Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 29, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 2,897	$ 252
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization	6,803	7,086
Non-cash interest on Series A Preferred Stock		2,062
Stock-based compensation	812	446
Loss on sale of fixed assets	12	29
Deferred income tax expense	1,394	960
Non-cash loss on hedging transactions	760	2,696
Change in assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	(3,413)	(4,190)
Prepaid expenses	234	(168)
Inventories	(4,601)	954
Decrease (increase) in margin accounts	(2,853)	512
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(3,183)	(1,021)
Income tax receivable	(41)	(127)
Pension benefit liability	862	(61)
Other receivables	2,080	(279)
Other	1,589	138
Net cash flow provided by operating activities	3,352	9,289
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment, net	(4,990)	(6,049)
Acquisition of Carolina Starches, net of cash acquired		(8,347)
Other		21
Net cash used in investing activities	(4,990)	(14,375)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	10,500	23,000
Payments on revolving line of credit	(9,100)	(14,400)
Payments of long-term debt	(100)	(100)
Payments under capital lease obligation	(139)	(118)
Proceeds from financing arrangements		490
Payments on financing arrangements	(893)	(743)
Exercise of stock options	201
Increase (decrease) in cash overdraft	1,173	(2,731)
Other	(8)	2
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,634	5,400
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(4)	314
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	154	281
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 150	$ 595