Employee Stock Option [Member]
Document And Entity Information
Gross profit
Note To Financial Statement Details Textual
statementsignificantaccountingpoliciespolicies
Net income
statementnote1natureofbusinessandsignificantaccountingpoliciestables
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
statementnote3ntiaseantables
statementnote4inventoriestables
statementnote5propertyandequipmentnettables
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
statementnote6patentsandtrademarksnettables
statementnote7investmentsinjointventurestables
statementnote8chinaoperationstables
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
statementnote10stockholdersequitytables
us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable
Income tax payable
statementnote11netincomepercommonsharetables
statementnote12stockbasedcompensationtables
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
statementnote13geographicandsegmentinformationtables
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]
statementnote17incometaxestables
statementnote19statementsofcashflowstables
statementnote21quarterlyinformationunauditedtables
statementnote20fairvaluemeasurementstables
statementnote1propertyandequipmentusefullifedetails
statementnote1allowancefordoubtfulaccountsdetails
Net income attributable to NTIC
Net income (loss) attributable to NTIC
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]
statementnote4inventoriesdetails
Available for sale securities
statementnote3allocationofthetotaltransactionamountdetails
statementnote6patentsandtrademarksnetdetails
statementnote5componentsofpropertyandequipmentnetdetails
statementnote7condensedincomestatementofexcorandtianjinzerustandallotherjointventuresdetails
ntic_IncreaseDecreaseInTradeReceivablesJointVentures
Trade, joint ventures
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.
statementnote7condensedbalancesheetofexcorandtianjinzerustandallotherjointventuresdetails
us-gaap_ProfessionalFees
Professional Fees
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
ntic_IncreaseDecreaseInFeesReceivableForServicesProvidedToJointVentures
Fees for services provided to joint ventures
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.
statementnote10exercisedstockoptionsdetails
statementnote8investmentintianjinzerustdetails
us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
Accrued liabilities
statementnote12blackscholesoptionpricingmodelassumptionsdetails
statementnote11reconciliationoftheearningspersharecomputationsdetails
statementnote13netsalesbysegmentdetails
ntic_IncreaseDecreaseInTradeReceivablesExcludingJointVentures
Trade, excluding joint ventures
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.
statementnote12stockoptionactivitydetails
statementnote13feesforservicesprovidedtojointventuresbygeographiclocationasapercentageoftotalfeesforservicesprovidedtojointventuresdetails
statementnote13totallonglivedassetsbygeographicdistributiondetails
statementnote13costofgoodssoldbysegmentdetails
statementnote13netsalesbygeographiclocationaspercentageoftotalconsolidatednetsalesdetails
statementnote17reconciliationsoftheexpectedfederalincometaxatthestatutoryratewiththeprovisionsforincometaxesdetails
us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries
statementnote17taxeffectofthetemporarydifferencesandtaxcarryforwardscomprisingnetdeferredtaxesdetails
statementnote13totalnetsalesbygeographicdistributiondetails
statementnote17provisionforincometaxesdetails
All Countries [Domain]
statementnote19supplementaldisclosuresofcashflowinformationdetails
statementnote20assetsandliabilitiesmeasuredatfairvaluerecurringbasisdetails
statementnote17deferredtaxassetsvaluationallowancedetails
statementnote17reconciliationofthetotalamountsofunrecognizedtaxbenefitsdetails
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Notes To Financial Statements [Abstract]
statementnote21quarterlyinformationdetails
Notes To Financial Statements
us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities
Available for sale securities
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
BRAZIL
us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesIssuedBasic
Basic (in shares)
OTHER ASSETS:
Weighted shares assumed upon exercise of stock options (in shares)
ntic_FeesReceivableForServicesProvidedToJointVenturesCurrent
Fees for services provided to joint ventures
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).
Net sales, excluding joint ventures
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.
Net sales, to joint ventures
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.
us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR
Fees for services provided to joint ventures
Royalties and service fees from transactions directly with the reporting entity's joint ventures outside the normal course of business.
Research and development expenses
Research and Development Expense
us-gaap_ImpairmentOfInvestments
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_InterestExpense
INTEREST EXPENSE
Selling expenses
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossCurrent
Total current
Investments in joint ventures
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossNoncurrent
us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments
Equity method investment – August 31, 2014
Investment at carrying value – August 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments
Deferred income taxes
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrent
Deferred income taxes
Gain on sale of equipment
Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance
Valuation allowance
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
Increase in allowance on doubtful accounts
us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceDeferredTaxAssetChangeInAmount
Adjustment to valuation allowance
us-gaap_TableTextBlock
Notes Tables
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsOther
Other accrued expenses
us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount1
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount
Northern Technologies International Corporation's share of joint ventures’ undistributed earnings
us-gaap_StockRepurchaseProgramRemainingAuthorizedRepurchaseAmount1
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount
Term Loan and Line of Credit, Agreements, Loan Agreements [Member]
Term loan and line of credit, agreements, loan agreements [member]
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_TreasuryStockAcquiredAverageCostPerShare
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share
Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsInventory
Inventory costs
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)
OPERATING EXPENSES:
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets
Goodwill
us-gaap_SharesOutstanding
BALANCE (in shares)
BALANCE (in shares)
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsCapitalLossCarryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsOther
New hire retention credit
us-gaap_OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Other
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsResearch
Research and development credit
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsForeign
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, Foreign
2007 Plan [Member]
Represents Northern Technologies International Corporation Amended and Restated 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
Accrued liabilities:
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToExpiration
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration
us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC
Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireIntangibleAssets
Additions to patents
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts
Allowance for doubtful accounts
us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Additions to property and equipment
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsEmployeeBonuses
Accrued bonus
us-gaap_Assets
Total assets
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsShareBasedCompensationCost
Nonqualified stock options
ESPP [Member]
Represents Northern Technologies International Corporation Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the ESPP).
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]
Patents and Trademarks [Member]
Represents patents and trademarks.
Total long-lived assets
us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities
Purchase of available for sale securities
us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments
Number of Operating Segments
Mutec [Member]
Represents Mutec.
us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings
Investment in foreign joint ventures
us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross
us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Less accumulated depreciation
Inside the U.S.A. to unaffiliated customers
Net sales
Total net sales
Net sales by segment
All Other [Member]
Represents all other joint ventures.
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]
Land
Machinery and equipment
Buildings and improvements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments
Adjustment to valuation allowance
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NTIC PER COMMON SHARE:
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsForeign
Foreign net operating loss carryforward
Capital Loss Carryforward [Member]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
EXCOR [Member]
Represents EXCOR.
Cash and cash equivalents
Patents and trademarks, net
Patents and trademarks
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization
Less accumulated amortization
us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities
Proceeds from sale of available for sale securities
ntic_DebtInstrumentCovenantsFixedChargeCoverageRatio
Debt Instrument, Covenants, Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
Represents the fixed charge coverage ratio for the debt instrument under the covenant terms.
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPrepaidExpenses
Prepaid expenses and other
us-gaap_DisclosureTextBlockAbstract
Notes to Financial Statements
us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Property and equipment
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit
State
us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
State
Number of shares, Options granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsForfeituresInPeriod
Number of shares, Options terminated (in shares)
us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet
Cash paid during the year for income tax
Deferred:
THAILAND
us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Current:
us-gaap_DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Foreign
us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity
Total liabilities and equity
us-gaap_CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit
Foreign
us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Federal
ntic_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableAdjustmentToProvision
Adjustment to provision
Represents the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable adjustment to provision.
us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit
Federal
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Retained earnings
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan
Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan (in shares)
Other Countries [Member]
Other countries [member]
Stock option expense
us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementContractToPerformForOthersCostsIncurredGross
Research and Development Arrangement, Contract to Perform for Others, Costs Incurred, Gross
Exercise 3 [Member]
Exercise 3 [member]
Exercise 2 [Member]
Exercise 2 [member]
Exercise 1 [Member]
Exercise 1 [member]
ntic_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipAcquired
Equity Method Investment Ownership Acquired
Percentage of ownership acquired during the period.
NTI Asean LLC [Member]
Represents the legal entity of NTI Asean LLC.
Options exercised (in shares)
Number of shares, Options exercised (in shares)
Exercise of stock options
ntic_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccountsGrossOfAdjustments
Bad debts
Represents provision for doubtful accounts gross of adjustments.
POLAND
us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares
us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodValue
Repurchase of common stock
us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetNoncurrent
Total noncurrent
Research, Development, and Computer Software Disclosure [Text Block]
us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent
Total other assets
us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
Inventories
SINGAPORE
SWEDEN
Receivables:
Common stock, $0.02 par value per share; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,539,045 and 4,504,552, respectively
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)
us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable
Income taxes
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)
JAPAN
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)
OTHER INCOME
INDIA
NET SALES:
us-gaap_FairValueInputsDiscountRate
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]
Preferred stock, no par value; authorized 10,000 shares; none issued and outstanding
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
Reclassification of translation gains on foreign currency translation
Trade joint ventures
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.
Finished goods
us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet
Financing Receivable, Net
Trade excluding joint ventures, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $40,000 at both August 31, 2015 and 2014
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.
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]
us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPrepaidDeferredExpenseAndOtherAssets
Prepaid expenses and other
us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes
Deferred income taxes
Production materials
us-gaap_NumberOfCountriesInWhichEntityOperates
Number of Countries in which Entity Operates
GERMANY
CZECH REPUBLIC
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_GrossProfit
Gross profit
Gross profit
Expenses incurred in support of joint ventures
CHINA
Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivable
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]
UNITED KINGDOM
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncome
Total joint venture operations
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
OPERATING INCOME
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
FRANCE
us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
INTEREST INCOME
us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable
Accounts payable
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
FINLAND
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Amendment Flag
us-gaap_AccruedBonusesCurrentAndNoncurrent
Accrued Bonuses
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Vesting [Domain]
Vesting [Axis]
Income Statement Location [Domain]
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
Plan Name [Domain]
Income Statement Location [Axis]
us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
Repurchase of common stock
Plan Name [Axis]
Minimum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Customer [Axis]
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Customer [Domain]
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Document Period End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Products and Services [Domain]
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized
Products and Services [Axis]
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardExpirationPeriod
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period
Award Type [Axis]
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Voluntary Filers
Entity Public Float
Entity Filer Category
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Document Type
Investment, Name [Axis]
Equity Award [Domain]
Investment, Name [Domain]
Cost of goods sold
Cost of Goods Sold
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
us-gaap_ProceedsFromMinorityShareholders
Investment by non-controlling interest
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer
Exercise price (in dollars per share)
Weighted average exercise price, Options granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Legal Entity Type of Counterparty [Domain]
Legal Entity of Counterparty, Type [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Weighted average exercise price, Options terminated (in dollars per share)
Segments [Axis]
Trade excluding joint ventures, allowance for doubtful accounts
Trade Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Trade Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Statement [Table]
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding (in dollars per share)
Weighted average exercise price, Outstanding (in dollars per share)
us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Long-term Line of Credit
ntic_NotesReceivableTerm
Notes Receivable Term
Represents the repayment term.
Tianjin Zerust [Member]
Represents the Tianjin Zerust.
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
CURRENT ASSETS:
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionAmountsOfTransaction
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction
Number of shares, Exercisable (in shares)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH:
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value
us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable
JOINT VENTURE OPERATIONS:
Joint venture operations
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable (in dollars per share)
Income Statement [Abstract]
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES ASSUMED OUTSTANDING:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic and diluted[abstract]
us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardPurchasePriceOfCommonStockPercent
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent
us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Net cash used in financing activities
Investments at carrying value (Note 8)
Represents the fair value investments in joint ventures.
North America [Member]
us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
Geographical [Axis]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentBeforeTax
Note receivable issued for sale of joint venture
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingNumber
Number of shares, Outstanding (in shares)
Number of shares, Outstanding (in shares)
us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
Stockholders’ equity
us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsMinorityInterest
Dividend received by non-controlling interest
Deferred Tax Expenses Related to Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Joint Ventures [Member]
Represents deferred tax expenses related to undistributed earnings of Foreign joint ventures.
us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Arrangements, Individual Contracts, Type of Deferred Compensation [Axis]
Deferred Bonus and Profit Sharing Arrangement, Individual Contract, Type of Deferred Compensation [Domain]
Weighted average risk-free interest rate
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)
Expected volatility
Expected life of option (years)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME – FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENT
us-gaap_InventoryNet
Prepaid expenses
us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain]
Executive Officer [Member]
Exercise Price Range [Axis]
Relationship to Entity [Domain]
Dividend yield
Title of Individual [Axis]
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]
Purchase price:
Inventories
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredEquityInterestsIssuedAndIssuable
Value of previously held interest
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferred1
Total consideration
Non-controlling interests
Net assets acquired (liabilities assumed):
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCashAndEquivalents
Cash and cash equivalents
One Year after Date of Grant [Member]
The vesting term that options become exercisable.
us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
BALANCE
BALANCE
Total equity
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCurrentAssetsReceivables
Accounts receivables
PNC Bank [Member]
Represents PNC bank.
Additional paid-in capital
Termination of Joint Venture and Formation of NTIC China [Member]
The direct expenses associated with the termination of the joint venture in China and the formation of the wholly owned subsidiary NTIC China. Such expenses include, but not limited to: legal expenses, formation expenses, and hiring expenses.
Legal Entity [Axis]
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedAssets
Value of assets
Entity Registrant Name
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentAssets
Investments in joint ventures
Entity Central Index Key
Entity [Domain]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Other
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 18)
us-gaap_IncomeLossIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Income before income tax expense
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Trading Symbol
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
us-gaap_DueFromJointVentures
Due from Joint Ventures
us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
us-gaap_AssetsCurrent
Total current assets
ntic_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssetsExcludingSaleOfEquipment
Loss on disposal of assets
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.
us-gaap_BusinessCombinationAcquisitionOfLessThan100PercentNoncontrollingInterestFairValue
Fair value of non-controlling interest
Income taxes
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders
Dividend received by non-controlling interest
us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent
Total current liabilities
Korea [Member]
Korea [member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Fees for services provided, percentage
Percentage of entity wide fees for services provided to joint ventures generated from geographic location.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInterestInJointVenture
Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture
Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture
Investment in joint venture
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain]
us-gaap_Depreciation
Depreciation expense
Fees for services provided
Total fees for services provided to joint ventures by geographic locations.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_CashAcquiredFromAcquisition
Effect of subsidiary consolidation on cash
Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis]
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Fees for Services Provided to Joint Ventures [Member]
Represents fees for services provided to joint ventures.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
Effect of subsidiary consolidation
Joint Ventures in Which the Company is a Shareholder Directly and Indirectly Outside the USA [Member]
Joint ventures in which the company is a shareholder directly and indirectly outside the USA [member]
Income Tax Authority [Axis]
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Investment by non-controlling interest
Unaffiliated Customers Outside the USA [Member]
Unaffiliated customers outside the USA [member]
Income Tax Authority [Domain]
Inside the USA to Unaffiliated Customers [Member]
Inside the USA to Unaffiliated Customers.
Percentage of Total Consolidated Net Sales [Member ]
Represents percentage of total consolidated net sales .
us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization
Amortization
us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent
ntic_EstimatedForfeitureRateForStockOptions
Estimated Forfeiture Rate for Stock Options
Estimated forfeiture rate used for stock options.
us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized
ntic_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseEstimateFiscalYearTwo
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Estimate, Fiscal Year Two
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.
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Equity in earnings – fiscal year 2015
ntic_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseEstimateNextFiscalYear
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Estimate, Next Fiscal Year
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.
ntic_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpenseEstimateRemainderOfFiscalYear
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Estimate Remainder of Fiscal Year
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.
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation
Stock-based compensation
Net of Estimated Forfeitures [Member]
Represents amount net of estimated forfeitures.
us-gaap_StockOptionPlanExpense
Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense
Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block]
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]
Property and equipment
NET INCOME
Net income
NET INCOME
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Comprehensive income
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
us-gaap_ProceedsFromDividendsReceived
Dividends received from joint ventures
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByParent
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions
Gross increases - prior period tax positions
us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions
Gross increases – current period tax positions
ntic_PercentageOfIndividualBonusPayoutDeterminedByActualVersusTargetedEBITOIResults
Percentage of Individual Bonus Payout Determined by Actual Versus Targeted EBITOI Results
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.
ntic_PercentageOfIndividualsPayoutDeterminedUponAchievementOfCertainPreEstablishedIndividualPerformanceObjectives
Percentage of Individuals Payout Determined Upon Achievement of Certain Pre-Established Individual Performance Objectives
Percentage of individual's payout determined based upon achievement of certain pre-established individual performance objectives.
Reconciliation of Cost of Goods Sold from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
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.
Cost of Goods Sold Type [Axis]
Cost of goods sold type [axis]
Cost of Goods Sold Type [Domain]
us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits
Gross unrecognized tax benefits – beginning balance
Gross unrecognized tax benefits – ending balance
Indirect Cost of Goods Sold [Member]
Indirect cost of goods sold [member]
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_InterestPaidNet
Cash paid during the year for interest
Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain]
NaturTec [Member]
Represents NaturTec segment.
Diluted (in dollars per share)
Diluted (in dollars per share)
ZERUST [Member]
Represents ZERUST.
us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardValuationAllowance
Tax Credit Carryforward, Valuation Allowance
us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Diluted (in shares)
Diluted (in shares)
Equity in income from joint ventures
Equity in income from joint ventures
Payroll and related benefits
Accounts payable
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Income tax expense
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate
Basic (in shares)
Basic (in dollars per share)
Basic (in dollars per share)
Consulting Payment Expense [Member]
The Expenses related to consulting services.
ntic_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAmountOfEmployeesContributionsPercent
Defined Contribution Plan Maximum Amount of Employees Contributions Percent
Maximum percentage employer matches of the employee's percentage contribution matched.
Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Exercised 6 [Member]
Information related to options exercised.
Exercised 5 [Member]
Information related to options exercised.
Exercised 4 [Member]
Information related to options exercised.
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_RepaymentsOfNotesPayable
Repayment of note payable
us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards
Operating Loss Carryforwards
Federal and State Tax [Member]
Designated tax department of the government and state or local government entitled to levy and collect income taxes from the entity.
Bioplastic Polymers LLC [Member]
information about Bioplastic Polymers LLC.
Royalty Payment Expense [Member]
Expenses related to the royalties.
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]
Variable Rate [Domain]
Variable Rate [Axis]
ntic_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesPercentageOfInvestment
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Percentage of Investment
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.
Joint Venture in India [Member]
The Company's joint venture in India.
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Joint Venture in Finland [Member]
The Company's joint venture in Finland.
Property and Equipment Useful Life [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of property and equipment useful life.
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
ntic_BusinessAcquisitionOwnershipPercentageSubsequentToAcquisition
Business Acquisition Ownership Percentage Subsequent to Acquisition
The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee subsequent to the business acquisition.
us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
Total operating expenses
General and administrative expenses
Statement [Line Items]
Related Party [Axis]
Receivables from Joint Ventures Policy [Policy Text Block ]
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.
Related Party [Domain]
ntic_NumberOfJointVentureArrangements
Number of Joint Venture Arrangements
Number of active joint venture arrangements the company participates, either directly or indirectly.
Zerust Brazil [Member]
Information about the entity of Zerust Brazil.
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Exercised [Member]
Common stock options exercised.
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationEquity
Joint ventures’ equity
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Net sales
us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssets
Total assets
us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCurrentLiabilities
Current liabilities
us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNoncurrentLiabilities
Noncurrent liabilities
EQUITY:
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherReconcilingItems
Other
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain]
us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCurrentAssets
Current assets
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
Valuation allowance
Nature of Expense [Axis]
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome
Tax-exempt income
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationEquityInEarningsLossesOfUnconsolidatedSubsidiary
Tax effect on equity in (income) loss of international joint ventures
Northern Technologies International Corporation’s share of joint ventures’ equity
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationMinorityInterestIncomeExpense
Non-controlling interest in partnership income
Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]
ntic_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherIntangibleAssets
Other intangible assets
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from intangible assets
ntic_DeferredJointVenturesExpenses
Deferred joint venture expenses
Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from deferred joint venture expenses
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCredits
Research and development credit
Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]
us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Equity Component [Domain]
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxCreditsForeign
Foreign tax credit
Equity Components [Axis]
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationForeignIncomeTaxRateDifferential
Tax effect of foreign operations
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes
State income tax, net of federal benefit
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate
Tax computed at statutory rates
Common Stock [Member]
Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductionsDividends
Tax effect on dividends received from joint ventures
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
us-gaap_PolicyTextBlockAbstract
Accounting Policies
Retained Earnings [Member]
us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationNondeductibleExpenseShareBasedCompensationCost
Stock based compensation
Fiscal 2015 Bonus Plan [Member]
The Fiscal 2015 Bonus Plan.
Fiscal 2014 Bonus Plan [Member]
The fiscal 2014 bonus plan.
Fiscal 2016 Bonus Plan [Member]
The Fiscal 2016 Bonus Plan.
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain]
ntic_NumberOfJointVenturesAccountedForCertainPercentageOfCompanysTradeJointVentureReceivables
Number of Joint Ventures Accounted For Certain Percentage of Company's Trade Joint Venture Receivables
Number of Joint Ventures Accounted for a Certain Percentage of Company’s Trade Joint Venture Receivables.
ntic_EntityWideTradeJointVentureReceivablesFourJointVenturespercentage
Entity Wide Trade Joint Venture Receivables, Four Joint Ventures,Percentage
Percentage of total trade joint venture receivables accounted for by four joint ventures.
ntic_FairValueAssetsTransfersLevel1Level2Level3
Fair Value Assets Transfers Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.
Lender Name [Axis]