v3.6.0.2
Document And Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2016
Jan. 12, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]    
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 Smaller Reporting Company  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   4,524,970
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Nov. 30, 2016  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false