Investments in Unconsolidated Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Investments in unconsolidated entities
Cost method investments	$ 998	$ 992
Total investments in unconsolidated entities	$ 998	$ 992
Xurui Guangdian Co., Ltd. (“China SemiLEDs”)
Investments in unconsolidated entities
Percentage Ownership	49.00%	49.00%
Equity method investments	$ 0	$ 0
Unconsolidated Entities
Investments in unconsolidated entities
Dividend received from unconsolidated entities	$ 0
Intematix
Investments in unconsolidated entities
Impairment loss on investment		$ 352

Amount, after adjustment, of cost-method investment. Adjustments include, but are not limited to, dividends received in excess of earnings after date of investment that are considered a return of investment and other than temporary impairments.

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Amount of distribution received from equity method investee for return on investment, classified as operating activities. Excludes distribution for return of investment, classified as investing activities.

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Total investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable from a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership.

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