Reconciliation of Income from Operations Applicable to Common Shares and Computation of Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	May 31, 2012	Feb. 29, 2012	Nov. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2011	May 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2011	Nov. 30, 2010	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010
Numerator:
Loss from continuing operations									$ (9,566)	$ (5,117)	$ (9,629)
Less: Allocation to participating securities											(84)
Loss from continuing operations applicable to common shares and equivalents									(9,566)	(5,117)	(9,713)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations											16,312
Less: Allocation to participating securities
Income (loss) from discontinued operations applicable to common shares and equivalents											16,312
Net income (loss)	(4,366)	(5,452)	(340)	592	(3,169)	(709)	(1,575)	336	(9,566)	(5,117)	6,683
Less: Allocation to participating securities											(84)
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares and equivalents									$ (9,566)	$ (5,117)	$ 6,599
Denominator:
Weighted average common shares and equivalents outstanding, basic									12,294	12,251	11,601
Dilutive stock options and awards
Weighted average common shares and equivalents outstanding, diluted									12,294	12,251	11,601