Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 29, 2012	Aug. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,858	$ 1,368
Restricted cash, current	172	0
Trade accounts receivable, net	13,390	12,348
Inventory, net	11,585	11,389
Marketable securities, trading	761	892
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	456	320
Deferred tax asset, current	1,055	1,062
Total current assets	29,277	27,379
Non-current Assets:
Restricted cash, non-current	548	632
Real estate properties held for leasing, net	9,929	10,085
Equipment and leasehold improvements, net	953	972
Deferred tax asset	2,318	2,623
Other assets, principally deferred charges, net of accumulated amortization	1,149	1,187
Total assets	44,174	42,878
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Trade accounts payable	9,287	8,541
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	1,511	2,325
Liability for short sales of trading securities	172	0
Liabilities of discontinued operations - short-term	147	147
Current portion of long-term debt	790	778
Total current liabilities	11,907	11,791
Non-current Liabilities:
Liabilities of discontinued operations - long-term	2,636	2,708
Deposit liability	147	147
Long-term debt	15,880	15,626
Total liabilities	30,570	30,272
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; authorized 8,000,000 shares; 4,861,590 shares outstanding at February 29, 2012 and August 31, 2011	49	49
Additional paid-in capital	12,378	12,378
Accumulated other comprehensive income	524	554
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	652	(376)
Total shareholders' equity	13,604	12,606
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	44,174	42,878
Convertible Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity:
Convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; authorized 10,000,000 shares; 36,000 shares outstanding at February 29, 2012 and August 31, 2011 (liquidation value $900)	$ 1	$ 1