Condensed Parent Company Only Financial Statements - Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Aug. 31, 2016	Aug. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 6,030	$ 4,808	$ 12,649
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	640	891
Total current assets	11,637	13,672
Intangible assets, net	44	1,353
Investments in unconsolidated entities	1,368	2,014
TOTAL ASSETS	22,235	38,520
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Advance receipt toward the convertible note	500
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	2,761	3,597
Total current liabilities	4,901	6,315
Total equity	11,603	29,296
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	22,235	38,520
SemiLEDs
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	945	887	$ 7,838
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,548	3,262
Total current assets	4,493	4,149
Intangible assets, net	2	56
Investment in subsidiaries	7,441	24,829
Investments in unconsolidated entities	434	714
TOTAL ASSETS	12,370	29,748
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Advance receipt toward the convertible note	500
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	267	452
Total current liabilities	767	452
Total equity	11,603	29,296
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 12,370	$ 29,748