Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (15,302)	$ (15,145)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	4,183	4,058
Stock-based compensation expense	977	1,616
Bad debt expense	805
Provisions for inventory write-downs	1,208	1,605
Equity in losses from unconsolidated entities, net	98	2,702
Income recognized on patents assignment	(26)	(26)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	730	1,557
Inventories	1,789	(3,490)
Prepaid expenses and other	(355)	32
Accounts payable	(792)	787
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(801)	(1,699)
Net cash used in operating activities	(7,486)	(8,003)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, including interest capitalized	(2,043)	(9,099)
Purchase of investments	(2,873)
Payments for development of intangible assets	(266)	(189)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	8,831
Proceeds from return of investment in unconsolidated entity	250
Other investing activities, net	5	(2)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	3,904	(9,290)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4	60
Proceeds from line of credit		1,094
Payments on line of credit	(1,623)	(900)
Proceeds from long-term debt	1,820
Payments of long-term debt	(490)	(471)
Net cash used in financing activities	(289)	(217)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	529	267
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(3,342)	(17,243)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-Beginning of period	47,228	83,619
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-End of period	43,886	66,376
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Accrual related to property, plant and equipment	$ 1,487	$ 383