued profitability and returns of those profits to its owners, including the Company. The reclassification did not impact net income or equity. |
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| Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [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. Sales and use taxes charged to customers are reported on a net basis. |
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| Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Trade 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 determines that a smaller or larger uncollectible accounts reserve is appropriate, the Company records a credit or charge to selling expense in the period that it made such determination. Accounts receivable have been reduced by an allowance for uncollectible accounts of $40,000 at August 31, 2015 and 2014. 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.The following table is a tabular rollforward for the allowance for doubtful accounts:
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| Receivables from Joint Ventures Policy [Policy Text Block ] | Trade Receivables from Joint Ventures – Trade receivables from joint ventures arise from sales of products the Company makes to its joint ventures. 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 balances. The Company periodically reviews amounts due from its joint ventures for collectability, and based on past experience and continuous review of the balances due, determined an allowance for doubtful accounts related to its joint venture receivables is not necessary at August 31, 2015 or 2014.Fees for Services Provided to Joint Ventures – The Company provides 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 accounts for these fees on a cash basis if uncertainty exists surrounding the collection of such fees. |
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| 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. |
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| Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Available for Sale Securities – Available for sale securities are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses on available for sale securities are excluded from earnings. |
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| Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Inventories - Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. |
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| 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 as follows:
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| 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. 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. All investments in joint ventures have positive equity as of August 31, 2015 and 2014. |
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| 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. |
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| 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 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 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. |
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| Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] | Foreign Currency Translation (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) - The functional currency of NTIC China, Zerust Brazil, Natur-Tec India 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 (loss).The Company (excluding NTIC China, Zerust Brazil, Natur-Tec India, 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 from joint ventures reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. |
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| Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, available for sale securities, 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 former long-term debt approximated the carrying values based upon current market rates of interest. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. 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. |
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| Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block] | Common Stock – The Company issues new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options. |
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| 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 (generally the vesting term). |
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| 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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Treatment of any premiums or discounts or unearned income, the entity's income recognition policies for such receivables, including those that are impaired, past due or placed on nonaccrual status and the treatment of foreclosures or repossessions, the nature and amount of any guarantees to repurchase receivables. 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 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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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 investments in debt and equity securities that are classified as available-for-sale. This policy also may describe the entity's accounting treatment for transfers between investment categories, how the entity determines whether impairments of available-for-sale securities are other than temporary, and how the fair values of such securities are determined. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Disclosure of accounting policy for reclassifications that affects the comparability of the financial statements. 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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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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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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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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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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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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Disclosure of accounting policy for its capital stock transactions, including dividends and accumulated other comprehensive income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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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 1 - Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] |
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| Property and Equipment Useful Life [Table Text Block] |
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Tabular disclosure of property and equipment useful life. No definition available.
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Tabular disclosure of financing receivables (examples of financing receivables include loans, trade accounts receivable and notes receivable) and activity in the allowance for credit losses account. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Note 3 - NTI ASEAN (Tables)
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| Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] |
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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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| Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] |
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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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| Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] |
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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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| Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] |
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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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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes Tables | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Note 8 - China Operations (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes Tables | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] |
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of equity method investments including, but not limited to, name of each investee or group of investments, percentage ownership, difference between recorded amount of an investment and the value of the underlying equity in the net assets, and summarized financial information. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
|
|
Note 10 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes Tables | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] |
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Exercised [Member]
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| Notes Tables | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] |
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| 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 | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Note 11 - Net Income Per Common Share (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes Tables | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] |
|
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- 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
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Note 12 - Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes Tables | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||
|
- 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
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| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Note 13 - Geographic and Segment Information (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes Tables | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Cost of Goods Sold from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block] |
|
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| Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block] |
|
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|
Fees for Services Provided to Joint Ventures [Member]
|
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| Notes Tables | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- 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
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Tabular disclosure of revenue from external customers by geographic areas attributed to the entity's country of domicile and to foreign countries from which the entity derives revenue. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- 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
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- 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
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
|
Note 17 - Income Taxes (Tables)
|
12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes Tables | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block] |
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| Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] |
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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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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition
Tabular disclosure of valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to net realizable value, including identification of the deferred tax asset more likely than not will not be fully realized and the corresponding amount of the valuation allowance. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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Note 19 - Statements of Cash Flows (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| 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.
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details
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Note 20 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes Tables | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] |
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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 | ||||||||||
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- Details
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Note 21 - Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)
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12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Aug. 31, 2015
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| Notes Tables | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] |
|
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| 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
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Note 1 - Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2015
Maximum [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2015
Zerust Brazil [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2015
NTI Asean LLC [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2012
NTI Asean LLC [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2015
NaturTec [Member]
|
|
| Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable | $ 40,000 | $ 40,000 | |||||
| Number of Countries in which Entity Operates | 60 | ||||||
| Number of Operating Segments | 2 | ||||||
| Number of Joint Venture Arrangements | 19 | ||||||
| Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent | 50.00% | ||||||
| Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 85.00% | 60.00% | 50.00% | 90.00% | |||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of active joint venture arrangements the company participates, either directly or indirectly. 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 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
Number of operating segments. An operating segment is a component of an enterprise: (a) that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses relating to transactions with other components of the same enterprise), (b) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and (c) for which discrete financial information is available. An operating segment may engage in business activities for which it has yet to earn revenues, for example, start-up operations may be operating segments before earning revenues. No definition available.
|
|
Note 1 - Allowance For Doubtful Accounts (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Trade Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | $ 40,000 | $ 20,000 | $ 20,000 |
| Bad debts | 6,000 | 107,000 | 21,000 |
| Adjustment to provision | (6,000) | (87,000) | (21,000) |
| Trade Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | $ 40,000 | $ 40,000 | $ 20,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable adjustment to provision. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents provision for doubtful accounts gross of adjustments. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- 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
|
|
Note 1 - Property and Equipment Useful Life (Details)
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
|
|
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
|
|
| Property and equipment | 5 years |
|
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
|
|
| Property and equipment | 30 years |
|
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
|
|
| Property and equipment | 3 years |
|
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
|
|
| Property and equipment | 10 years |
| 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 Textual) (NTI Asean LLC [Member])
|
1 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep. 30, 2012
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2012
|
|
|
NTI Asean LLC [Member]
|
|||
| Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage | 60.00% | 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 | ||||||||||
|
- 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 - Allocation of the Total Transaction Amount (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
|
| 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 | ||||||||||
|
- 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 | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of assets acquired at the acquisition date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| 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
|
|
Note 4 - Inventories (Details) (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
|---|---|---|
| Production materials | $ 1,445,014 | $ 1,242,649 |
| Finished goods | 6,023,427 | 4,718,750 |
| $ 7,468,441 | $ 5,961,399 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount, net of valuation reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of merchandise or goods held by the company that are readily available for sale. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount after valuation and LIFO reserves of inventory expected to be sold, or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Carrying amount, net of valuation reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of unprocessed items to be consumed in the manufacturing or production process. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 5 - Components of Property and Equipment, Net (Details) (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
|---|---|---|
| Land | $ 310,365 | $ 310,365 |
| Buildings and improvements | 6,180,089 | 5,695,268 |
| Machinery and equipment | 4,090,619 | 3,713,145 |
| 10,581,073 | 9,718,778 | |
| Less accumulated depreciation | (3,287,910) | (3,240,791) |
| $ 7,293,163 | $ 6,477,987 |
| 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 Textual) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Amortization | $ 87,663 | $ 86,652 | $ 71,405 |
| Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months | 80,000 | ||
|
Patents and Trademarks [Member]
|
|||
| 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 | ||
| Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life | 7 years | ||
| 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
Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of amortization expense for assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life expected to be recognized during the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. 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) (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
|---|---|---|
| $ 1,262,219 | $ 1,197,700 | |
|
Patents and Trademarks [Member]
|
||
| Patents and trademarks | 2,440,022 | 2,287,840 |
| Less accumulated amortization | (1,177,803) | (1,090,140) |
| $ 1,262,219 | $ 1,197,700 |
| 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 Textual) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
Aug. 31, 2016
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Tianjin Zerust [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2015
Tianjin Zerust [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2014
Tianjin Zerust [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2015
Mutec [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2014
Mutec [Member]
|
May 31, 2014
SINGAPORE
NTI Asean LLC [Member]
|
Nov. 30, 2013
Mutec [Member]
|
|
| Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 110,988 | $ 110,988 | |||||||
| Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture | 0 | 0 | 110,988 | 110,988 | |||||||
| Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments | 1,100,000 | 0 | |||||||||
| Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Percentage of Investment | 60.00% | ||||||||||
| Equity Method Investments | 1,130,200 | 1,883,668 | 2,243,524 | ||||||||
| Equity Method Investment Ownership Acquired | 50.00% | ||||||||||
| Financing Receivable, Net | 168,000 | ||||||||||
| Notes Receivable Term | 4 years | ||||||||||
| Due from Joint Ventures | $ 125,891 | $ 156,854 | |||||||||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of ownership acquired during the period. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the repayment term. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of investment amount by which the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost basis or carrying amount of that investment at the balance sheet date. No definition available.
|
| 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
This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount by which the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost basis or carrying amount of that investment at the balance sheet date and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, before considering whether or not such amount is recognized in earnings or other comprehensive income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Net amount of the investment in a contractual right to receive money on demand or on fixed or determinable dates that is recognized as an asset in the creditor's statement of financial position. Examples include, but are not limited to, credit card receivables, notes receivable and receivables relating to lessor's rights to payments from leases other than operating leases that have been recorded as assets. Excludes trade accounts receivable with contractual maturity of one year or less and arose from the sale of goods or services. 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 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
|
|
Note 7 - Condensed Income Statement of EXCOR and Tianjin Zerust, and All Other Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Net sales | $ 99,026,251 | $ 118,848,890 | $ 113,189,068 |
| Gross profit | 48,397,318 | 56,960,918 | 52,058,609 |
| Net income | 11,849,107 | 11,842,338 | 10,650,542 |
| Equity in income from joint ventures | 5,936,565 | 5,920,603 | 5,237,711 |
|
EXCOR [Member]
|
|||
| Net sales | 36,872,664 | 39,944,812 | 36,476,544 |
| Gross profit | 19,993,763 | 21,045,091 | 19,470,322 |
| Net income | 8,201,659 | 7,906,693 | 7,009,897 |
| Equity in income from joint ventures | 4,091,608 | 3,950,915 | 3,507,057 |
|
Joint Venture in India [Member]
|
|||
| Net sales | 7,000,715 | ||
| Gross profit | 3,292,243 | ||
| Net income | 983,179 | ||
| Equity in income from joint ventures | 492,379 | ||
|
Tianjin Zerust [Member]
|
|||
| Net sales | 15,920,685 | 15,161,289 | |
| Gross profit | 7,463,168 | 7,153,395 | |
| Net income | 1,274,487 | 1,157,995 | |
| Equity in income from joint ventures | 626,763 | 579,376 | |
|
Joint Venture in Finland [Member]
|
|||
| Net sales | 3,557,252 | ||
| Gross profit | 1,858,310 | ||
| Net income | 518,900 | ||
| Equity in income from joint ventures | 263,749 | ||
|
All Other [Member]
|
|||
| Net sales | 51,595,620 | 62,983,393 | 61,551,235 |
| Gross profit | 23,253,002 | 28,452,659 | 25,434,891 |
| Net income | 2,145,369 | 2,661,158 | 2,482,650 |
| Equity in income from joint ventures | $ 1,088,829 | $ 1,342,925 | $ 1,151,278 |
| 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. 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
|
|
Note 8 - China Operations (Details Textual) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2016
Tianjin Zerust [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2015
Tianjin Zerust [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2014
Tianjin Zerust [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2015
Termination of Joint Venture and Formation of NTIC China [Member]
|
|
| Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments | $ 1,100,000 | $ 0 | ||
| Professional Fees | 1,642,258 | |||
| Equity Method Investments | $ 1,130,200 | $ 1,883,668 | $ 2,243,524 | |
| Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Percentage of Investment | 60.00% | |||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of investment amount by which the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost basis or carrying amount of that investment at the balance sheet date. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount by which the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost basis or carrying amount of that investment at the balance sheet date and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, before considering whether or not such amount is recognized in earnings or other comprehensive income. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
A fee charged for services from professionals such as doctors, lawyers and accountants. The term is often expanded to include other professions, for example, pharmacists charging to maintain a medicinal profile of a client or customer. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 8 - Investment in Tianjin Zerust (Details) (Tianjin Zerust [Member], USD $)
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
|
|
Tianjin Zerust [Member]
|
|
| Equity method investment – August 31, 2014 | $ 2,243,524 |
| Equity in earnings – fiscal year 2015 | 132,824 |
| Reclassification of translation gains on foreign currency translation | (492,680) |
| Investment at carrying value – August 31, 2015 | $ 1,883,668 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its investment in common stock of an equity method investee. This is not an indicator of the fair value of the investment, rather it is the initial cost adjusted for the entity's share of earnings and losses of the investee, adjusted for any distributions (dividends) and other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before tax of foreign currency transaction realized and unrealized gain (loss) recognized in the income statement. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Subsidiary earnings portion attributable to temporary equity. No definition available.
|
|
Note 9 - Corporate Debt (Details Textual) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
PNC Bank [Member]
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
PNC Bank [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
PNC Bank [Member]
|
Aug. 31, 2015
Term Loan and Line of Credit, Agreements, Loan Agreements [Member]
|
|
| Long-term Line of Credit | $ 0 | $ 0 | ||
| Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity | $ 3,000,000 | |||
| Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate | 2.15% | |||
| Debt Instrument, Covenants, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio | 1.1 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Represents the fixed charge coverage ratio for the debt instrument under the covenant terms. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement. 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
|
| 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 | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Gross number of share options (or share units) granted during the period. 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 shares that have been repurchased and retired during the period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of stock repurchase plan authorized. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount remaining of a stock repurchase plan authorized. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total cost of shares repurchased divided by the total number of shares repurchased. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 10 - Exercised Stock Options (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Options exercised (in shares) | 38,333 | 74,000 | 37,040 |
| Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ 9 | $ 7.82 | $ 9.96 |
|
Exercise 1 [Member]
|
|||
| Options exercised (in shares) | 18,000 | 60,000 | 25,140 |
| Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ 9.76 | $ 7.65 | $ 9.95 |
|
Exercise 2 [Member]
|
|||
| Options exercised (in shares) | 18,000 | 14,000 | 4,000 |
| Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ 7.65 | $ 8.57 | $ 12.84 |
|
Exercise 3 [Member]
|
|||
| Options exercised (in shares) | 2,333 | 4,000 | |
| Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ 10.20 | $ 8.57 | |
|
Exercised 4 [Member]
|
|||
| Options exercised (in shares) | 1,734 | ||
| Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ 7.65 | ||
|
Exercised 5 [Member]
|
|||
| Options exercised (in shares) | 1,500 | ||
| Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ 9.76 | ||
|
Exercised 6 [Member]
|
|||
| Options exercised (in shares) | 666 | ||
| Exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ 7.75 | ||
| 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 11 - Net Income Per Common Share (Details Textual) (Employee Stock Option [Member])
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
|
Employee Stock Option [Member]
|
|||
| Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount | 45,067 | 22,000 | 0 |
| 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 11 - Reconciliation of the Earnings Per Share Computations (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Net income attributable to NTIC | $ 1,789,571 | $ 4,106,372 | $ 3,366,894 |
| Basic (in shares) | 4,521,788 | 4,454,836 | 4,421,636 |
| Weighted shares assumed upon exercise of stock options (in shares) | 127,272 | 124,662 | 54,259 |
| Diluted (in shares) | 4,649,060 | 4,579,498 | 4,475,895 |
| Basic (in dollars per share) | $ 0.40 | $ 0.92 | $ 0.76 |
| Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ 0.38 | $ 0.90 | $ 0.75 |
| 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 second 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 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 expense to be recognized for the remainder of the 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 | ||||||||||
|
- 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
Period from grant date that an equity-based award expires, 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
Purchase price of common stock expressed as a percentage of its fair value. No definition available.
|
| 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 12 - Black-Scholes Option-pricing Model Assumptions (Details)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Expected volatility | 46.60% | 47.40% | 48.00% |
| Expected life of option (years) | 10 years | 10 years | |
| Weighted average risk-free interest rate | 1.63% | 1.39% | 0.71% |
|
Minimum [Member]
|
|||
| Dividend yield | |||
| Expected volatility | |||
| Expected life of option (years) | 5 years | ||
| Weighted average risk-free interest rate | |||
|
Maximum [Member]
|
|||
| Dividend yield | |||
| Expected volatility | |||
| Expected life of option (years) | 10 years | ||
| Weighted average risk-free interest rate | |||
| 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
|
| 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
|
|
Note 13 - Geographic and Segment Information (Details Textual)
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
|
| Number of Operating Segments | 2 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Number of operating segments. An operating segment is a component of an enterprise: (a) that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses relating to transactions with other components of the same enterprise), (b) whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and (c) for which discrete financial information is available. An operating segment may engage in business activities for which it has yet to earn revenues, for example, start-up operations may be operating segments before earning revenues. No definition available.
|
|
Note 13 - Net Sales by Segment (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Net sales by segment | $ 30,322,693 | $ 26,826,108 | $ 22,501,864 |
|
ZERUST [Member]
|
|||
| Net sales by segment | 26,042,909 | 23,845,288 | 20,457,198 |
|
NaturTec [Member]
|
|||
| Net sales by segment | $ 4,279,784 | $ 2,980,820 | $ 2,044,666 |
| 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 13 - Cost of Goods Sold by Segment (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Cost of Goods Sold | $ 20,555,932 | $ 17,803,153 | $ 15,473,212 |
|
Indirect Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | ZERUST [Member]
|
|||
| Cost of Goods Sold | 14,399,456 | 12,941,234 | 11,408,604 |
|
Indirect Cost of Goods Sold [Member] | NaturTec [Member]
|
|||
| Cost of Goods Sold | 3,232,353 | 2,234,736 | 1,731,398 |
|
Indirect Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
|
|||
| Cost of Goods Sold | $ 2,924,124 | $ 2,627,183 | $ 2,333,210 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total costs related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 13 - Net Sales by Geographic Location as Percentage of Total Consolidated Net Sales (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Inside the U.S.A. to unaffiliated customers | $ 30,322,693 | $ 26,826,108 | $ 22,501,864 |
|
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Inside the USA to Unaffiliated Customers [Member] | Percentage of Total Consolidated Net Sales [Member ]
|
|||
| Inside the U.S.A. to unaffiliated customers | 19,329,979 | 17,908,563 | 16,027,619 |
|
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Joint Ventures in Which the Company is a Shareholder Directly and Indirectly Outside the USA [Member] | Percentage of Total Consolidated Net Sales [Member ]
|
|||
| Inside the U.S.A. to unaffiliated customers | 3,240,980 | 3,348,158 | 2,952,612 |
|
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Unaffiliated Customers Outside the USA [Member] | Percentage of Total Consolidated Net Sales [Member ]
|
|||
| Inside the U.S.A. to unaffiliated customers | $ 7,751,734 | $ 5,569,387 | $ 3,521,633 |
| 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 13 - Fees for Services Provided to Joint Ventures by Geographic Location as a Percentage of Total Fees for Services Provided to Joint Ventures (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Fees for services provided | $ 5,715,491 | $ 8,142,863 | $ 7,352,980 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
|
GERMANY
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 873,400 | 1,032,234 | 1,004,958 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 15.30% | 12.70% | 13.70% |
|
POLAND
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 600,255 | 652,291 | 525,282 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 10.50% | 8.00% | 7.10% |
|
JAPAN
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 599,108 | 669,522 | 723,977 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 10.50% | 8.20% | 9.80% |
|
THAILAND
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 554,881 | 604,316 | 621,807 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 9.70% | 7.40% | 8.40% |
|
CHINA
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 494,080 | 2,118,018 | 2,063,369 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 8.60% | 26.00% | 28.10% |
|
FRANCE
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 412,608 | 508,705 | 496,897 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 7.20% | 6.20% | 6.80% |
|
UNITED KINGDOM
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 396,514 | 385,294 | 236,125 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 6.90% | 4.70% | 3.20% |
|
SWEDEN
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 323,610 | 440,117 | 415,547 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 5.70% | 5.40% | 5.70% |
|
INDIA
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 277,548 | 364,918 | |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 4.90% | 4.50% | 0.00% |
|
CZECH REPUBLIC
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 229,185 | 288,367 | 210,827 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 4.00% | 3.60% | 2.90% |
|
Korea [Member]
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 192,539 | 315,916 | 393,307 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 3.40% | 3.90% | 5.30% |
|
FINLAND
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | 281,620 | 355,391 | 321,256 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 4.90% | 4.40% | 4.40% |
|
Other Countries [Member]
|
|||
| Fees for services provided | $ 480,143 | $ 407,775 | $ 339,628 |
| Fees for services provided, percentage | 8.40% | 5.00% | 4.60% |
| 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.
|
|
Note 13 - Total Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Distribution (Details) (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
|---|---|---|
| Total long-lived assets | $ 7,293,163 | $ 6,477,987 |
|
BRAZIL
|
||
| Total long-lived assets | 46,918 | 115,726 |
|
INDIA
|
||
| Total long-lived assets | 16,402 | 24,766 |
|
CHINA
|
||
| Total long-lived assets | 45,220 | |
|
North America [Member]
|
||
| Total long-lived assets | $ 7,184,623 | $ 6,337,495 |
| 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 13 - Total Net Sales by Geographic Distribution (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Net sales by segment | $ 30,322,693 | $ 26,826,108 | $ 22,501,864 |
|
BRAZIL
|
|||
| Net sales by segment | 2,623,938 | 3,079,695 | 2,394,486 |
|
INDIA
|
|||
| Net sales by segment | 967,241 | 581,535 | |
|
CHINA
|
|||
| Net sales by segment | 1,070,422 | ||
|
North America [Member]
|
|||
| Net sales by segment | $ 25,661,092 | $ 23,164,878 | $ 20,107,378 |
| 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 14 - Research and Development (Details Textual) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Research and Development Expense | $ 4,047,279 | $ 4,368,752 | $ 3,815,515 |
| Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Costs Incurred, Gross | $ 0 | $ 45,788 | $ 274,728 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of costs incurred under a research and development arrangement accounted for as a contract to perform research and development for others. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- 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
|
|
Note 15 - Retirement Plan (Details Textual) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent | 15.00% | ||
| Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Amount of Employees Contributions Percent | 50.00% | ||
| Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay | 3.50% | ||
| Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized | $ 214,008 | $ 188,207 | $ 175,016 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maximum percentage employer matches of the employee's percentage contribution matched. No definition available.
|
| 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
Percentage of employees' gross pay for which the employer contributes a matching contribution to a defined contribution plan. No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Maximum percentage of employee gross pay the employee may contribute to a defined contribution plan. No definition available.
|
|
Note 16 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) (Bioplastic Polymers LLC [Member], USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
|
Consulting Payment Expense [Member]
|
|||
| Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction | $ 100,000 | $ 100,000 | $ 100,000 |
|
Royalty Payment Expense [Member]
|
|||
| Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction | $ 21,327 | $ 14,388 | $ 10,244 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of transactions with related party during the financial reporting period. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 17 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
| Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries | 18,483,377 | 20,540,523 | 22,281,510 |
| Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | 144,000 | (95,000) | 125,000 |
| Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign | 4,654,800 | 4,141,100 | |
| Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards | 50,900 | ||
|
Deferred Tax Expenses Related to Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Joint Ventures [Member]
|
|||
| Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | 79,000 | ||
|
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
|
|||
| Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration | 187,400 | ||
| Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance | 4,654,800 | 4,141,100 | |
|
Federal and State Tax [Member]
|
|||
| Operating Loss Carryforwards | 2,235,200 | ||
| Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance | 2,335,100 | 1,919,800 | |
|
Capital Loss Carryforward [Member]
|
|||
| Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards | $ 26,800 | ||
| 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 before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible capital 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 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 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 17 - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Current: | |||
| Federal | |||
| State | (37,000) | 19,000 | 8,000 |
| Foreign | 542,000 | 1,200,000 | 731,000 |
| 505,000 | 1,219,000 | 739,000 | |
| Deferred: | |||
| Federal | 87,000 | (89,000) | 118,000 |
| State | 5,000 | (6,000) | 7,000 |
| Foreign | 52,000 | ||
| Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) | 144,000 | (95,000) | 125,000 |
| $ 648,674 | $ 1,124,662 | $ 864,000 | |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of current federal tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| 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 | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| 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 | ||||||||||
|
- Details
|
| 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
|
| 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
|
|
Note 17 - Reconciliations of the Expected Federal Income Tax at the Statutory Rate with the Provisions For Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Tax computed at statutory rates | $ 1,076,000 | $ 2,265,000 | $ 1,910,000 |
| State income tax, net of federal benefit | (32,000) | 13,000 | 15,000 |
| Tax effect on equity in (income) loss of international joint ventures | (1,986,000) | (2,055,000) | (1,781,000) |
| Tax effect on dividends received from joint ventures | 1,470,000 | 3,285,000 | 1,732,000 |
| Tax effect of foreign operations | 996,000 | 1,131,000 | 807,000 |
| Foreign tax credit | (1,937,000) | (3,710,000) | (2,524,000) |
| Research and development credit | (314,000) | (88,000) | (364,000) |
| Valuation allowance | 1,379,000 | 687,000 | 1,635,000 |
| Tax-exempt income | (230,000) | ||
| Stock based compensation | 99,000 | ||
| Non-controlling interest in partnership income | (204,000) | (440,000) | (425,000) |
| Other | 102,000 | 36,000 | 89,000 |
| $ 648,674 | $ 1,124,662 | $ 864,000 | |
| 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 nondeductible equity-based compensation costs. 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 17 - Tax Effect of the Temporary Differences and Tax Carry Forwards Comprising Net Deferred Taxes (Details) (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
|---|---|---|
| Accrued bonus | $ 174,000 | $ 524,000 |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts | 14,500 | 14,500 |
| Inventory costs | 81,200 | 100,800 |
| Prepaid expenses and other | (41,800) | (40,600) |
| Other accrued expenses | 102,100 | 86,800 |
| Deferred joint venture expenses | 93,200 | 104,100 |
| Total current | 424,100 | 789,600 |
| Property and equipment | (204,000) | (171,200) |
| Goodwill | 19,400 | 27,300 |
| Other intangible assets | 1,103,800 | 825,200 |
| Nonqualified stock options | 308,900 | 260,400 |
| Foreign net operating loss carryforward | 26,800 | |
| Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards | 50,900 | |
| Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign | 4,654,800 | 4,141,100 |
| Investment in foreign joint ventures | (79,000) | |
| Research and development credit | 2,224,600 | 1,910,800 |
| New hire retention credit | 10,600 | 10,600 |
| 8,065,900 | 7,055,100 | |
| Valuation allowance | (6,889,900) | (6,113,400) |
| Total noncurrent | $ 1,176,000 | $ 941,700 |
| 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 intangible assets No definition available.
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible capital 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 temporary differences from intangible assets including goodwill. No definition available.
|
| 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 and deferred tax liability, of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible differences and carryforwards, netted by jurisdiction and classified as noncurrent. 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 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 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
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from undistributed earnings of subsidiaries and other recognized entities not within the country of domicile of the entity. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 17 - Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance | $ 6,889,900 | $ 6,113,400 | $ 6,086,100 |
| Adjustment to valuation allowance | 1,153,000 | ||
| Adjustment to valuation allowance | $ 776,500 | $ 27,300 | |
| 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 increase (decrease) in the valuation allowance for a specified deferred tax asset. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Total of the adjustments in a given period to allowances and reserves, the valuation and qualifying accounts that are either netted against the cost of an asset (in order to value it at its carrying value) or that reflect a liability. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 17 - Reconciliation of the Total Amounts of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
|
| Gross unrecognized tax benefits – beginning balance | $ 180,000 | $ 170,000 |
| Gross increases - prior period tax positions | 15,000 | 2,000 |
| Gross increases – current period tax positions | 8,000 | 8,000 |
| Gross unrecognized tax benefits – ending balance | $ 203,000 | $ 180,000 |
| 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 18 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
|
| Number of Joint Ventures Accounted For Certain Percentage of Company's Trade Joint Venture Receivables | 4 | |
| Entity Wide Trade Joint Venture Receivables, Four Joint Ventures,Percentage | 67.00% | 62.90% |
|
Fiscal 2016 Bonus Plan [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
|
||
| Percentage of Individual Bonus Payout Determined by Actual Versus Targeted EBITOI Results | 75.00% | |
| Percentage of Individuals Payout Determined Upon Achievement of Certain Pre-Established Individual Performance Objectives | 25.00% | |
|
Fiscal 2015 Bonus Plan [Member] | Executive Officer [Member]
|
||
| Percentage of Individual Bonus Payout Determined by Actual Versus Targeted EBITOI Results | 75.00% | |
| Percentage of Individuals Payout Determined Upon Achievement of Certain Pre-Established Individual Performance Objectives | 25.00% | |
|
Fiscal 2015 Bonus Plan [Member]
|
||
| Accrued Bonuses | $ 620,000 | |
|
Fiscal 2014 Bonus Plan [Member]
|
||
| Accrued Bonuses | $ 1,460,000 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Percentage of total trade joint venture receivables accounted for by four joint ventures. No definition available.
|
| 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
|
|
Note 19 - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2013
|
|
| Cash paid during the year for income tax | |||
| Cash paid during the year for interest | 20,960 | 47,322 | 52,215 |
| Note receivable issued for sale of joint venture | $ 245,594 | ||
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income, net of any cash received during the current period as refunds for the overpayment of taxes. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
| 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
|
|
Note 20 - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual) (USD $)
|
12 Months Ended |
|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
|
| Fair Value Assets Transfers Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 | $ 0 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. No definition available.
|
|
Note 20 - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Recurring Basis (Details) (USD $)
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
|---|---|---|
| Available for sale securities | $ 2,027,441 | $ 5,519,766 |
|
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
|
||
| Available for sale securities | $ 2,027,441 | $ 5,519,766 |
| X | ||||||||||
|
- Definition
Amount of investment in debt and equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
|
|
Note 21 - Quarterly Information (Details) (USD $)
|
3 Months Ended | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31, 2015
|
May 31, 2015
|
Feb. 28, 2015
|
Nov. 30, 2014
|
Aug. 31, 2014
|
May 31, 2014
|
Feb. 28, 2014
|
Nov. 30, 2013
|
|
| Net sales | $ 8,102,314 | $ 8,277,575 | $ 6,728,709 | $ 7,214,095 | $ 7,377,180 | $ 6,920,820 | $ 6,219,008 | $ 6,309,100 |
| Gross profit | 2,605,940 | 2,682,368 | 2,070,969 | 2,407,484 | 2,453,213 | 2,251,498 | 2,167,175 | 2,151,069 |
| Income before income tax expense | 195,925 | 1,183,180 | 139,149 | 1,647,780 | 1,757,291 | 1,759,537 | 1,643,828 | 1,502,418 |
| Income tax expense | 153,196 | 114,180 | 197,614 | 183,684 | 305,623 | 361,280 | 259,759 | 198,000 |
| Net income | 42,729 | 1,069,000 | (58,465) | 1,464,096 | 1,451,668 | 1,398,257 | 1,384,069 | 1,304,418 |
| Net income attributable to non-controlling interests | 38,214 | 163,565 | 70,179 | 455,831 | 209,143 | 418,040 | 359,025 | 445,832 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to NTIC | $ 4,515 | $ 905,435 | $ (128,644) | $ 1,008,265 | $ 1,242,527 | $ 980,217 | $ 1,025,044 | $ 858,586 |
| Basic (in dollars per share) | $ 0 | $ 0.20 | $ (0.03) | $ 0.22 | $ 0.28 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.23 | $ 0.19 |
| Diluted (in dollars per share) | $ 0 | $ 0.20 | $ (0.03) | $ 0.22 | $ 0.27 | $ 0.21 | $ 0.22 | $ 0.19 |
| Basic (in shares) | 4,529,251 | 4,525,109 | 4,522,514 | 4,518,973 | 4,487,478 | 4,461,880 | 4,434,837 | 4,434,770 |
| Diluted (in shares) | 4,585,196 | 4,594,992 | 4,522,514 | 4,659,621 | 4,592,208 | 4,590,344 | 4,579,603 | 4,552,669 |
| 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
|