Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016	May 31, 2017	May 31, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (1,586)	$ (3,263)	$ (3,431)	$ (9,123)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0 for all periods presented	99	374	332	(111)
Comprehensive loss	(1,487)	(2,889)	(3,099)	(9,234)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		(12)	(16)	(19)
Comprehensive loss attributable to SemiLEDs stockholders	$ (1,487)	$ (2,877)	$ (3,083)	$ (9,215)