This item represents the aggregate carrying amount of all cost-method investments as reported on or included in the balance sheet. The original cost of the investments may differ from the aggregate carrying amount disclosed due to various adjustments such as: (i) dividends received in excess of earnings after the date of investment that are considered a return of investment and therefore recorded as reductions to cost of the investment, or (ii) a series of operating losses of an investee or other factors which may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred which is other than temporary and accordingly such decrease in value has been recognized.

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-Publisher AICPA

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+ Details

- Definition

This item represents disclosure of the amount of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporation; these investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References+ Details

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended						1 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2012	May 31, 2013 SILQ (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.	Aug. 31, 2012 SILQ (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.	May 31, 2013 China SemiLEDs	Aug. 31, 2012 China SemiLEDs	Sep. 30, 2012 SS Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. ("SS Optoelectronics")	Aug. 31, 2012 SS Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. ("SS Optoelectronics")
Investments in unconsolidated entities
Percentage ownership				50.00%	50.00%	49.00%	49.00%		49.00%
Equity method investments				$ 371,000	$ 525,000	$ 0	$ 0		$ 248,000
Cost method investments	1,986,000	1,986,000	1,048,000
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	2,357,000	2,357,000	1,821,000
Excess of share of net assets over the carrying amount of investment							4,600,000
Return of investment after dissolved joint venture agreement		250,000						250,000
Dividend received from unconsolidated entities	$ 0	$ 0