Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2013	May 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (26,686)	$ (25,247)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	6,252	6,320
Goodwill impairment loss	1,077
Impairment of long-lived assets	851
Impairment loss on investment	1,885
Stock-based compensation expense	1,497	2,114
Bad debt expense	805
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment		(125)
Provisions for inventory write-downs	2,263	2,333
Equity in losses from unconsolidated entities, net	172	4,875
Income recognized on patents assignment	(38)	(38)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	1,533	215
Inventories	1,292	(1,434)
Prepaid expenses and other	(189)	(66)
Accounts payable	209	692
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(724)	(176)
Net cash used in operating activities	(9,801)	(10,537)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment, including interest capitalized	(2,633)	(10,351)
Sale of property, plant and equipment		171
Purchase of investment	(2,873)
Payments for development of intangible assets	(323)	(259)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	8,831
Proceeds from return of investment in unconsolidated entity	250
Other investing activities, net	5	17
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	3,257	(10,422)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	74	68
Proceeds from line of credit		1,594
Payments on line of credit	(1,623)	(900)
Proceeds from long-term debt	2,902
Payments of long-term debt	(951)	(710)
Proceeds from loan from related party	204
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests	(202)
Net cash provided by financing activities	404	52
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	279	233
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(5,861)	(20,674)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-Beginning of period	47,228	83,619
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS-End of period	41,367	62,945
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Accrual related to property, plant and equipment	$ 1,749	$ 2,124