Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 154	$ 281
Trade accounts receivable, net	36,464	29,482
Inventories	43,672	32,733
Prepaid expenses	2,826	2,502
Material and supplies	3,980	3,489
Income tax receivable	188	92
Other	4,681	5,498
Total current assets	91,965	74,077
Property, plant and equipment, net	113,191	107,372
Restricted cash value of life insurance	7,858	7,909
Deferred tax assets	13,108	12,695
Other assets	1,612	2,132
Other intangible assets, net	467	332
Goodwill, net	7,978	7,897
Total assets	236,179	212,414
Current liabilities:
Cash overdraft, net	7,337	6,903
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	458	421
Accounts payable	19,201	15,268
Accrued liabilities	9,142	7,563
Total current liabilities	36,138	30,155
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	84,004	23,802
Redeemable preferred stock, Series A (Note 6)		38,982
Other postretirement benefits	19,707	16,193
Pension benefit liability	20,917	11,217
Other liabilities	6,563	6,600
Total liabilities	167,329	126,949
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share, authorized 29,000 shares, issued 14,342 shares in 2012 and 13,328 shares in 2011, including treasury shares	14,281	13,243
Preferred stock, Series B (Note 8)		100
Additional paid-in capital	103,205	103,070
Retained earnings (deficit)	(286)	9,368
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,981 shares	(32,757)	(32,757)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(15,593)	(7,559)
Total shareholders' equity	68,850	85,465
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 236,179	$ 212,414