Penford (PENX) 10-Q 9 Jan 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Jan. 06, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Nov-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Trading Symbol	'PENX	'
Entity Registrant Name	'PENFORD CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000739608	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--08-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	12,497,654

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$197	$221
Trade accounts receivable, net	41,083	43,432
Inventories	32,720	33,992
Prepaid expenses	2,765	3,100
Material and supplies	4,625	4,634
Other	4,761	4,735
Total current assets	86,151	90,114
Property, plant and equipment, net	112,059	112,141
Restricted cash value of life insurance	7,830	7,837
Deferred tax assets	4,735	4,987
Other assets	1,166	1,248
Other intangible assets, net	551	313
Goodwill, net	7,978	7,978
Total assets	220,470	224,618
Current liabilities:	'	'
Cash overdraft, net	2,679	5,072
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	347	231
Accounts payable	22,575	20,656
Short-term financing arrangements	924	1,474
Accrued liabilities	7,158	8,207
Total current liabilities	33,683	35,640
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	69,798	72,739
Other postretirement benefits	16,660	16,596
Pension benefit liability	10,374	10,552
Other liabilities	6,222	6,198
Total liabilities	136,737	141,725
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value $1.00 per share, authorized 29,000 shares, issued 14,479 and 14,479 shares, respectively, including treasury shares	14,454	14,454
Preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share, authorized 1,000 shares, none issued	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	105,415	105,166
Retained earnings	4,137	3,649
Treasury stock, at cost, 1,981 shares	-32,757	-32,757
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-7,516	-7,619
Total shareholders' equity	83,733	82,893
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$220,470	$224,618

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	29,000	29,000
Common stock, shares issued	14,479	14,479
Preferred stock, par value	$1	$1
Preferred stock, share authorized	1,000	1,000
Preferred stock, share issued	0	0
Treasury stock, shares	1,981	1,981

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Sales	$109,251	$118,022
Cost of sales	98,542	104,764
Gross margin	10,709	13,258
Operating expenses	7,801	7,773
Research and development expenses	1,267	1,465
Income from operations	1,641	4,020
Interest expense	-813	-1,081
Other non-operating income (expense), net	8	-163
Income from operations before income taxes	836	2,776
Income tax expense	348	1,069
Net income	$488	$1,707
Weighted average common shares and equivalents outstanding:	'	'
Basic	12,473	12,307
Diluted	12,841	12,372
Earnings per common share:	'	'
Basic earnings per share	$0.04	$0.14
Diluted earnings per share	$0.04	$0.14

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$488	$1,707
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax:	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax benefit (expense) of $746 and $(189)	-1,217	309
Loss (gain) from derivative transactions reclassified into earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax benefit (expense) of $753 and $(1,339)	1,227	-2,186
Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax benefit of $7 and $8	13	14
Amortization of actuarial loss, net of tax benefit of $51 and $209	80	341
Other comprehensive income (loss)	103	-1,522
Total comprehensive income	$591	$185

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Change in fair value of derivatives, Tax benefit (expense)	$746	($189)
Loss (gain) from derivative transactions reclassified into earnings from other comprehensive income, Tax benefit (expense)	753	-1,339
Amortization of prior service cost, Tax benefit	7	8
Amortization of actuarial loss, Tax benefit	$51	$209

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$488	$1,707
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	3,291	3,383
Stock-based compensation	249	417
Loss on sale of fixed assets	'	12
Deferred income tax expense	209	965
Non-cash loss on hedging transactions	122	705
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	-152	'
Change in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Trade accounts receivable	2,349	-2,397
Inventories	1,150	3,112
Prepaid expenses	335	43
Decrease (increase) in margin accounts	846	-2,969
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	594	-416
Pension and other postretirement benefit contributions	-724	-129
Pension and other postretirement benefit costs	761	1,277
Other receivables	-976	935
Other	132	299
Net cash flow provided by operating activities	8,674	6,944
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment, net	-2,047	-3,425
Other	-272	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,319	-3,425
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from revolving line of credit	'	2,500
Payments on revolving line of credit	-3,500	-3,500
Payments of long-term debt	-50	-50
Payments under capital lease obligations	-39	-68
Payments on financing arrangements	-549	-697
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	152	'
Decrease in cash overdraft	-2,393	-1,737
Net cash used in financing activities	-6,379	-3,552
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-24	-33
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	221	154
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$197	$121

Business

Business	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Business	'
	1—BUSINESS
	Penford Corporation (which, together with its subsidiary companies, is referred to herein as “Penford” or the “Company”) is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of specialty natural-based ingredient systems for food and industrial applications, including fuel grade ethanol. Penford’s products provide convenient and cost-effective solutions derived from renewable sources. Sales of the Company’s products are generated using a combination of direct sales and distributor agreements.
	The Company has significant research and development capabilities, which are used in applying the complex chemistry of carbohydrate-based materials and in developing applications to address customer needs. In addition, the Company has specialty processing capabilities for a variety of modified starches.
	Penford manages its business in two segments: Industrial Ingredients and Food Ingredients. These segments are based on broad categories of end-market users. The Industrial Ingredients segment is a supplier of specialty starches to the paper, packaging and other industries, and is a producer of fuel grade ethanol. The Industrial Ingredients segment also sells the by-products from its corn wet milling manufacturing operations, primarily germ, fiber and gluten to customers who use these by-products as animal feed or to produce corn oil. The Food Ingredients segment is a developer and manufacturer of specialty starches and dextrins for the food manufacturing and food service industries. See Note 10 for financial information regarding the Company’s business segments.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	2—BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Penford and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at November 30, 2013 and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the interim periods ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared by the Company without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary to present fairly the financial information, have been made. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results of a full year or of future operations. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year’s financial statements in order to conform to the current year presentation. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2013.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, the allowance for doubtful accounts, accruals, legal contingencies, the determination of fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination, the determination of assumptions for pension and postretirement employee benefit costs, useful lives of property and equipment, the assessment of a potential impairment of goodwill or long-lived assets, and income taxes including the determination of a need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts.
	Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
	In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance requiring entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. Entities are required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. This guidance did not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income. The Company adopted this new guidance effective September 1, 2013 and the required disclosure is presented in Note 6.
	In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance creating new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity’s rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The Company adopted this new guidance effective September 1, 2013 and the required disclosure is presented in Note 9.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance designed to reduce diversity in practice of financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The Company adopted this accounting presentation effective September 1, 2013. The Company complied with the prescribed accounting presentation in prior periods; therefore, the adoption of this guidance had no impact on the presentation of the Company’s financial statements.

Balance_Sheet_Details

Balance Sheet Details	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Balance Sheet Details	'
	3—BALANCE SHEET DETAILS
	The components of inventory are as follows:
		November 30,			August 31,
		2013			2013
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	8,642		$	10,381
	Work in progress		1,425			1,913
	Finished goods		22,653			21,698
	Total inventories	$	32,720		$	33,992
	The components of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
		November 30,			August 31,
		2013			2013
		(In thousands)
	Land and land improvements	$	11,881		$	11,881
	Plant and equipment		361,601			359,909
	Construction in progress		5,546			5,255
			379,028			377,045
	Accumulated depreciation		(266,969	)		(264,904	)
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	112,059		$	112,141
	At November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013, the Company had approximately $1.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of payables related to property, plant and equipment which have been excluded from acquisitions of property, plant and equipment in the statement of cash flows.
	Components of accrued liabilities are as follows:
		November 30,			August 31,
		2013			2013
		(In thousands)
	Employee-related costs	$	2,592		$	3,931
	Other accrued liabilities		4,566			4,276
	Total accrued liabilities	$	7,158		$	8,207
	Employee-related costs include accrued payroll, compensated absences, payroll taxes, benefits and incentives.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	4—DEBT
	As of November 30, 2013, the Company had $68.0 million outstanding on its $130 million secured revolving credit facility (the “2012 Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks. The lenders’ loan commitment may be increased under certain circumstances.
	The maturity date for the revolving loans under the 2012 Agreement is July 9, 2017. Interest rates under the 2012 Agreement are based on either the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or the prime rate, depending on the selection of available borrowing options under the 2012 Agreement. Pursuant to the 2012 Agreement, the interest rate margin over LIBOR can range between 2% and 4%, depending upon the ratio of the Company’s funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (defined in the 2012 Agreement as the “Total Leverage Ratio”).
	The 2012 Agreement provides that the Total Leverage Ratio shall not exceed 3.50 through November 30, 2013; 3.25 through May 31, 2014; and 3.0 thereafter. In addition, the Company must maintain a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, as defined in the 2012 Agreement, of not less than 1.35. Annual capital expenditures will be restricted to $15 million if the Total Leverage Ratio is greater than 2.50 for two consecutive fiscal quarters. The Company’s obligations under the 2012 Agreement are secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets.
	At November 30, 2013, the Company also had two non interest bearing loans from the Iowa Department of Economic Development (“IDED”). The IDED provided two five-year non interest bearing loans as follows: (1) a $1.0 million loan to be repaid in 60 equal monthly payments of $16,667 beginning December 1, 2009, and (2) a $1.0 million loan which is forgivable if the Company maintains certain levels of employment at the Cedar Rapids plant. At November 30, 2013, the Company had $1.2 million outstanding related to the IDED loans.
	Pursuant to the 2012 Agreement, the Company may declare and pay dividends on its common stock in an amount not to exceed, in any consecutive four quarters, the lesser of $10 million or 50% of Free Cash Flow, as defined in the 2012 Agreement. As of November 30, 2013, the Company was not permitted to pay dividends.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	5—INCOME TAXES
	Effective Tax Rates
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2014 was 41.6%. The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory rate was due to state income taxes and the effect of additions to the liability for uncertain tax positions described below.
	The Company’s effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was 38.5%. The difference between the effective tax rate and the U.S. federal statutory tax rate was primarily due to state income taxes.
	Valuation Allowance
	The tax valuation allowance at November 30, 2013 of $12.5 million is comprised of the following: (1) $10.9 million related to the discontinued Australian operations and (2) $1.6 million related primarily to the small ethanol producer tax credit carryforwards in the United States. Tax laws in the U.S. require that any net operating loss carryforwards be utilized before the Company can utilize the small ethanol producer tax credit carryforwards. Due to the expiration of the small ethanol producer tax credit carryforward period in 2014, the Company does not believe it has sufficient positive evidence to substantiate that the small ethanol tax credit carryforwards are realizable at a more-likely-than-not level of assurance.
	At November 30, 2013, the Company had $6.4 million of net U. S. deferred tax assets. Other than for the ethanol tax credit carryforwards discussed above, a valuation allowance has not been provided on the net U.S. deferred tax assets as of November 30, 2013. The determination of the need for a valuation allowance requires significant judgment and estimates. The Company evaluates the requirement for a valuation allowance each quarter. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that future operations and the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences will generate sufficient taxable income to realize its deferred tax assets, except for the small ethanol producer tax credit carryforwards, for which a valuation allowance has been provided.
	Uncertain Tax Positions
	In the quarter ended November 30, 2013, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits increased by approximately $38,000. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at November 30, 2013 was $0.7 million, all of which, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate. At November 30, 2013, the Company had $0.1 million of accrued interest and penalties included in the long-term tax liability.
	Other
	The Company files tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various U.S. state jurisdictions, and is subject to examination by taxing authorities in all of those jurisdictions. From time to time, the Company’s tax returns are reviewed or audited by U.S. federal and various U.S. state taxing authorities. The Company believes that adjustments, if any, resulting from these reviews or audits would not be material, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits related to certain of the Company’s tax positions will increase or decrease in the next twelve months as audits or reviews are initiated and settled. At this time, an estimate of the range of a reasonably possible change cannot be made. The Company is not subject to income tax examinations by U.S. federal or state jurisdictions for fiscal years prior to 2009.

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Los

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("OCI")	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("OCI")	'
	6—OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (“OCI”)
	The following tables provide a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods presented:
	(In thousands)	Net Unrealized				Gains (Losses)				Accumulated
		Gains (Losses)				on				Other
		on Cash Flow				Postretirement				Comprehensive
		Hedging				Obligations,				Loss
		Instruments,				net of tax
		net of tax
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	(856	)		$	(6,763	)		$	(7,619	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of tax		(1,217	)			—				(1,217	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		1,227				93				1,320
	Balance at November 30, 2013	$	(846	)		$	(6,670	)		$	(7,516	)
	(In thousands)	Net Unrealized				Gains (Losses)				Accumulated
		Gains (Losses)				on				Other
		on Cash Flow				Postretirement				Comprehensive
		Hedging				Obligations,				Loss
		Instruments,				net of tax
		net of tax
	Balance at August 31, 2012	$	1,638			$	(17,231	)		$	(15,593	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of tax		309				—				309
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(2,186	)			355				(1,831	)
	Balance at November 30, 2012	$	(239	)		$	(16,876	)		$	(17,115	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
				Three Months Ended November 30, 2013
	(In thousands)	Location of Expense		Before Tax				Tax				Net of Tax
		(Income) Recognized		Amount								Amount
		in Net Earnings
	Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
	Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	Cost of sales		$	89			$	(35	)		$	54
	Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	Operating/R&D			42				(16	)			26
		expenses
	Amortization of prior service cost	Cost of sales			2				(1	)			1
	Amortization of prior service cost	Operating/R&D			18				(6	)			12
		expenses
	Total reclassification adjustments				151				(58	)			93
	Derivatives accounted for as hedges	Cost of sales			1,980				(753	)			1,227
	Total reclassifications into income			$	2,131			$	(811	)		$	1,320

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	7—STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Stock Compensation Plans
	Penford maintains the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “2006 Incentive Plan”) pursuant to which various stock-based awards may be granted to employees, directors and consultants. As of November 30, 2013, the aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock that were available to be issued as awards under the 2006 Incentive Plan was 465,882. In addition, any shares previously granted under the 1994 Stock Option Plan which are subsequently forfeited or not exercised will be available for future grants under the 2006 Incentive Plan. Non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards granted under the 2006 Incentive Plan generally vest ratably over one to four years and expire seven years from the date of grant.
	General Option Information
	A summary of the stock option activity for the three months ended November 30, 2013, is as follows:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
		Shares			Average		Average		Intrinsic Value
					Exercise Price		Remaining
							Term (in years)
	Outstanding Balance, August 31, 2013		1,517,588		$	10.3
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		—			—
	Cancelled		(77,000	)		13.5
	Outstanding Balance, November 30, 2013		1,440,588			10.13		3.78	$	5,458,900
	Options Exercisable at November 30, 2013		849,173		$	12.88		2.7	$	1,840,500
	The aggregate intrinsic value disclosed in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value, based on the Company’s closing stock price of $12.29 as of November 30, 2013 that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised on that date. No stock options were exercised during the three months ended November 30, 2013. There were no stock option grants in the first three months of fiscal 2014.
	As of November 30, 2013, the Company had $0.6 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	The grant date fair value of each share of the Company’s restricted stock awards is equal to the fair value of Penford’s common stock at the grant date. The following table summarizes the restricted stock award activity for the three months ended November 30, 2013 as follows:
		Number of			Weighted
		Shares			Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Nonvested at August 31, 2013		24,489		$	7.35
	Granted		—			—
	Vested		—			—
	Cancelled		—			—
	Nonvested at November 30, 2013		24,489		$	7.35
	On January 1, 2013, each non-employee director received an award of 2,721 shares of restricted stock under the 2006 Incentive Plan at the closing stock price on December 31, 2012. The shares vest one year from the grant date of the award. The Company recognizes compensation cost for restricted stock ratably over the vesting period.
	As of November 30, 2013, the Company had less than $0.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.1 years.
	Compensation Expense
	The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense utilizing the accelerated multiple option approach over the requisite service period, which equals the vesting period. The following table summarizes the total stock-based compensation cost and the effect on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
		Three months ended
		November 30,
		2013			2012
	Cost of sales	$	—		$	—
	Operating expenses		249			417
	Research and development expenses		—			—
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	249		$	417
	Income tax benefit		95			158
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	154		$	259

Pension_and_PostRetirement_Ben

Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	8—PENSION AND POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
	The components of the net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit costs are as follows:
	Defined benefit pension plans	Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	438		$	486
	Interest cost		735			662
	Expected return on plan assets		(813	)		(717	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		58			60
	Amortization of actuarial losses		131			483
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	549		$	974
	Post-retirement health care plans	Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	28		$	59
	Interest cost		222			215
	Amortization of prior service credit		(38	)		(38	)
	Amortization of actuarial losses		—			67
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	212		$	303

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_De

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments	'
	9—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS AND DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	Fair Value Measurements
	Presented below are the fair values of the Company’s derivatives as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013:
	As of November 30, 2013		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
			(in thousands)
	Current assets (Other):
	Commodity derivatives		$	(1,145	)		$	—			$	—		$	(1,145	)
	As of August 31, 2013		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
			(in thousands)
	Current assets (Other):
	Commodity derivatives		$	512			$	—			$	—		$	512
	The following table reconciles the gross fair value of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements to the net amounts recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as Other Current Assets.
	In thousands		Gross Amounts				Gross				Net Amount of			Cash Collateral			Net Fair Value as
			of Recognized				Liabilities				Assets			on Deposit with			Recorded in
			Assets				Offset in the				(Liabilities)			Counterparty			Balance Sheets
							Balance
							Sheet
	As of November 30, 2013
	Commodity derivatives		$	87			$	(1,232	)		$	(1,145	)	$	2,527		$	1,382
	As of August 31, 2013
	Commodity derivatives		$	997			$	(485	)		$	512		$	1,700		$	2,212
	The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are:
		•		Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
		•		Level 2 inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for assets and liabilities such as (1) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, (2) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or (3) inputs that are derived principally or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
		•		Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology for the assets or liabilities.
	Other Financial Instruments
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables approximates fair value because of their short maturities. The Company’s bank debt reprices with changes in market interest rates and, accordingly, the carrying amount of such debt approximates fair value.
	The Company has two non-interest bearing loans from the State of Iowa. The carrying value of the debt at November 30, 2013 was $1.2 million and the fair value of the debt was estimated to be $1.1 million. See Note 4. The fair values of these loans were calculated utilizing Level 2 inputs to a discounted cash flow model. The most significant input is the discount rate which was determined by comparing yields on corporate debentures for debt issuers with financial characteristics similar to Penford’s non-interest bearing loans.
	Commodity Contracts
	For derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instruments as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged firm commitments and/or inventory are recognized in current earnings as a component of cost of sales. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instruments is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes, and recognized in earnings when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The Company recognizes the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as a component of cost of sales in the period when the finished goods produced from the hedged item are sold. If it is determined that the derivative instruments used are no longer effective at offsetting changes in the price of the hedged item, then the changes in fair value would be recognized in current earnings as a component of cost of sales.
	To reduce the price volatility of corn used in fulfilling some of its starch sales contracts, Penford uses readily marketable exchange-traded futures as well as forward cash corn purchases. Penford also uses exchange-traded futures to hedge corn inventories, firm commitments to purchase corn and forecasted purchases of corn. The exchange-traded futures are not purchased or sold for trading or speculative purposes and are designated as hedges. These futures contracts were designated as hedges.
	Selling prices for ethanol fluctuate based on the availability and price of manufacturing inputs and the status of various government regulations and tax incentives. To reduce the risk of the price variability of ethanol, Penford enters into exchange-traded futures contracts to hedge exposure to ethanol price fluctuations. Most of these futures contracts have been designated as hedges. Effective September 1, 2013, the Company ceased hedge accounting for certain ethanol futures contracts as they were not effective at offsetting changes in the selling prices of ethanol.
	Hedged transactions are generally expected to occur within 12 months of the time the hedge is established. The deferred gain (loss), net of tax, recorded in other comprehensive income at November 30, 2013 that is expected to be reclassified into income within 12 months is $(0.8) million.
	As of November 30, 2013, the Company had the following outstanding futures contracts:
	Corn Futures		4,375,000 Bushels
	Ethanol Futures		9,690,000 Gallons
	Natural Gas Futures		300,000 mmbtu (millions of British thermal units)
	The following tables provide information about the fair values of the Company’s derivatives, by contract type, as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013.
			Assets										Liabilities
	In thousands				Fair Value									Fair Value
			Balance		Nov 30				Aug 31				Balance	30-Nov			Aug 31
					2013				2013				Sheet	2013			2013
			Sheet
													Location
			Location
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Cash Flow Hedges:
	Corn Futures		Other Current Assets		$	—			$	—			Other Current Assets	$	920		$	485
	Ethanol Futures		Other Current Assets			—				997			Other Current Assets		312			—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Natural Gas Futures		Other Current Assets			67				—			Other Current Assets		—			—
	Ethanol Futures		Other Current Assets			20				—			Other Current Assets		—			—
					$	87			$	997				$	1,232		$	485
	The following tables provide information about the effect of derivative instruments on the financial performance of the Company for the three month periods ended November 30, 2013 and 2012.
	In thousands		Amount of Gain (Loss)								Amount of Gain (Loss)						Amount of Gain (Loss)
			Recognized in OCI								Reclassified from						Recognized in Income
											AOCI into Income
			3 Months Ended Nov 30								3 Months Ended Nov 30						3 Months Ended Nov 30
			2013				2012				2013			2012			2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Cash Flow Hedges:
	Corn Futures (1)		$	(2,048	)		$	(255	)		$	(2,512	)	$	3,432		$	(1,011	)	$	197
	Ethanol Futures (1)			85				753				532			93			(1,584	)		(11	)
		$	(1,963	)		$	498			$	(1,980	)	$	3,525		$	(2,595	)	$	186
Fair Value Hedges:
Corn Futures (1) (2)																$	5		$	15
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Natural Gas Futures (1)																	33			(171	)
Ethanol Futures (1)																	20			—
																$	53		$	(171	)
-1	Gains and losses reported in cost of sales
-2	Hedged items are firm commitments and inventory

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	10—SEGMENT REPORTING
	Financial information for the Company’s two segments, Industrial Ingredients and Food Ingredients, is presented below. These segments serve broad categories of end-market users. The Industrial Ingredients segment provides carbohydrate-based starches for industrial applications, primarily paper and packaging products and fuel grade ethanol. The Food Ingredients segment produces specialty starches for food applications. A third item for “corporate and other” activity has been presented to provide reconciliation to amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Corporate and other represents the activities related to the corporate headquarters such as public company reporting, personnel costs of the executive management team, corporate-wide professional services and consolidation entries.
		Three months ended November 30
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Sales:
	Industrial Ingredients
	Industrial Starch	$	43,620		$	43,802
	Ethanol		22,021			23,403
	By-products		14,959			23,163
			80,600			90,368
	Food Ingredients		28,651			27,654
		$	109,251		$	118,022
	Income (loss) from operations:
	Industrial Ingredients	$	(2,043	)	$	1,387
	Food Ingredients		6,530			5,355
	Corporate and other		(2,846	)		(2,722	)
		$	1,641		$	4,020
		November 30,			August 31,
		2013			2013
		(In thousands)
	Total assets:
	Industrial Ingredients	$	128,145		$	133,120
	Food Ingredients		69,662			68,550
	Corporate and other		22,663			22,948
		$	220,470		$	224,618

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	11—EARNINGS PER SHARE
	All outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends participate in undistributed earnings with common shareholders and, therefore, are included in computing earnings per share under the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are reduced by the amount of dividends declared in the period for each class of common stock and participating security. The remaining undistributed earnings are then allocated to common stock and participating securities, based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Restricted stock awards granted to certain employees and directors under the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends at the same rate as common stock, are considered participating securities.
	Basic earnings per share reflect only the weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect weighted average common shares outstanding and the effect of any dilutive common stock equivalent shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the average common shares outstanding plus additional common shares that would have been outstanding assuming the exercise of in-the-money stock options, using the treasury stock method. The following table presents the reconciliation of income from operations to income from operations applicable to common shares and the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
		Three months ended November 30
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	488		$	1,707
	Less: Allocation to participating securities		(1	)		(7	)
	Net income applicable to common shares	$	487		$	1,700
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic		12,473			12,307
	Dilutive stock options and awards		368			65
	Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted		12,841			12,372
	Weighted-average stock options to purchase 551,584 and 957,446 shares of common stock for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were antidilutive.

Legal_Proceedings_and_Continge

Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Legal Proceedings and Contingencies	'
	12—LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AND CONTINGENCIES
	As previously reported in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in prior filings, in June 2011 the Company was notified that a complaint had been filed against a customer of a Company subsidiary, Penford Products Co. (“Penford Products”), in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey alleging that certain pet products supplied by Penford Products to the customer infringed upon a patent owned by T.F.H. Publications, Inc. (“Plaintiff”). The customer tendered the defense of this lawsuit to Penford Products pursuant to the terms of its supply agreement with Penford Products, and Penford Products commenced a defense at that time. In April 2012 the Plaintiff filed an amended complaint alleging that certain additional products made by Penford Products for the same customer infringed upon two of the Plaintiff’s patents. The complaint seeks an injunction against infringement of the Plaintiff’s patents as well as the recovery of certain damages. The court held a claim construction hearing on August 7, 2013 and the Company is awaiting the court’s decision regarding certain disputed patent claim terms. In November 2013 the Plaintiff filed an amended complaint adding Penford Products as a defendant in the case. The Company believes that its products do not infringe upon any of Plaintiff’s patents; however, the Company cannot at this time determine the likelihood of any outcome or estimate any damages that might be awarded.
	As previously reported in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, in late August and early September, 2013 two of the Company’s subsidiaries, Penford Products and Carolina Starches, LLC (“Carolina Starches”), were served with separate complaints filed by Pirinate Consulting Group, LLC, as Litigation Trustee for the NP Creditor Litigation Trust, a successor in interest to the bankruptcy estate of NewPage Corporation, in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware seeking damages arising from alleged preferential transfers. The complaint filed against Penford Products seeks the recovery of alleged preferential transfers in the amount of approximately $778,000, together with other damages. The complaint filed against Carolina Starches seeks recovery of alleged preferential transfers of approximately $216,000, together with other damages. Answers which generally deny any liability in these matters have been filed. The Company believes that it has adequate defenses to these claims; however, the Company cannot at this time determine the likelihood of any outcome or estimate any damages that might be awarded.
	The Company regularly evaluates the status of claims and legal proceedings in which it is involved in order to assess whether a loss is probable or there is a reasonable possibility that a loss may have been incurred and to determine if accruals are appropriate. For the matters identified in this note above, management is unable to provide additional information regarding any possible loss because (i) the Company currently believes that the claims are not adequately supported, and (ii) there are significant factual and/or legal issues to be resolved. With regard to these matters, management does not believe, based on currently available information, that the eventual outcomes will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, although the outcomes could be material to the Company’s operating results for any particular period, depending, in part, upon the operating results for such period. The Company expenses legal costs as incurred.
	The Company is involved from time to time in various other claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the judgment of management, which relies in part on information obtained from the Company’s outside legal counsel, the ultimate resolution of these other matters will not materially affect the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation	'
	Consolidation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Penford and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at November 30, 2013 and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the interim periods ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 have been prepared by the Company without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary to present fairly the financial information, have been made. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results of a full year or of future operations. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year’s financial statements in order to conform to the current year presentation. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2013.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, the allowance for doubtful accounts, accruals, legal contingencies, the determination of fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination, the determination of assumptions for pension and postretirement employee benefit costs, useful lives of property and equipment, the assessment of a potential impairment of goodwill or long-lived assets, and income taxes including the determination of a need for a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts.
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted	'
	Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
	In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance requiring entities to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. Entities are required to present, either on the face of the financial statements or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. This guidance did not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income. The Company adopted this new guidance effective September 1, 2013 and the required disclosure is presented in Note 6.
	In December 2011, the FASB issued guidance creating new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity’s rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments. The Company adopted this new guidance effective September 1, 2013 and the required disclosure is presented in Note 9.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance designed to reduce diversity in practice of financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The Company adopted this accounting presentation effective September 1, 2013. The Company complied with the prescribed accounting presentation in prior periods; therefore, the adoption of this guidance had no impact on the presentation of the Company’s financial statements.

Balance_Sheet_Details_Tables

Balance Sheet Details (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Components of Inventory	'
	The components of inventory are as follows:
		November 30,			August 31,
		2013			2013
		(In thousands)
	Raw materials	$	8,642		$	10,381
	Work in progress		1,425			1,913
	Finished goods		22,653			21,698
	Total inventories	$	32,720		$	33,992
Components of Property Plant and Equipment	'
	The components of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
		November 30,			August 31,
		2013			2013
		(In thousands)
	Land and land improvements	$	11,881		$	11,881
	Plant and equipment		361,601			359,909
	Construction in progress		5,546			5,255
			379,028			377,045
	Accumulated depreciation		(266,969	)		(264,904	)
	Net property, plant and equipment	$	112,059		$	112,141
Components of Accrued Liabilities	'
	Components of accrued liabilities are as follows:
		November 30,			August 31,
		2013			2013
		(In thousands)
	Employee-related costs	$	2,592		$	3,931
	Other accrued liabilities		4,566			4,276
	Total accrued liabilities	$	7,158		$	8,207

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Los1

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("OCI") (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following tables provide a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the periods presented:
	(In thousands)	Net Unrealized				Gains (Losses)				Accumulated
		Gains (Losses)				on				Other
		on Cash Flow				Postretirement				Comprehensive
		Hedging				Obligations,				Loss
		Instruments,				net of tax
		net of tax
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	(856	)		$	(6,763	)		$	(7,619	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of tax		(1,217	)			—				(1,217	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		1,227				93				1,320
	Balance at November 30, 2013	$	(846	)		$	(6,670	)		$	(7,516	)
	(In thousands)	Net Unrealized				Gains (Losses)				Accumulated
		Gains (Losses)				on				Other
		on Cash Flow				Postretirement				Comprehensive
		Hedging				Obligations,				Loss
		Instruments,				net of tax
		net of tax
	Balance at August 31, 2012	$	1,638			$	(17,231	)		$	(15,593	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of tax		309				—				309
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(2,186	)			355				(1,831	)
	Balance at November 30, 2012	$	(239	)		$	(16,876	)		$	(17,115	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows:
				Three Months Ended November 30, 2013
	(In thousands)	Location of Expense		Before Tax				Tax				Net of Tax
		(Income) Recognized		Amount								Amount
		in Net Earnings
	Pension and other postretirement benefit plans:
	Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	Cost of sales		$	89			$	(35	)		$	54
	Amortization of actuarial loss (gain)	Operating/R&D			42				(16	)			26
		expenses
	Amortization of prior service cost	Cost of sales			2				(1	)			1
	Amortization of prior service cost	Operating/R&D			18				(6	)			12
		expenses
	Total reclassification adjustments				151				(58	)			93
	Derivatives accounted for as hedges	Cost of sales			1,980				(753	)			1,227
	Total reclassifications into income			$	2,131			$	(811	)		$	1,320

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Activity	'
	A summary of the stock option activity for the three months ended November 30, 2013, is as follows:
		Number of			Weighted		Weighted		Aggregate
		Shares			Average		Average		Intrinsic Value
					Exercise Price		Remaining
							Term (in years)
	Outstanding Balance, August 31, 2013		1,517,588		$	10.3
	Granted		—			—
	Exercised		—			—
	Cancelled		(77,000	)		13.5
	Outstanding Balance, November 30, 2013		1,440,588			10.13		3.78	$	5,458,900
	Options Exercisable at November 30, 2013		849,173		$	12.88		2.7	$	1,840,500
Schedule of Share-Based Compensation, Restricted Stock Award Activity	'
	The following table summarizes the restricted stock award activity for the three months ended November 30, 2013 as follows:
		Number of			Weighted
		Shares			Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Nonvested at August 31, 2013		24,489		$	7.35
	Granted		—			—
	Vested		—			—
	Cancelled		—			—
	Nonvested at November 30, 2013		24,489		$	7.35
Schedule of Employee Service Share-Based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs	'
	The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense utilizing the accelerated multiple option approach over the requisite service period, which equals the vesting period. The following table summarizes the total stock-based compensation cost and the effect on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):
		Three months ended
		November 30,
		2013			2012
	Cost of sales	$	—		$	—
	Operating expenses		249			417
	Research and development expenses		—			—
	Total stock-based compensation expense	$	249		$	417
	Income tax benefit		95			158
	Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	154		$	259

Pension_and_PostRetirement_Ben1

Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	The components of the net periodic pension and post-retirement benefit costs are as follows:
	Defined benefit pension plans	Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	438		$	486
	Interest cost		735			662
	Expected return on plan assets		(813	)		(717	)
	Amortization of prior service cost		58			60
	Amortization of actuarial losses		131			483
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	549		$	974
	Post-retirement health care plans	Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Service cost	$	28		$	59
	Interest cost		222			215
	Amortization of prior service credit		(38	)		(38	)
	Amortization of actuarial losses		—			67
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	212		$	303

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_De1

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Fair Values of Company's Derivative Instruments	'
	Presented below are the fair values of the Company’s derivatives as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013:
	As of November 30, 2013		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
			(in thousands)
	Current assets (Other):
	Commodity derivatives		$	(1,145	)		$	—			$	—		$	(1,145	)
	As of August 31, 2013		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3			Total
			(in thousands)
	Current assets (Other):
	Commodity derivatives		$	512			$	—			$	—		$	512
Reconciliation of Gross Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Subject to Offsetting Arrangements	'
	The following table reconciles the gross fair value of assets and liabilities subject to offsetting arrangements to the net amounts recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as Other Current Assets.
	In thousands		Gross Amounts				Gross				Net Amount of			Cash Collateral			Net Fair Value as
			of Recognized				Liabilities				Assets			on Deposit with			Recorded in
			Assets				Offset in the				(Liabilities)			Counterparty			Balance Sheets
							Balance
							Sheet
	As of November 30, 2013
	Commodity derivatives		$	87			$	(1,232	)		$	(1,145	)	$	2,527		$	1,382
	As of August 31, 2013
	Commodity derivatives		$	997			$	(485	)		$	512		$	1,700		$	2,212
Outstanding Futures Contracts	'
	As of November 30, 2013, the Company had the following outstanding futures contracts:
	Corn Futures		4,375,000 Bushels
	Ethanol Futures		9,690,000 Gallons
	Natural Gas Futures		300,000 mmbtu (millions of British thermal units)
Fair Values of Company's Derivatives by Contract Type	'
	The following tables provide information about the fair values of the Company’s derivatives, by contract type, as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013.
			Assets										Liabilities
	In thousands				Fair Value									Fair Value
			Balance		Nov 30				Aug 31				Balance	30-Nov			Aug 31
					2013				2013				Sheet	2013			2013
			Sheet
													Location
			Location
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Cash Flow Hedges:
	Corn Futures		Other Current Assets		$	—			$	—			Other Current Assets	$	920		$	485
	Ethanol Futures		Other Current Assets			—				997			Other Current Assets		312			—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Natural Gas Futures		Other Current Assets			67				—			Other Current Assets		—			—
	Ethanol Futures		Other Current Assets			20				—			Other Current Assets		—			—
					$	87			$	997				$	1,232		$	485
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Company's Financial Performance	'
	The following tables provide information about the effect of derivative instruments on the financial performance of the Company for the three month periods ended November 30, 2013 and 2012.
	In thousands		Amount of Gain (Loss)								Amount of Gain (Loss)						Amount of Gain (Loss)
			Recognized in OCI								Reclassified from						Recognized in Income
											AOCI into Income
			3 Months Ended Nov 30								3 Months Ended Nov 30						3 Months Ended Nov 30
			2013				2012				2013			2012			2013			2012
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Cash Flow Hedges:
	Corn Futures (1)		$	(2,048	)		$	(255	)		$	(2,512	)	$	3,432		$	(1,011	)	$	197
	Ethanol Futures (1)			85				753				532			93			(1,584	)		(11	)
			$	(1,963	)		$	498			$	(1,980	)	$	3,525		$	(2,595	)	$	186
	Fair Value Hedges:
	Corn Futures (1) (2)																$	5		$	15
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Natural Gas Futures (1)																	33			(171	)
	Ethanol Futures (1)																	20			—
																	$	53		$	(171	)
	-1	Gains and losses reported in cost of sales
	-2	Hedged items are firm commitments and inventory

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Wide Reporting Information	'
		Three months ended November 30
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Sales:
	Industrial Ingredients
	Industrial Starch	$	43,620		$	43,802
	Ethanol		22,021			23,403
	By-products		14,959			23,163
			80,600			90,368
	Food Ingredients		28,651			27,654
		$	109,251		$	118,022
	Income (loss) from operations:
	Industrial Ingredients	$	(2,043	)	$	1,387
	Food Ingredients		6,530			5,355
	Corporate and other		(2,846	)		(2,722	)
		$	1,641		$	4,020
		November 30,			August 31,
		2013			2013
		(In thousands)
	Total assets:
	Industrial Ingredients	$	128,145		$	133,120
	Food Ingredients		69,662			68,550
	Corporate and other		22,663			22,948
		$	220,470		$	224,618

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Income from Operations Applicable to Common Shares and Computation of Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	'
	The following table presents the reconciliation of income from operations to income from operations applicable to common shares and the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
		Three months ended November 30
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	488		$	1,707
	Less: Allocation to participating securities		(1	)		(7	)
	Net income applicable to common shares	$	487		$	1,700
	Denominator:
	Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic		12,473			12,307
	Dilutive stock options and awards		368			65
	Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted		12,841			12,372

Business_Additional_Informatio

Business - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
	Segment
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Number of segments	2

Balance_Sheet_Details_Componen

Balance Sheet Details - Components of Inventory (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials	$8,642	$10,381
Work in progress	1,425	1,913
Finished goods	22,653	21,698
Total inventories	$32,720	$33,992

Balance_Sheet_Details_Componen1

Balance Sheet Details - Components of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$379,028	$377,045
Accumulated depreciation	-266,969	-264,904
Net property, plant and equipment	112,059	112,141
Land and land improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	11,881	11,881
Plant and equipment [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	361,601	359,909
Construction in progress [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$5,546	$5,255

Balance_Sheet_Details_Addition

Balance Sheet Details - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]	'	'
Payables related to property, plant and equipment	$1	$0.70

Balance_Sheet_Details_Componen2

Balance Sheet Details - Components of Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]	'	'
Employee-related costs	$2,592	$3,931
Other accrued liabilities	4,566	4,276
Total accrued liabilities	$7,158	$8,207

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) (2012 Agreement [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Maximum borrowing amount under amended and restated credit agreement	$130
Line of credit, amount outstanding	68
Debt instrument maturity date	9-Jul-17
Two Consecutive Quarters [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Covenant, total leverage ratio permitted	2.5
Minimum [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis over LIBOR (in percentage)	2.00%
Covenant, fixed charge coverage ratio	1.35
Maximum [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis over LIBOR (in percentage)	4.00%
Covenant, total leverage ratio permitted	3.5
Covenant, amount of annual capital expenditures permitted	15
Covenant, dividend declaration permitted	$10
Dividend declared, Percentage of cash flow	50.00%
Maximum [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Covenant, total leverage ratio permitted	3.25
Covenant, total leverage ratio permitted after May 31, 2014	3

Debt_Iowa_Department_of_Econom

Debt - Iowa Department of Economic Development - Additional Information (Detail) (Iowa Department of Economic Development Loans [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2009
	SecurityLoan
Iowa Department of Economic Development Loans [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Non interest bearing loans	'	$1,000,000
Number of monthly payments	'60 equal monthly payments	'
Number of non interest bearing loans	2	'
Loan period (in years)	'5 years	'
Potentially forgivable loan amount	1,000,000	'
Periodic repayments of loan	'	16,667
Outstanding amount of IDED loans	$1,200,000	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'	'
Effective tax rate	41.60%	38.50%
Valuation allowance	$12,500,000	'
Net deferred tax assets	6,400,000	'
Increase in unrecognized tax benefits	38,000	'
Total amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized that would impact effective tax rate	700,000	'
Accrued interest and penalties included in long-term tax liability	100,000	'
Australian Operations [Member]	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation allowance	10,900,000	'
Small Ethanol Producer [Member]	'	'
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]	'	'
Valuation allowance	$1,600,000	'

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Los2

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("OCI") - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	($7,619)	($15,593)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of tax	-1,217	309
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,320	-1,831
Ending Balance	-7,516	-17,115
Cash Flow Hedging Instruments [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	-856	1,638
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustments, net of tax	-1,217	309
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,227	-2,186
Ending Balance	-846	-239
Postretirement Obligations [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	-6,763	-17,231
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	93	355
Ending Balance	($6,670)	($16,876)

Other_Comprehensive_Income_Los3

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) ("OCI") - Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain), Tax	($51)	($209)
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain), Net of Tax Amount	-80	-341
Amortization of prior service cost, Tax	-7	-8
Amortization of prior service cost, Net of Tax Amount	-13	-14
Before Tax Amount	-836	-2,776
Tax	348	1,069
Net of Tax Amount	-488	-1,707
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Before Tax Amount	2,131	'
Tax	-811	'
Net of Tax Amount	1,320	'
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain), Before Tax Amount	89	'
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain), Tax	-35	'
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain), Net of Tax Amount	54	'
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Operating/R&D expenses[Member]	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain), Before Tax Amount	42	'
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain), Tax	-16	'
Amortization of actuarial loss (gain), Net of Tax Amount	26	'
Amortization of prior service cost [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cost of sales [Member]	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Amortization of prior service cost, Before Tax Amount	2	'
Amortization of prior service cost, Tax	-1	'
Amortization of prior service cost, Net of Tax Amount	1	'
Amortization of prior service cost [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Operating/R&D expenses[Member]	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Amortization of prior service cost, Before Tax Amount	18	'
Amortization of prior service cost, Tax	-6	'
Amortization of prior service cost, Net of Tax Amount	12	'
Postretirement Obligations [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Before Tax Amount	151	'
Tax	-58	'
Net of Tax Amount	93	'
Cash Flow Hedging Instruments [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]	'	'
Before Tax Amount	1,980	'
Tax	-753	'
Net of Tax Amount	$1,227	'

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 01, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Share price of Company's stock	'	12.29
Stock options, exercised	'	'
Stock options, granted	'	0
2006 Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Number of common shares available for issuance under the plan	'	465,882
Non Qualified Stock Options And Restricted Stock [Member] | 2006 Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expiration period (in years)	'	'7 years
Non Qualified Stock Options And Restricted Stock [Member] | 2006 Incentive Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period (in years)	'	'1 year
Non Qualified Stock Options And Restricted Stock [Member] | 2006 Incentive Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period (in years)	'	'4 years
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Compensation expense related to non-vested awards not yet recognized	'	0.6
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized (in years)	'	'1 year 2 months 12 days
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized (in years)	'	'1 month 6 days
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Compensation expense related to unvested awards not yet recognized	'	0.1
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2006 Incentive Plan [Member] | Non Employee Directors [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period (in years)	'	'1 year
Number of shares issued for non-employee director, shares	2,721	'

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Share Based Compensation Stock Options Activity (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Options outstanding, beginning of period, Shares	1,517,588
Shares, Granted	'
Shares, Exercised	'
Shares, Cancelled	-77,000
Options outstanding, end of period, Shares	1,440,588
Options exercisable, end of period, Shares	849,173
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding beginning of period, Per Share	$10.30
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted, Per Share	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised, Per Share	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Cancelled, Per Share	$13.50
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Options Outstanding end of period, Per Share	$10.13
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Options Exercisable, end of period, Per Share	$12.88
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Outstanding, Ending Balance (in years)	'3 years 9 months 11 days
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Options Exercisable (in years)	'2 years 8 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic value, Outstanding, Ending Balance	$5,458,900
Aggregate Intrinsic value, Options Exercisable	$1,840,500

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Share-Based Compensation, Restricted Stock Award Activity (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Shares, Nonvested at August 31, 2012	24,489
Shares, Granted	'
Shares, Vested	'
Shares, Cancelled	'
Shares, Nonvested at August 31, 2013	24,489
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Beginning balance (in USD per share)	$7.35
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Granted (in USD per share)	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Vested (in USD per share)	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Cancelled (in USD per share)	'
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value, Ending balance (in USD per share)	$7.35

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu2

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Employee Service Share-Based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Total stock-based compensation expense	$249	$417
Income tax benefit	95	158
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	154	259
Cost of sales [Member]	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Total stock-based compensation expense	'	'
Operating expenses [Member]	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Total stock-based compensation expense	249	417
Research and development expenses [Member]	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'
Total stock-based compensation expense	'	'

Pension_and_PostRetirement_Ben2

Pension and Post-Retirement Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Defined benefit pension plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$438	$486
Interest cost	735	662
Expected return on plan assets	-813	-717
Amortization of prior service cost	58	60
Amortization of actuarial losses	131	483
Net periodic benefit cost	549	974
Post-retirement health care plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	28	59
Interest cost	222	215
Amortization of prior service cost	-38	-38
Amortization of actuarial losses	'	67
Net periodic benefit cost	$212	$303

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_De2

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Fair Values of Company's Derivative Instruments (Detail) (Commodity Contract [Member], USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Commodity derivatives	($1,145)	$512
Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Commodity derivatives	-1,145	512
Level 1 [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Commodity derivatives	-1,145	512
Level 2 [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Commodity derivatives	'	'
Level 3 [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Commodity derivatives	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_De3

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Gross Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Subject to Offsetting Arrangements (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	$87	$997
Commodity Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets	87	997
Gross Liabilities Offset in the Balance Sheet	-1,232	-485
Net Amount of Assets (Liabilities)	-1,145	512
Cash Collateral on Deposit with Counterparty	2,527	1,700
Net Fair Value as Recorded in Balance Sheets	$1,382	$2,212

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_De4

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commodity Contract [Member]	'
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]	'
Deferred loss, net of tax, recorded in other comprehensive income	($0.80)
Iowa Department of Economic Development Loans [Member]	'
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]	'
Carrying value of debt	1.2
Fair value of debt	$1.10

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_De5

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Outstanding Futures Contracts (Detail) (Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], Commodity Contract [Member])	Nov. 30, 2013
	bu
Corn Futures [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Outstanding futures contracts	4,375,000
Ethanol Futures [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Outstanding futures contracts	9,690,000
Natural Gas Futures [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Outstanding futures contracts	300,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_De6

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Fair Value of Company's Derivatives by Contract Type (Detail) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Assets Fair Value	$87	$997
Liabilities Fair Value	1,232	485
Commodity Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Assets Fair Value	87	997
Corn Futures [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Assets Fair Value	'	'
Liabilities Fair Value	920	485
Ethanol Futures [Member] | Derivative Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Assets Fair Value	20	'
Liabilities Fair Value	'	'
Ethanol Futures [Member] | Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Assets Fair Value	'	997
Liabilities Fair Value	312	'
Natural Gas Futures [Member] | Derivative Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Assets Fair Value	67	'
Liabilities Fair Value	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_De7

Fair Value Measurements and Derivative Instruments - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Company's Financial Performance (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	$53	($171)
Cash Flow Hedges [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI	-1,963	498
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	-1,980	3,525
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	-2,595	186
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Corn Futures [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI	-2,048	-255
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	-2,512	3,432
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	-1,011	197
Cash Flow Hedges [Member] | Ethanol Futures [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI	85	753
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income	532	93
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	-1,584	-11
Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Corn Futures [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	5	15
Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Ethanol Futures [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	20	'
Fair Value Hedges [Member] | Natural Gas Futures [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	$33	($171)

Segment_Reporting_Additional_I

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of segments	2

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Wide

Segment Reporting - Segment Wide Reporting Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales	$109,251	$118,022	'
Income (loss) from operations	1,641	4,020	'
Total assets	220,470	'	224,618
Industrial Ingredients [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales	80,600	90,368	'
Food Ingredients [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales	28,651	27,654	'
Industrial Starch [Member] | Industrial Ingredients [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales	43,620	43,802	'
Ethanol [Member] | Industrial Ingredients [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales	22,021	23,403	'
By-Products [Member] | Industrial Ingredients [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Sales	14,959	23,163	'
Operating Segments [Member] | Industrial Ingredients [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations	-2,043	1,387	'
Total assets	128,145	'	133,120
Operating Segments [Member] | Food Ingredients [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations	6,530	5,355	'
Total assets	69,662	'	68,550
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations	-2,846	-2,722	'
Total assets	$22,663	'	$22,948

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation of Income from Operations Applicable to Common Shares and Computation of Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Numerator:	'	'
Net income	$488	$1,707
Less: Allocation to participating securities	-1	-7
Net income applicable to common shares	$487	$1,700
Denominator:	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic	12,473	12,307
Dilutive stock options and awards	368	65
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	12,841	12,372

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) (Stock Options [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive weighted average stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share	551,584	957,446

Legal_Proceedings_and_Continge1

Legal Proceedings and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2013
	Patents	Defendants
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Number of patents under allegation of patent infringement	2	'
Number of defendants	'	2
Name of defendants	'	'Penford Products and Carolina Starches, LLC
Name of plaintiff	'	'Pirinate Consulting Group, LLC
Penford Products [Member]	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of recovery sought in complaint	'	778,000
Carolina Starches, LLC [Member]	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of recovery sought in complaint	'	216,000