Cerevel Therapeutics 10-Q 10 Apr 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Apr. 08, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Trading Symbol	'CERE	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CERES, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000767884	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--08-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	48,204,635

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$5,448	$8,881
Marketable securities	12,883	21,630
Prepaid expenses	541	791
Accounts receivable	761	957
Inventories	'	20
Deferred offering costs	625	'
Other current assets	154	157
Total current assets	20,412	32,436
Property and equipment, net	4,429	4,633
Other assets	44	109
Total assets	24,885	37,178
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	4,804	3,825
Other current liabilities	351	18
Current portion of long-term debt	109	154
Total current liabilities	5,264	3,997
Other non-current liabilities	84	93
Long-term debt, net of current portion	44	82
Total liabilities	5,392	4,172
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock and additional paid in capital, $0.01 par value; 490,000,000 shares authorized; 25,204,602 shares issued and outstanding at February 28, 2014; 24,897,199 shares issued and outstanding at August 31, 2013	310,154	308,286
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-647	-696
Accumulated deficit	-290,014	-274,584
Total stockholders' equity	19,493	33,006
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$24,885	$37,178

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Common Stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, shares authorized	490,000,000	490,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	25,204,602	24,897,199
Common Stock, shares outstanding	25,204,602	24,897,199

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Product sales	$46	$59	$66	$73
Collaborative research and government grants	449	967	1,192	2,918
Total revenues	495	1,026	1,258	2,991
Cost and operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of product sales	556	2,280	1,865	2,980
Research and development	3,570	4,368	7,984	8,711
Selling, general and administrative	3,585	3,392	6,845	7,236
Total cost and operating expenses	7,711	10,040	16,694	18,927
Loss from operations	-7,216	-9,014	-15,436	-15,936
Interest expense	-19	-1	-19	-1
Interest income	10	49	26	78
Loss before income taxes	-7,225	-8,966	-15,429	-15,859
Income tax expense	'	'	-1	-1
Net loss	($7,225)	($8,966)	($15,430)	($15,860)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common stockholders	($0.29)	($0.36)	($0.61)	($0.64)
Weighted average outstanding common shares used for net loss per share :	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted	25,205,258	24,801,986	25,155,702	24,747,344

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net loss	($7,225)	($8,966)	($15,430)	($15,860)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-64	-335	40	-439
Net unrealized gains on marketable securities	4	1	9	4
Total comprehensive loss	($7,285)	($9,300)	($15,381)	($16,295)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net loss	($15,430)	($15,860)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'
Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets	-62	142
Depreciation	809	1,003
Amortization of premiums on marketable securities	155	365
Non-cash interest income	-180	-442
Stock compensation	1,864	1,684
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Prepaid expenses	269	386
Accounts receivable	196	67
Inventories	21	-395
Other assets	50	111
Accounts payables and accrued expenses	374	-1,064
Other liabilities	323	-556
Other	209	'
Net cash used in operating activities	-11,402	-14,559
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-596	-553
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	64	'
Purchases of marketable securities	-8,599	-1,772
Maturities of marketable securities	17,140	11,774
Net cash provided by investing activities	8,009	9,449
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Repayment of debt	-87	-279
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	'	56
Net cash used in financing activities	-87	-223
Effect of foreign currency translation on cash	47	-269
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-3,433	-5,602
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	8,881	21,069
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$5,448	$15,467

The_Company

The Company	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
The Company [Abstract]	'
The Company	'
	(1) The Company
	Ceres, Inc. (Company) is an agricultural biotechnology company selling seeds to produce dedicated energy crops-renewable bioenergy feedstocks that can enable the large-scale replacement of petroleum and other fossil fuels. The Company uses a combination of advanced plant breeding and biotechnology to develop seed products.
	In January 2010, the Company incorporated a subsidiary, Ceres Sementes do Brasil Ltda. The Company's ownership in this subsidiary is 99.9% and the Company's Chief Executive Officer owns the remaining interest.
	The Company has incurred substantial net losses from operations since its inception and its accumulated deficit as of February 28, 2014 was $290,014. During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, management commenced certain actions to extend the Company's available working capital. The Company expects to incur additional losses related to the continued development and expansion of its business, including research and development, seed production and operations, and sales and marketing. On October 11, 2013, the Company commenced the implementation of a plan (Plan) intended to further align expenditures with the Company's near-term commercial opportunity in Brazil, shift Northern Hemisphere sorghum breeding activities to a more appropriate location, de-emphasize research and development for U.S. cellulosic feedstocks, reduce costs and conserve cash. The actions being taken under the Plan, which include, among others, a workforce reduction that will impact 17 positions in the U.S, are expected to be substantially completed by May 31, 2014. During the six months ended February 28, 2014, the Company recorded approximately $900 of severance expense related to these workforce reductions, of which $500, $300 and $100 was recorded to research and development expense, cost of sales and general and administrative expense, respectively. During the six months ended February 28, 2014, the Company made cash payments of approximately $600 related to these expenses. The remaining cash payments of approximately $300 are expected to be made prior to August 31, 2014, and are accrued in accounts payable and accrued expenses as of February 28, 2014. The Company estimates that it will incur total charges of approximately $1.6 million during the first nine months of fiscal year 2014 with respect to the workforce reduction in the U.S., including $0.4 million in continuation of salary and benefits of certain employees until their work is completed and their positions are eliminated and $1.2 million of one-time severance and other costs, all of which will be cash expenditures.
	On March 10, 2014, the Company completed a registered public offering of 23,000,000 shares of its common stock (including 3,000,000 shares purchased by the underwriter upon the exercise in full of their right to purchase up to an additional 3,000,000 shares to cover over-allotments) at a price to the public of $1.00 per share. The Company received approximately $20.8 million of proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. The Company plans to finance its operations for the next 12-18 months with existing cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, proceeds from the registered public offering completed on March 10, 2014, and cash inflows from collaboration and grant funding and from product sales.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Form 10-K dated November 26, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
	The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures are unaudited, have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. The condensed consolidated results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or for any other future year or interim period.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	In preparing the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the valuation of property and equipment, common stock, stock options and warrant liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments, with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased, to be cash equivalents.
	Marketable Securities
	Marketable securities are classified as available for sale and are recorded at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, if any, net of taxes, reported as a component of stockholders' equity until realized or until a determination is made that an other-than-temporary decline in market value has occurred.
	In determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists for debt securities, management considers: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Management has determined that there has been no other-than-temporary impairments of its marketable securities.
	The cost of marketable securities sold is based upon the specific identification method and any realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are reflected as a component of interest income or expense. There were no sales of marketable securities during the six months ended February 28, 2014.
	The Company classifies marketable securities as current or non-current based upon whether such assets are reasonably expected to be realized in cash or sold or consumed during the normal operating cycle of the business.
	Financial Instruments
	The carrying value of financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. At each period end, the fair value of the long-term debt approximated carrying value based on interest rates currently available to the Company.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated financial statements are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels that are directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to the valuation of these assets or liabilities are as follows:
		•	Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
		•	Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
		•	Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
	The following tables present the Company's financial assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013 by level within the fair value hierarchy:
			28-Feb-14
			Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Financial Assets
	Money Market Funds		$	2,791			$	-		$	-		$	2,791
	Certificates of Deposit-available for sale			-				3,124			-			3,124
	Commercial Paper-available for sale			-				2,649			-			2,649
	Corporate Bonds-available for sale			-				7,110			-			7,110
	Total		$	2,791			$	12,883		$	-		$	15,674
	All of the money market funds are included in cash and cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
			August 31, 2013
			Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Financial Assets
	Money Market Funds		$	2,310			$	-		$	-		$	2,310
	Certificates of Deposit-available for sale			-				4,555			-			4,555
	Commercial Paper-available for sale			-				2,198			-			2,198
	Corporate Bonds-available for sale			-				16,076			-			16,076
	Total		$	2,310			$	22,829		$	-		$	25,139
	All of the money market funds and $1,199 of the commercial paper are included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable represents amounts owed to the Company from product sales and collaborative research and government grants. The Company had no amounts reserved for doubtful accounts at February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013 as the Company expected full collection of the accounts receivable balances.
	Customers representing greater than 10% of accounts receivable were as follows (in percentages):
	Customers		As of				As of
			February 28,				August 31,
			2014				2013
	Customer A			46.7				37.3
	Customer B			24.6				23.1
	Customer E			14.3				*
	Customer F			**				21.8
		*	Less than 10%
		**	No accounts receivable balance
	Customers representing greater than 10% of revenues were as follows (in percentages):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		February 28,						February 28,
	Customers	2014			2013			2014		2013
	Customer A		16.6			21.9			33.5		17.2
	Customer B		45.8			22.0			39.9		18.2
	Customer D		**			**			**		25.4
	Customer E		19.6			*			16.8		*
	Customer F		**			37.9			**		26
		*	Less than 10%
	**	No revenues
Seed Inventories
Due to the early stage of commercialization and the minimal amount of sales of the Company's seeds, at February 28, 2014 all seed inventory was written-off based on the lower of cost or market. At August 31, 2013, inventory consisted of work-in-process costs related to sweet sorghum seeds. Seed inventory costs are computed on a first-in, first-out basis and valued at the lower of cost or market with any excess cost recognized during the period within cost of product sales.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the remaining life of the lease. Depreciation periods for the Company's property and equipment are as follows:
Automobiles and trucks	3-5 years
Office, laboratory, farm and warehouse equipment and furniture	3-5 years
Leasehold improvements	3-10 years
Buildings	14-39 years
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. To the extent that an impairment indicator has occurred, recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. For the reporting periods presented herein there was no indicator that impairment has occurred.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized when the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) transfer of product or technology has been completed or services have been rendered; (3) the fee is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. To date, the Company's primary source of revenues has been derived from collaborative research agreements and government grants and to a lesser extent, product sales.
Product Sales
Product sales are derived from sales of seeds, trait fees, crop management services and biomass sales. Product sales are recognized, net of discounts and allowances, once passage of title and risk of loss have occurred and contractually specified acceptance criteria have been met, provided all other revenue recognition criteria have also been met. To date, product sales have not been significant.
Collaborative Research and Government Grants
From time to time, the Company enters into research and development collaboration agreements with third parties, including several biofuel producers and government agencies, such as the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The research and development collaboration agreements typically provide the Company with multiple revenue streams, which may include up-front, non-refundable fees for licensing certain of the Company's technologies, government grants and fees for research and development activities and contingent milestone payments based upon achievement of contractual criteria.
	•	Technology License Fees - For collaboration agreements in which the Company has continuing involvement, license fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement. Licensing fees are non-refundable and not subject to future performance.
	•	Government Grants - The Company receives payments from government entities in the form of government grants. Government grants generally provide the Company with partial cost reimbursement for certain types of expenditures in return for research and development activities over a contractually defined period. Revenues from government grants are recognized in the period during which the related costs are incurred, provided that the conditions under which the government grants were provided have been met and the Company has only perfunctory obligations outstanding.
	•	Research and Development Fees - Generally, fees for research and development activities are recognized as the services are performed over the performance period, as specified in the respective agreements. Certain of the Company's collaboration agreements require the Company to deliver research data by specific dates and that the collective program plan will result in reaching specific crop characteristics by certain dates. For such arrangements, the Company recognizes revenues based on the approximate percentage of completion of services under the agreement, but the revenue recognized cannot exceed payments received by the Company to date under the agreement. The research and development period is estimated at the inception of each agreement and is periodically evaluated.
	•	Milestone Fees - Fees that are contingent based on achievement of substantive performance milestones at inception of the agreement are recognized based on the achievement of the milestone, as defined in the respective agreements.
Deferred Revenue
The Company recognizes deferred revenue to the extent that cash received under the collaboration agreement is in excess of the revenues recognized related to the agreement since the work under the agreement has not yet been performed, or the work has not been fully completed as prescribed in the statement of work at the balance sheet date, which is classified as other current liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Development and License Agreement
The development and license agreement between the Company and Campbell Soup Company, dated December 20, 2007, as amended, was terminated and cancelled on November 19, 2012 following Campbell's sale of its vegetable seed assets to a third party in September 2012. In connection with the termination, Campbell paid the Company the amount of $550 in full and complete satisfaction of all remaining financial obligations under the development and license agreement.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses principally consist of personnel costs related to the Company's research and development staff as well as depreciation of research and development assets. Research and development expenses also include costs incurred for laboratory supplies, reimbursable costs associated with government grants and collaborative agreements, third-party contract payments, consultants, facility and related overhead costs.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation arrangements with employees using a fair value method which requires the recognition of compensation expense for costs related to all stock-based payments including stock options. The fair value method requires the Company to estimate the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option pricing model. The Company uses an option pricing model to estimate the fair value of options granted that are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The fair value of stock and restricted stock granted to employees is based on the grant date value of the underlying stock. The Company accounts for stock options issued to non-employees based on the estimated fair value of the awards using the option pricing model. The measurement of stock-based compensation to non-employees is subject to periodic adjustments as the underlying equity instruments vest, and the resulting change in value, if any, is recognized in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations during the period the related services are rendered.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Unrecognized tax benefits are recognized when a prescribed minimum probability threshold of a tax position is met. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution to any related appeals or litigation, based solely on the technical merits of the position. The Company is currently unaware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals, or material deviations from its recognized tax positions.
The major jurisdictions in which the Company files income tax returns include the federal and state jurisdictions within the United States and Brazil, where it has a subsidiary. The tax years after 2008 remain open to examination by federal and state taxing jurisdictions and the tax years after 2010 remain open to examination by foreign jurisdictions. However, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) beginning in 1998 which would cause the statute of limitations to remain open for the year in which the NOL was incurred.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Brazilian real is the functional currency of the Company's subsidiary in Brazil. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of those operations are translated into United States dollars using the current exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and equity accounts are translated into United States dollars using historical rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted average rate of exchange during the reporting period. Gains and losses from foreign currency translation adjustments are represented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The Company's unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments represents the components of comprehensive loss and have been disclosed in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The following summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive loss during the six months ended February 28, 2014:
									Accumulated
		Foreign				Unrealized			Other
		Currency				Gains (Losses)			Comprehensive
		Translation				on Securities			Loss
Balance at August 31, 2013		$	(684	)		$	(12	)	$	(696	)
Comprehensive income			40				9			49
Balance at February 28, 2014		$	(644	)		$	(3	)	$	(647	)
Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common share equivalents then outstanding, to the extent they are dilutive. Potential common shares consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants (using the treasury stock method). Dilutive net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share for all periods presented because the effects of potentially dilutive items were anti-dilutive.
The following potentially dilutive, common share equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share because their effect was antidilutive for each of the periods presented:
		February 28,
		2014				2013
Options to purchase common stock			3,315,804				2,663,806
Warrants to purchase common stock			2,082,045				2,082,045
Total			5,397,849				4,745,851

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'
Marketable Securities	'
	(3) Marketable Securities
	Marketable securities classified as available for sale consisted of the following:
		28-Feb-14
	Available for sale securities	Amortized		Gross		Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
				Gain		Loss
	Certificates of Deposit	$	3,125	$	-	$	(1	)	$	3,124
	Commercial Paper		2,649		-		-			2,649
	Corporate Bonds		7,112		-		(2	)		7,110
	Total	$	12,886	$	-	$	(3	)	$	12,883
		February 28, 2014
		Amortized		Fair Value
		Cost
	Marketable securities
	Due in 1 year or less	$	12,883	$	12,883
		$	12,883	$	12,883
		August 31, 2013
	Available for sale securities	Amortized		Gross		Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
				Gain		Loss
	Certificates of Deposit	$	4,561	$	-	$	(6	)	$	4,555
	Commercial Paper		1,000		-		(1	)		999
	Corporate Bonds		16,081		2		(7	)		16,076
	Total	$	21,642	$	2	$	(14	)	$	21,630
		31-Aug-13
		Amortized		Fair Value
		Cost
	Marketable securities
	Due in 1 year or less	$	21,642	$	21,630
		$	21,642	$	21,630

Seed_Inventories

Seed Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Seed Inventories [Abstract]	'
Seed Inventories	'
	(4) Seed Inventories
	Due to the early stage of commercialization and the minimal amount of sales of the Company's seeds, at February 28, 2014 all seed inventory was written-off based on the lower of cost or market. Inventories at August 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
	Work in process	$	20
	Seed inventory		-
	Total inventories	$	20

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Property and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	(5) Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are summarized as follows:
		February 28,			August 31,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	43		$	43
	Automobiles and trucks		959			796
	Buildings		2,612			3,180
	Office, laboratory, farm and warehouse equipment and furniture		12,990			14,792
	Leasehold improvements		5,728			5,716
			22,332			24,527
	Less accumulated depreciation		(17,903	)		(19,894	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	4,429		$	4,633

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses [Abstract]	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	'
	(6) Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
		February 28,		August 31,
		2014		2013
	Accounts payable	$	1,506	$	1,289
	Accrued payroll and related expenses		1,882		1,020
	Research and development contracts		1,079		1,098
	Accrued grower commitments		31		38
	Other		306		380
		$	4,804	$	3,825

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	(7) Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
		February 28,			August 31,
		2014			2013
	Capital leases	$	153		$	236
	Less current portion		(109	)		(154	)
	Long term debt (capital leases)	$	44		$	82
	The aggregated maturities of debt as of February 28, 2014 are as follows:
	Remaining six months of fiscal year 2014	$	54
	2015		75
	2016		24
		$	153

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	(8) Stock-Based Compensation
	Stock Option and Stock Issuance Plans
	The Company has established three equity plans: the Ceres, Inc. 2000 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan (2000 Plan), the Ceres, Inc. 2010 Stock Option/Stock Issuance Plan (2010 Plan) and the Amended and Restated Ceres, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (2011 Plan, and collectively with the 2000 Plan and the 2010 Plan, Equity Plans). The Equity Plans provide for grants of Incentive Stock Options (ISOs) to employees and Nonqualified Stock Options (NSOs), stock and restricted stock to employees, directors, and consultants. In addition, the 2011 Plan provides for the grant of other equity based awards such as restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and deferred stock to employees, directors and consultants. The option term, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors, may not exceed ten years. Vesting, also determined by the Company's Board of Directors, generally occurs ratably over four to five years. ISOs and NSOs may be granted at a price per share not less than the fair market value at the date of grant.
	During September 2012, the Company modified options to purchase 403,333 shares of common stock that were scheduled to expire on December 18, 2012 by extending the terms such that the options now expire on December 18, 2015. A modification charge of $157 was recorded in September 2012.
	The total number of shares reserved for issuance under the Equity Plans is 6,754,999. At the Company's 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the stockholders approved the amendment and restatement of the Ceres, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, which increased the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the plan by 1.5 million shares and prohibits the repricing of stock options without stockholder approval. As of February 28, 2014, the Company had 1,086,951 shares available under the 2011 Plan for future grant. The Company does not intend to make further grants under the 2000 Plan or the 2010 Plan.
	Stock Option Valuation and Compensation
	The Company uses a Black Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. There were no stock options granted during the three months ended February 28, 2014. The weighted average grant date fair value of stock option awards was $0.94 and $3.75 per option share for the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	There were no stock options granted during the three months ended February 28, 2014. The weighted average grant date estimated fair value of stock option awards was $2.86 for the three months ended February 28, 2013. The weighted average grant date estimated fair value of the Company's common stock was $1.31 and $5.16 per share for the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The fair value of employee stock options was estimated using the following assumptions:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		February 28,						February 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Expected term (in years)		-			6.08			5.75			6.08
	Expected volatility		-			87.2	%		86.3% - 87.15	%		87.2%-88.0	%
	Risk free interest rate		-			0.93	%		1.62% - 1.71	%		0.82%-0.93	%
	Expected dividend yield		-			0	%		0	%		0	%
	Expected Term -  Because of limited employee share option exercises, the Company uses a simplified method in which the expected term of an award is presumed to be mid-point between the vesting date and the expiration date of the award.
	Expected Volatility -  The Company estimates the volatility of its common stock by using the historical volatility of a group of comparable companies over the option's expected term. The decision to use historical volatility of comparable companies was based upon the fact there is limited history of trading activity of the Company's common stock.
	Risk-Free Interest Rate -  The Company bases the risk-free interest rate used in the option valuation model on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected term on the options.
	Expected Dividend Yield -  The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
	Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses and total intrinsic value of stock options exercised are as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		February 28,						February 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Stock-based compensation expense	$	941		$	916		$	1,855		$	1,861
	Fair value changes of collaboration warrants		-			1			9			(177)
		$	941		$	917		$	1,864		$	1,684
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	79
	There were no stock options granted during the three months ended February 28, 2014.
	Stock Option Activity
	The following table summarizes the stock option transactions under the Equity Plans during the six months ended February 28, 2014:
		Shares				Weighted
						Average
						Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at August 31, 2013		2,791,556			$	7.49
	Options granted		675,540				1.31
	Options forfeited		(151,292	)			9.26
	Options outstanding at February 28, 2014		3,315,804			$	6.15
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at February 28, 2014:
						Remaining				Weighted-				Number		Remaining		Weighted-
	Range of	Number				Contractual				Average				Vested and		Contractual		Average
	Exercise Price	Outstanding				Life				Exercise Price				Exercisable		Life		Exercise Price
	$1.95		412,999				2.02			$	1.95				412,999		2.02	$	1.95
	$3.90 - $4.05		274,160				2.25				3.91				274,160		2.25		3.91
	$6.75		796,560				5.04				6.75				764,769		4.98		6.75
	$7.32		178,038				7.04				7.32				128,778		7.04		7.32
	$16.77		157,746				7.53				16.77				79,380		7.52		16.77
	$17.16		62,806				7.63				17.16				30,275		7.63		17.16
	$12.71		24,209				8.17				12.71				8,820		8.12		12.71
	$12.10		46,664				8.24				12.1				46,664		8.24		12.1
	$13.00		408,820				8.24				13				-		-		-
	$6.66		11,666				8.73				6.66				-		-		-
	$3.60 - $7.70		24,100				8.79				5.6				7,300		8.76		5.87
	$3.94		24,000				9				3.94				531		8.94		3.94
	$3.32		58,330				9.17				3.32				-		-		-
	$3.49		1,500				9.19				3.49				-		-		-
	$1.40 - $3.30		158,666				9.56				3.16				-		-		-
	$1.24 - $1.52		675,540				9.85				1.31				-		-		-
			3,315,804												1,753,676
	No tax benefits have been recorded on compensation costs recognized for options exercised. As of February 28, 2014, there was $4,281 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 2.59 years. The Company's policy is to issue new shares for options exercised.
	Restricted Stock Activity
	The following summarizes the restricted stock transactions under the Equity Plans during the six months ended February 28, 2014:
		Shares				Weighted
						Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at August 31, 2013		290,700			$	5.55
Restricted stock granted		328,260				1.31
Restricted stock vested		(76,396	)			5.64
Restricted stock forfeited		(23,167	)			4.82
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at February 28, 2014		519,397			$	3.11
As of February 28, 2014, there was $713 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average of 1.48 years.
Stock Activity
During the fiscal year 2013, the Company granted 60,000 shares of common stock under the 2011 Plan with a fair market value of $3.33 per share. The Company recorded $200 of expense in the year ended August 31, 2013 related to this stock grant. There were no stock grants during the six months ended February 28, 2014.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	(9) Stockholders' Equity
	Common Stock
	Pursuant to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the Company is authorized to issue 490,000,000 shares of common stock. Holders of the Company's common stock are entitled to dividends as and when declared by the Board of Directors, subject to rights and holders of all classes of stock outstanding having priority rights to dividends. There have been no dividends declared to date. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote.
	Preferred Stock
	Pursuant to the Company's amended and restated certificate of incorporation, the Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The Board of Directors has the authority, without action by the Company's stockholders, to designate and issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof.
	Warrants issued in connection with Noble Agreement
	In May 2006, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (Noble) (Noble Agreement) to establish a research program (see Note (12)). In connection with this collaboration, the Company granted Noble a warrant to purchase 133,333 shares of the Company's common stock for an exercise price of $30.00 per share. The original terms were as follows: the warrant vests in equal installments of 33,333 shares on May 19, 2009, May 19, 2011, May 19, 2013, and May 19, 2015, respectively, and shall remain exercisable for a period of two years from the respective vesting dates. These warrants are accounted for at fair value and remeasured until vested. The fair value, including the resulting change in value as a result of remeasurement is being recognized as research and development expense. The inception to date expense recognized with respect to this warrant totals $627 as of February 28, 2014. At February 28, 2014, 99,999 warrants had vested under this arrangement. The fair value of the warrants not yet vested at February 28, 2014, was $1.0 using a risk-free rate of 0.69% based on the respective exercise periods of each installment, expected volatility of 74.4%, expected term of 3.22 years based on the respective exercise periods of each installment, which is also the remaining contractual term, and 0% dividend yield.
	In June 2011, the Company and Noble agreed to modify the warrants issued to Noble as follows: the warrant vests in equal installments of 33,333 shares on May 19, 2013 and May 19, 2015, respectively and shall remain exercisable until the earliest of a period of five years from the respective vesting dates and May 18, 2017.
	Warrants issued in connection with TAMU Agreement
	In August 2007, the Company entered into a sponsored research and intellectual property rights agreement with The Texas A&M University System (TAMU) to establish a research program (see Note (12)). In connection with this collaboration, the Company granted TAMU a warrant to purchase 66,666 shares of the Company's common stock for an exercise price of $30.00 per share. The warrant vests based on certain research and commercialization milestones being met and shall remain exercisable until August 28, 2017. This warrant is accounted for at fair value and remeasured until the vesting targets are met. The fair value, including the resulting change in value as a result of remeasurement is being recognized as research and development expense. The inception to date expense recognized with respect to this warrant totals $1.1 as of February 28, 2014. The fair value of the warrants at February 28, 2014 was $1.4, using a risk-free rate of 1.10%, expected volatility of 67.8%, expected term of 3.49  years and 0% dividend yield. No warrants have vested under this arrangement as of February 28, 2014.
	In December 2011, pursuant to an Amended and Restated Intellectual Property Rights Agreement (IP Rights Agreement) (see Note (12)), the Company issued warrants to TAMU to purchase 66,666 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.30 per share. The warrants expire on September 24, 2026 and, subject to certain conditions, vest in equal installments on the fifth, tenth and fifteenth anniversary of the IP Rights Agreement. The inception to date expense recognized with respect to this warrant totals $19.3 as of February 28, 2014. The fair value of the warrants at February 28, 2014, was $68.4, using a risk-free rate of 2.66%, expected volatility of 86.7%, expected term of 12.81  years and 0% dividend yield. No warrants have vested under this arrangement as of February 28, 2014.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	(10) Income Taxes
	No provision for U.S. income taxes has been made, net of the valuation allowance, because the Company has incurred losses since its inception. The Company has deferred tax assets consisting primarily of net operating loss carryforwards that have been fully offset by a valuation allowance.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	(11) Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company leases certain of its facilities and equipment under various noncancelable operating leases expiring through 2023. The leases on the facilities contains provisions for future rent increases. The Company records monthly rent expense equal to the total of the payments due over the lease term, divided by the number of months of the lease term. The difference between rent expense recorded and the amount paid is credited or charged to deferred rent, which is included in other current liabilities and other non-current liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of February 28, 2014, and August 31, 2013.
	In connection with one of its facilities leases, the Company received a reimbursement for leasehold improvements of $270. This reimbursement is a lease incentive which has been recognized as a liability in deferred rent and is being amortized to rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Total rental expense recognized was $106 and $145 for the three months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $172 and $289 for the six months ended February 28, 2014 and 2013, respectively
	Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases as of February 28, 2014 are as follows:
		Operating
		Leases
	Remaining six months of fiscal year 2014	$	312
	2015		546
	2016		550
	2017		559
	2018		575
	Thereafter		688
	Total minimum lease payments	$	3,230

Research_Collaboration_Agreeme

Research Collaboration Agreements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Research Collaboration Agreements [Abstract]	'
Research Collaboration Agreements	'
	(12) Research Collaboration Agreements
	The Company has a number of research agreements with academic collaborators, including among others, TAMU, Noble, and the Institute of Crop Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. In connection with these agreements, the Company receives certain exclusive options or licensing rights to technology and intellectual property developed under these agreements. The Company expenses amounts under these agreements to research and development expense in the period in which the services are rendered. The Company also licenses technology from third parties. Initial payments under these license agreements are capitalized and expensed on a straight-line basis over the license term.
	Noble Agreement
	In May 2006, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with Noble to establish a research program. Under the Noble Agreement, the Company agreed to fund certain research activities undertaken by Noble in an amount up to $3,800 through July 31, 2012 and granted Noble a warrant to purchase 133,333 shares of the Company's common stock for an exercise price of $30.00 per share (see Note (9)). Additional projects may be added under the agreement, if agreed to by both parties.
	Under the collaboration agreement, in August 2012 the Company agreed to fund certain research activities undertaken by Noble through July 31, 2013 and 2014 of $82.7 and $85.3 per year, respectively.
	TAMU Agreement
	In August 2007, the Company entered into a Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights agreement with TAMU to establish a research program. Under the agreement, the Company agreed to fund certain research activities undertaken by TAMU in an amount up to $5,100 through 2012 and granted TAMU a warrant to purchase 66,666 shares of the Company's common stock for an exercise price of $30.00 per share (see Note (9)).
	On September 24, 2011, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Sponsored Research Agreement and the IP Rights Agreement with TAMU which both expire on September 23, 2026. The specific research projects and budgets undertaken pursuant to such agreement will be determined by an Executive Committee comprised of two members from each of TAMU and the Company as set forth in the Amended and Restated Sponsored Research Agreement. In December 2011, pursuant to the IP Rights Agreement, the Company issued warrants to TAMU to purchase 66,666 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.30 per share (see Note (9)).
	Future minimum payments under the Company's research collaboration agreements as of February 28, 2014 are as follows:
	Remaining six months of fiscal year 2014	$	1,381
	2015		1,217
	2016		1,020
	2017		125
		$	3,743

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	(13) Subsequent Events
	On March 7, 2014, the Company held its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (Annual Meeting). At the Annual Meeting, the stockholders approved an amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation which decreased the total number of shares of authorized stock of the Company from 500,000,000 to 250,000,000, consisting of 240,000,000 shares of common stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
	On March 10, 2014, the Company completed a registered public offering of 23,000,000 shares of its common stock (including 3,000,000 shares purchased by the underwriter upon the exercise in full of their right to purchase up to an additional 3,000,000 shares to cover over-allotments) at a price to the public of $1.00 per share. The Company received approximately $20.8 million of proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.
	The Company also issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 480,000 shares of its common stock to certain affiliated designees of the underwriter as part of the underwriter's compensation. The warrants are exercisable at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, beginning on March 4, 2015 and expire on March 4, 2019. The exercise price is $1.50 per share of common stock.
	On March 31, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its facility and certain equipment located in College Station, Texas. The closing of the agreement is subject to several contingencies including that the buyer successfully obtain financing for the transaction. Upon closing, the Company expects to receive net cash proceeds of approximately $700,000. The Company expects to record an estimated loss of between $400,000 to $500,000 for these assets during the quarter ended May 31, 2014 based on the difference between the carrying amount of the assets less the estimated fair value per the agreement.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2014

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

'

Basis of Presentation

'

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company's Form 10-K dated November 26, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures are unaudited, have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented. The condensed consolidated results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or for any other future year or interim period.

Principles of Consolidation

'

Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

'

Use of Estimates

In preparing the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the valuation of property and equipment, common stock, stock options and warrant liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash Equivalents

'

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments, with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased, to be cash equivalents.

Marketable Securities

'

Marketable Securities

Marketable securities are classified as available for sale and are recorded at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, if any, net of taxes, reported as a component of stockholders' equity until realized or until a determination is made that an other-than-temporary decline in market value has occurred.

In determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists for debt securities, management considers: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Management has determined that there has been no other-than-temporary impairments of its marketable securities.

The cost of marketable securities sold is based upon the specific identification method and any realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are reflected as a component of interest income or expense. There were no sales of marketable securities during the six months ended February 28, 2014.

The Company classifies marketable securities as current or non-current based upon whether such assets are reasonably expected to be realized in cash or sold or consumed during the normal operating cycle of the business.

Financial Instruments

'

Financial Instruments

The carrying value of financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. At each period end, the fair value of the long-term debt approximated carrying value based on interest rates currently available to the Company.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

'

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the condensed consolidated financial statements are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels that are directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to the valuation of these assets or liabilities are as follows:

•

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

•

Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

•

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

The following tables present the Company's financial assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013 by level within the fair value hierarchy:

28-Feb-14

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Financial Assets

Money Market Funds

$

2,791

$

-

$

-

$

2,791

Certificates of Deposit-available for sale

-

3,124

-

3,124

Commercial Paper-available for sale

-

2,649

-

2,649

Corporate Bonds-available for sale

-

7,110

-

7,110

Total

$

2,791

$

12,883

$

-

$

15,674

All of the money market funds are included in cash and cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

August 31, 2013

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Financial Assets

Money Market Funds

$

2,310

$

-

$

-

$

2,310

Certificates of Deposit-available for sale

-

4,555

-

4,555

Commercial Paper-available for sale

-

2,198

-

2,198

Corporate Bonds-available for sale

-

16,076

-

16,076

Total

$

2,310

$

22,829

$

-

$

25,139

All of the money market funds and $1,199 of the commercial paper are included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets.

Accounts Receivable

'

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable represents amounts owed to the Company from product sales and collaborative research and government grants. The Company had no amounts reserved for doubtful accounts at February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013 as the Company expected full collection of the accounts receivable balances.

Customers representing greater than 10% of accounts receivable were as follows (in percentages):

Customers

As of

As of

February 28,

August 31,

2014

2013

Customer A

46.7

37.3

Customer B

24.6

23.1

Customer E

14.3

*

Customer F

**

21.8

*

Less than 10%

**

No accounts receivable balance

Customers representing greater than 10% of revenues were as follows (in percentages):

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

February 28,

February 28,

Customers

2014

2013

2014

2013

Customer A

16.6

21.9

33.5

17.2

Customer B

45.8

22.0

39.9

18.2

Customer D

**

**

**

25.4

Customer E

19.6

*

16.8

*

Customer F

**

37.9

**

26

*

Less than 10%

**

No revenues

Seed Inventories

'

Seed Inventories

Due to the early stage of commercialization and the minimal amount of sales of the Company's seeds, at February 28, 2014 all seed inventory was written-off based on the lower of cost or market. At August 31, 2013, inventory consisted of work-in-process costs related to sweet sorghum seeds. Seed inventory costs are computed on a first-in, first-out basis and valued at the lower of cost or market with any excess cost recognized during the period within cost of product sales.

Property and Equipment

'

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the remaining life of the lease. Depreciation periods for the Company's property and equipment are as follows:

Automobiles and trucks

3-5 years

Office, laboratory, farm and warehouse equipment and furniture

3-5 years

Leasehold improvements

3-10 years

Buildings

14-39 years

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

'

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. To the extent that an impairment indicator has occurred, recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. For the reporting periods presented herein there was no indicator that impairment has occurred.

Revenue Recognition

'

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized when the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) transfer of product or technology has been completed or services have been rendered; (3) the fee is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. To date, the Company's primary source of revenues has been derived from collaborative research agreements and government grants and to a lesser extent, product sales.

Product Sales

Product sales are derived from sales of seeds, trait fees, crop management services and biomass sales. Product sales are recognized, net of discounts and allowances, once passage of title and risk of loss have occurred and contractually specified acceptance criteria have been met, provided all other revenue recognition criteria have also been met. To date, product sales have not been significant.

Collaborative Research and Government Grants

From time to time, the Company enters into research and development collaboration agreements with third parties, including several biofuel producers and government agencies, such as the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The research and development collaboration agreements typically provide the Company with multiple revenue streams, which may include up-front, non-refundable fees for licensing certain of the Company's technologies, government grants and fees for research and development activities and contingent milestone payments based upon achievement of contractual criteria.

•

Technology License Fees - For collaboration agreements in which the Company has continuing involvement, license fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the arrangement. Licensing fees are non-refundable and not subject to future performance.

•

Government Grants - The Company receives payments from government entities in the form of government grants. Government grants generally provide the Company with partial cost reimbursement for certain types of expenditures in return for research and development activities over a contractually defined period. Revenues from government grants are recognized in the period during which the related costs are incurred, provided that the conditions under which the government grants were provided have been met and the Company has only perfunctory obligations outstanding.

•

Research and Development Fees - Generally, fees for research and development activities are recognized as the services are performed over the performance period, as specified in the respective agreements. Certain of the Company's collaboration agreements require the Company to deliver research data by specific dates and that the collective program plan will result in reaching specific crop characteristics by certain dates. For such arrangements, the Company recognizes revenues based on the approximate percentage of completion of services under the agreement, but the revenue recognized cannot exceed payments received by the Company to date under the agreement. The research and development period is estimated at the inception of each agreement and is periodically evaluated.

•

Milestone Fees - Fees that are contingent based on achievement of substantive performance milestones at inception of the agreement are recognized based on the achievement of the milestone, as defined in the respective agreements.

Deferred Revenue

The Company recognizes deferred revenue to the extent that cash received under the collaboration agreement is in excess of the revenues recognized related to the agreement since the work under the agreement has not yet been performed, or the work has not been fully completed as prescribed in the statement of work at the balance sheet date, which is classified as other current liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Development and License Agreement

The development and license agreement between the Company and Campbell Soup Company, dated December 20, 2007, as amended, was terminated and cancelled on November 19, 2012 following Campbell's sale of its vegetable seed assets to a third party in September 2012. In connection with the termination, Campbell paid the Company the amount of $550 in full and complete satisfaction of all remaining financial obligations under the development and license agreement.

Research and Development

'

Research and Development

Research and development expenses principally consist of personnel costs related to the Company's research and development staff as well as depreciation of research and development assets. Research and development expenses also include costs incurred for laboratory supplies, reimbursable costs associated with government grants and collaborative agreements, third-party contract payments, consultants, facility and related overhead costs.

Stock-Based Compensation

'

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation arrangements with employees using a fair value method which requires the recognition of compensation expense for costs related to all stock-based payments including stock options. The fair value method requires the Company to estimate the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option pricing model. The Company uses an option pricing model to estimate the fair value of options granted that are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The fair value of stock and restricted stock granted to employees is based on the grant date value of the underlying stock. The Company accounts for stock options issued to non-employees based on the estimated fair value of the awards using the option pricing model. The measurement of stock-based compensation to non-employees is subject to periodic adjustments as the underlying equity instruments vest, and the resulting change in value, if any, is recognized in the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations during the period the related services are rendered.

Income Taxes

'

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Unrecognized tax benefits are recognized when a prescribed minimum probability threshold of a tax position is met. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution to any related appeals or litigation, based solely on the technical merits of the position. The Company is currently unaware of any issues under review that could result in significant payments, accruals, or material deviations from its recognized tax positions.

The major jurisdictions in which the Company files income tax returns include the federal and state jurisdictions within the United States and Brazil, where it has a subsidiary. The tax years after 2008 remain open to examination by federal and state taxing jurisdictions and the tax years after 2010 remain open to examination by foreign jurisdictions. However, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) beginning in 1998 which would cause the statute of limitations to remain open for the year in which the NOL was incurred.

Foreign Currency Translation

'

Foreign Currency Translation

The Brazilian real is the functional currency of the Company's subsidiary in Brazil. Accordingly, assets and liabilities of those operations are translated into United States dollars using the current exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date and equity accounts are translated into United States dollars using historical rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the weighted average rate of exchange during the reporting period. Gains and losses from foreign currency translation adjustments are represented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The Company's unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments represents the components of comprehensive loss and have been disclosed in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive loss during the six months ended February 28, 2014:

Accumulated

Foreign

Unrealized

Other

Currency

Gains (Losses)

Comprehensive

Translation

on Securities

Loss

Balance at August 31, 2013

$

(684

)

$

(12

)

$

(696

)

Comprehensive income

40

9

49

Balance at February 28, 2014

$

(644

)

$

(3

)

$

(647

)

Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share

'

Basic and Diluted Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common share equivalents then outstanding, to the extent they are dilutive. Potential common shares consist of shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants (using the treasury stock method). Dilutive net loss per share is the same as basic net loss per share for all periods presented because the effects of potentially dilutive items were anti-dilutive.

The following potentially dilutive, common share equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share because their effect was antidilutive for each of the periods presented:

February 28,

2014

2013

Options to purchase common stock

3,315,804

2,663,806

Warrants to purchase common stock

2,082,045

2,082,045

Total

5,397,849

4,745,851

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following tables present the Company's financial assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of February 28, 2014 and August 31, 2013 by level within the fair value hierarchy:
			28-Feb-14
			Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Financial Assets
	Money Market Funds		$	2,791			$	-		$	-		$	2,791
	Certificates of Deposit-available for sale			-				3,124			-			3,124
	Commercial Paper-available for sale			-				2,649			-			2,649
	Corporate Bonds-available for sale			-				7,110			-			7,110
	Total		$	2,791			$	12,883		$	-		$	15,674
	All of the money market funds are included in cash and cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
			August 31, 2013
			Level 1				Level 2			Level 3			Total
	Financial Assets
	Money Market Funds		$	2,310			$	-		$	-		$	2,310
	Certificates of Deposit-available for sale			-				4,555			-			4,555
	Commercial Paper-available for sale			-				2,198			-			2,198
	Corporate Bonds-available for sale			-				16,076			-			16,076
	Total		$	2,310			$	22,829		$	-		$	25,139
	All of the money market funds and $1,199 of the commercial paper are included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets.
Schedule of Customers Representing Greater than Ten Percent of Accounts Receivable	'
	Customers representing greater than 10% of accounts receivable were as follows (in percentages):
	Customers		As of				As of
			February 28,				August 31,
			2014				2013
	Customer A			46.7				37.3
	Customer B			24.6				23.1
	Customer E			14.3				*
	Customer F			**				21.8
		*	Less than 10%
		**	No accounts receivable balance
Schedule of Customers Representing Greater than Ten Percent of Revenue	'
	Customers representing greater than 10% of revenues were as follows (in percentages):
		Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
		February 28,						February 28,
	Customers	2014			2013			2014		2013
	Customer A		16.6			21.9			33.5		17.2
	Customer B		45.8			22.0			39.9		18.2
	Customer D		**			**			**		25.4
	Customer E		19.6			*			16.8		*
	Customer F		**			37.9			**		26
		*	Less than 10%
		**	No revenues
Schedule of Depreciation Period for Property and Equipment	'
	Depreciation periods for the Company's property and equipment are as follows:
	Automobiles and trucks	3-5 years
	Office, laboratory, farm and warehouse equipment and furniture	3-5 years
	Leasehold improvements	3-10 years
	Buildings	14-39 years
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated comprehensive loss during the six months ended February 28, 2014:
										Accumulated
			Foreign				Unrealized			Other
			Currency				Gains (Losses)			Comprehensive
			Translation				on Securities			Loss
	Balance at August 31, 2013		$	(684	)		$	(12	)	$	(696	)
	Comprehensive income			40				9			49
	Balance at February 28, 2014		$	(644	)		$	(3	)	$	(647	)
Schedule of Potentially Dilutive, Common Share Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share	'
	The following potentially dilutive, common share equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share because their effect was antidilutive for each of the periods presented:
			February 28,
			2014				2013
	Options to purchase common stock			3,315,804				2,663,806
	Warrants to purchase common stock			2,082,045				2,082,045
	Total			5,397,849				4,745,851

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities	'
	Marketable securities classified as available for sale consisted of the following:
		28-Feb-14
	Available for sale securities	Amortized		Gross		Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
				Gain		Loss
	Certificates of Deposit	$	3,125	$	-	$	(1	)	$	3,124
	Commercial Paper		2,649		-		-			2,649
	Corporate Bonds		7,112		-		(2	)		7,110
	Total	$	12,886	$	-	$	(3	)	$	12,883
		February 28, 2014
		Amortized		Fair Value
		Cost
	Marketable securities
	Due in 1 year or less	$	12,883	$	12,883
		$	12,883	$	12,883
		August 31, 2013
	Available for sale securities	Amortized		Gross		Gross			Fair Value
		Cost		Unrealized		Unrealized
				Gain		Loss
	Certificates of Deposit	$	4,561	$	-	$	(6	)	$	4,555
	Commercial Paper		1,000		-		(1	)		999
	Corporate Bonds		16,081		2		(7	)		16,076
	Total	$	21,642	$	2	$	(14	)	$	21,630
		31-Aug-13
		Amortized		Fair Value
		Cost
	Marketable securities
	Due in 1 year or less	$	21,642	$	21,630
		$	21,642	$	21,630

Seed_Inventories_Tables

Seed Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Seed Inventories [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Seed Inventories	'
	Inventories at August 31, 2013 consisted of the following:
	Work in process	$	20
	Seed inventory		-
	Total inventories	$	20

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Property and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Summary of Property and Equipment	'
	Property and equipment are summarized as follows:
		February 28,			August 31,
		2014			2013
	Land	$	43		$	43
	Automobiles and trucks		959			796
	Buildings		2,612			3,180
	Office, laboratory, farm and warehouse equipment and furniture		12,990			14,792
	Leasehold improvements		5,728			5,716
			22,332			24,527
	Less accumulated depreciation		(17,903	)		(19,894	)
	Property and equipment, net	$	4,429		$	4,633

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E1

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	'
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
		February 28,		August 31,
		2014		2013
	Accounts payable	$	1,506	$	1,289
	Accrued payroll and related expenses		1,882		1,020
	Research and development contracts		1,079		1,098
	Accrued grower commitments		31		38
	Other		306		380
		$	4,804	$	3,825

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'
Summary of Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-term debt is summarized as follows:
		February 28,			August 31,
		2014			2013
	Capital leases	$	153		$	236
	Less current portion		(109	)		(154	)
	Long term debt (capital leases)	$	44		$	82
Schedule of Aggregated Maturities of Debt	'
	The aggregated maturities of debt as of February 28, 2014 are as follows:
	Remaining six months of fiscal year 2014	$	54
	2015		75
	2016		24
		$	153

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value of Employee Stock Options Estimated Using Weighted Average Assumptions	'
	The fair value of employee stock options was estimated using the following assumptions:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		February 28,						February 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Expected term (in years)		-			6.08			5.75			6.08
	Expected volatility		-			87.2	%		86.3% - 87.15	%		87.2%-88.0	%
	Risk free interest rate		-			0.93	%		1.62% - 1.71	%		0.82%-0.93	%
	Expected dividend yield		-			0	%		0	%		0	%
Summary of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included in Operating Expenses and Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised	'
	Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expenses and total intrinsic value of stock options exercised are as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		February 28,						February 28,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Stock-based compensation expense	$	941		$	916		$	1,855		$	1,861
	Fair value changes of collaboration warrants		-			1			9			(177)
		$	941		$	917		$	1,864		$	1,684
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	79
Summary of Stock Option Transactions under Option Plans	'
	The following table summarizes the stock option transactions under the Equity Plans during the six months ended February 28, 2014:
		Shares				Weighted
						Average
						Exercise Price
	Options outstanding at August 31, 2013		2,791,556			$	7.49
	Options granted		675,540				1.31
	Options forfeited		(151,292	)			9.26
	Options outstanding at February 28, 2014		3,315,804			$	6.15
Summary of Information about Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at February 28, 2014:
						Remaining				Weighted-				Number		Remaining		Weighted-
	Range of	Number				Contractual				Average				Vested and		Contractual		Average
	Exercise Price	Outstanding				Life				Exercise Price				Exercisable		Life		Exercise Price
	$1.95		412,999				2.02			$	1.95				412,999		2.02	$	1.95
	$3.90 - $4.05		274,160				2.25				3.91				274,160		2.25		3.91
	$6.75		796,560				5.04				6.75				764,769		4.98		6.75
	$7.32		178,038				7.04				7.32				128,778		7.04		7.32
	$16.77		157,746				7.53				16.77				79,380		7.52		16.77
	$17.16		62,806				7.63				17.16				30,275		7.63		17.16
	$12.71		24,209				8.17				12.71				8,820		8.12		12.71
	$12.10		46,664				8.24				12.1				46,664		8.24		12.1
	$13.00		408,820				8.24				13				-		-		-
	$6.66		11,666				8.73				6.66				-		-		-
	$3.60 - $7.70		24,100				8.79				5.6				7,300		8.76		5.87
	$3.94		24,000				9				3.94				531		8.94		3.94
	$3.32		58,330				9.17				3.32				-		-		-
	$3.49		1,500				9.19				3.49				-		-		-
	$1.40 - $3.30		158,666				9.56				3.16				-		-		-
	$1.24 - $1.52		675,540				9.85				1.31				-		-		-
			3,315,804												1,753,676
Summary of Restricted Stock Transactions under Option Plans	'
	The following summarizes the restricted stock transactions under the Equity Plans during the six months ended February 28, 2014:
		Shares				Weighted
						Average
						Grant Date
						Fair Value
	Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at August 31, 2013		290,700			$	5.55
	Restricted stock granted		328,260				1.31
	Restricted stock vested		(76,396	)			5.64
	Restricted stock forfeited		(23,167	)			4.82
	Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at February 28, 2014		519,397			$	3.11

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments under Noncancelable Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases as of February 28, 2014 are as follows:
		Operating
		Leases
	Remaining six months of fiscal year 2014	$	312
	2015		546
	2016		550
	2017		559
	2018		575
	Thereafter		688
	Total minimum lease payments	$	3,230

Research_Collaboration_Agreeme1

Research Collaboration Agreements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Research Collaboration Agreements [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments under Company's Research Collaboration	'
	Future minimum payments under the Company's research collaboration agreements as of February 28, 2014 are as follows:
	Remaining six months of fiscal year 2014	$	1,381
	2015		1,217
	2016		1,020
	2017		125
		$	3,743

The_Company_Details

The Company (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 10, 2014	Oct. 11, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Oct. 11, 2013	Oct. 11, 2013	Jan. 31, 2010
					Research and development expense [Member]	Cost of sales [Member]	General and administrative expense [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Ceres Sementes do Brasil Ltda [Member]
Organization [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of ownership	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	99.90%
Accumulated deficit	'	'	($290,014)	($274,584)	'	'	'	'	'	'
Workforce reduction, number of positions impacted	'	17	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Severance expense	'	'	900	'	500	300	100	'	'	'
Payments related to severance expense	'	'	600	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Remaining severance expense to be paid	'	'	300	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected first year cash savings	'	5,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected annual cash savings after first year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,000	10,000	'
Workforce reduction, estimated charges	'	1,600	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Workforce reduction, estimated cost of continuation of salary and benefits	'	400	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Workforce reduction, estimated severance costs	'	1,200	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued at public offering, shares	23,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Underwriters exercise of public offering over-allotment, shares	3,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued at public offering, price per share	$1	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from public offering	$20,800	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (Development and License Agreement [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 19, 2012
Development and License Agreement [Member]	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'
Gain on termination	$550

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	$12,883	$21,630
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Commercial paper	'	1,199
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	15,674	25,139
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds	2,791	2,310
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	3,124	4,555
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	2,649	2,198
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	7,110	16,076
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	2,791	2,310
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds	2,791	2,310
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	12,883	22,829
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	3,124	4,555
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	2,649	2,198
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	7,110	16,076
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Money market funds [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Money market funds	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	'	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate bonds [Member]	'	'
Financial Instruments Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Available for sale	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Customers Representing Greater than Ten Percent of Accounts Receivable) (Details) (Accounts receivables [Member])	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014		Aug. 31, 2013
Customer A [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Concentration risk, percentage	46.70%		37.30%
Customer B [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Concentration risk, percentage	24.60%		23.10%
Customer E [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Concentration risk, percentage	14.30%		'	[1]
Customer F [Member]	'		'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'		'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	[2]	21.80%
[1]	Less than 10%
[2]	No accounts receivable balance

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Customers Representing Greater than Ten Percent of Revenues) (Details) (Revenues [Member])	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2013		Feb. 28, 2014		Feb. 28, 2013
Customer A [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk, percentage	16.60%		21.90%		33.50%		17.20%
Customer B [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk, percentage	45.80%		22.00%		39.90%		18.20%
Customer D [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	[1]	'	[1]	'	[1]	25.40%
Customer E [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk, percentage	19.60%		'	[2]	16.80%		'	[2]
Customer F [Member]	'		'		'		'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Concentration risk, percentage	'	[1]	37.90%		'	[1]	26.00%
[1]	No revenues
[2]	Less than 10%

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Depreciation Periods for Property and Equipment) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Automobiles and Trucks [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'3 years
Automobiles and Trucks [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'5 years
Office, Laboratory, Farm and Warehouse Equipment and Furniture [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'3 years
Office, Laboratory, Farm and Warehouse Equipment and Furniture [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'3 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'10 years
Buildings [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'14 years
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property plant and equipment useful life	'39 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Balance at August 31, 2013	($696)
Comprehensive income	49
Balance at February 28, 2014	-647
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Balance at August 31, 2013	-684
Comprehensive income	40
Balance at February 28, 2014	-644
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Balance at August 31, 2013	-12
Comprehensive income	9
Balance at February 28, 2014	($3)

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Potentially Dilutive, Common Share Equivalents Excluded from Calculation of Diluted Net Loss Per Common Share) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	5,397,849	4,745,851
Options to purchase common stock [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	3,315,804	2,663,806
Warrants to purchase common stock [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	2,082,045	2,082,045

Marketable_Securities_Schedule

Marketable Securities (Schedule of Available for Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$12,886	$21,642
Gross Unrealized Gain	'	2
Gross Unrealized Loss	-3	-14
Fair Value	12,883	21,630
Certificates of Deposit [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	3,125	4,561
Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'
Gross Unrealized Loss	-1	-6
Fair Value	3,124	4,555
Commercial Paper [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	2,649	1,000
Gross Unrealized Gain	'	'
Gross Unrealized Loss	'	-1
Fair Value	2,649	999
Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	7,112	16,081
Gross Unrealized Gain	'	2
Gross Unrealized Loss	-2	-7
Fair Value	$7,110	$16,076

Marketable_Securities_Summary_

Marketable Securities (Summary of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Marketable Securities, Classified by Stated Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Marketable securities, amortized cost	'	'
Due in 1 year or less	$12,883	$21,642
Marketable Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost, Total	12,883	21,642
Marketable securities, fair value	'	'
Due in 1 year or less	12,883	21,630
Marketable Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Total	$12,883	$21,630

Seed_Inventories_Details

Seed Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Seed Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Work in process	'	$20
Seed inventory	'	'
Total inventories	'	$20

Property_and_Equipment_Details

Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property plant and equipment gross	$22,332	$24,527
Less accumulated depreciation	-17,903	-19,894
Property and equipment, net	4,429	4,633
Land [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property plant and equipment gross	43	43
Automobiles and Trucks [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property plant and equipment gross	959	796
Buildings [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property plant and equipment gross	2,612	3,180
Office, Laboratory, Farm and Warehouse Equipment and Furniture [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property plant and equipment gross	12,990	14,792
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property plant and equipment gross	$5,728	$5,716

Accounts_Payable_and_Accrued_E2

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses [Abstract]	'	'
Accounts payable	$1,506	$1,289
Accrued payroll and related expenses	1,882	1,020
Research and development contracts	1,079	1,098
Accrued grower commitments	31	38
Other	306	380
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$4,804	$3,825

LongTerm_Debt_Summary_of_LongT

Long-Term Debt (Summary of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$153	$236
Less current portion	-109	-154
Long-term debt, net of current portion	44	82
Capital Leases [Member]	'	'
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$153	$236

LongTerm_Debt_Summary_of_Aggre

Long-Term Debt (Summary of Aggregated Maturities of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]	'	'
Remaining six months of fiscal year 2014	$54	'
2015	75	'
2016	24	'
Long-term Debt	$153	$236

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
					Restricted Stock [Member]	Stock Option [Member]	Ceres, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	Ceres, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	Weighted Average [Member]	Weighted Average [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Modification of options to purchase shares of common stock	403,333	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Modification charge	$157	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation, shares reserved for issuance	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,754,999	'	'	'
Share-based compensation, increase in shares reserved for issuance	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,500,000	'	'	'
Share-based compensation, shares available for future grant	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,086,951	'	'	'
Common stock granted during period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	60,000	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options	'	$2.86	$0.94	$3.75	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of common stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3.33	$1.31	$5.16
Unrecognized stock compensation expense	'	'	'	'	4,281	713	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, weighted average period of recognition	'	'	'	'	'2 years 7 months 2 days	'1 year 5 months 23 days	'	'	'	'
Stock grant expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$200	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Fair_V

Stock-Based Compensation (Fair Value of Employee Stock Options Estimated Using Weighted Average Assumptions) (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expected term (in years)	'	'6 years 29 days	'5 years 9 months	'6 years 29 days
Expected volatility	'	87.20%	'	'
Expected dividend yield	'	0.93%	'	'
Risk free interest rate	'	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expected volatility	'	'	86.30%	87.20%
Expected dividend yield	'	'	1.62%	0.82%
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expected volatility	'	'	87.15%	88.00%
Expected dividend yield	'	'	1.71%	0.93%

StockBased_Compensation_StockB

Stock-Based Compensation (Stock-Based Compensation Expense Included in Operating Expenses and Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$941	$917	$1,864	$1,684
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	'	'	'	79
Stock-based compensation costs for stock options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	941	916	1,855	1,861
Fair value changes of collaboration warrants [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	$1	$9	($177)

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Stock Option Transactions under Option Plans) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Shares	'
Options outstanding at August 31, 2013	2,791,556
Options granted	675,540
Options forfeited	-151,292
Options outstanding at February 28, 2014	3,315,804
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Options outstanding at August 31, 2013	$7.49
Options granted	$1.31
Options forfeited	$9.26
Options outstanding at February 28, 2014	$6.15

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Information about Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	3,315,804
Number Vested and Exercisable	1,753,676
Exercise Price 1 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$1.95
Number Outstanding	412,999
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'2 years 7 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$1.95
Number Vested and Exercisable	412,999
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'2 years 7 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$1.95
Exercise Price 2 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	274,160
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'2 years 3 months
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$3.91
Number Vested and Exercisable	274,160
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'2 years 3 months
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$3.91
Exercise Price 2 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$3.90
Exercise Price 2 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$4.05
Exercise Price 3 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$6.75
Number Outstanding	796,560
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'5 years 15 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$6.75
Number Vested and Exercisable	764,769
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'4 years 11 months 23 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$6.75
Exercise Price 4 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$7.32
Number Outstanding	178,038
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 15 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$7.32
Number Vested and Exercisable	128,778
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 15 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$7.32
Exercise Price 5 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$16.77
Number Outstanding	157,746
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 6 months 11 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$16.77
Number Vested and Exercisable	79,380
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 6 months 7 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$16.77
Exercise Price 6 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$17.16
Number Outstanding	62,806
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 7 months 17 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$17.16
Number Vested and Exercisable	30,275
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'7 years 7 months 17 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$17.16
Exercise Price 7 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$12.71
Number Outstanding	24,209
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 2 months 1 day
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$12.71
Number Vested and Exercisable	8,820
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 1 month 13 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$12.71
Exercise Price 8 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$12.10
Number Outstanding	46,664
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 2 months 27 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$12.10
Number Vested and Exercisable	46,664
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 2 months 27 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$12.10
Exercise Price 9 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$13
Number Outstanding	408,820
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 2 months 27 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$13
Number Vested and Exercisable	'
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'
Exercise Price 10 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$6.66
Number Outstanding	11,666
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 8 months 23 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$6.66
Number Vested and Exercisable	'
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'
Exercise Price 11 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	24,100
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 9 months 15 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$5.60
Number Vested and Exercisable	7,300
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 9 months 4 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$5.87
Exercise Price 11 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$3.60
Exercise Price 11 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$7.70
Exercise Price 12 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$3.94
Number Outstanding	2,400
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'9 years
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$3.94
Number Vested and Exercisable	531
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'8 years 11 months 9 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$3.94
Exercise Price 13 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$3.32
Number Outstanding	58,330
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'9 years 2 months 1 day
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$3.32
Number Vested and Exercisable	'
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'
Exercise Price 14 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$3.49
Number Outstanding	1,500
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'9 years 2 months 9 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$3.49
Number Vested and Exercisable	'
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'
Exercise Price 15 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	158,666
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'9 years 6 months 22 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$3.16
Number Vested and Exercisable	'
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'
Exercise Price 15 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$1.40
Exercise Price 15 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$3.30
Exercise Price 16 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number Outstanding	675,540
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'9 years 10 months 6 days
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$1.31
Number Vested and Exercisable	'
Average Remaining Contractual Life	'
Weighted-Average Exercise Price	'
Exercise Price 16 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$1.24
Exercise Price 16 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Range of Exercise Price	$1.52

StockBased_Compensation_Summar2

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Restricted Stock Transactions under Option Plans) (Details) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Shares	'
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at August 31, 2013	290,700
Restricted stock granted	328,260
Restricted stock vested	-76,396
Restricted stock forfeited	-23,167
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at February 28, 2014	519,397
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at August 31, 2013	$5.55
Restricted stock granted	$1.31
Restricted stock vested	$5.64
Restricted stock forfeited	$4.82
Restricted stock outstanding and unvested at February 28, 2014	$3.11

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2013

Mar. 07, 2014

Aug. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2011

31-May-06

Feb. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2011

31-May-06

Jun. 30, 2011

31-May-06

31-May-06

31-May-06

Aug. 31, 2007

Feb. 28, 2014

Dec. 31, 2011

Feb. 28, 2014

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]

Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]

Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants [Member]

Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants [Member]

Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants [Member]

Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants [Member]

Period 1 [Member]

Period 1 [Member]

Period 2 [Member]

Period 2 [Member]

Period 3 [Member]

Period 4 [Member]

Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights Agreement [Member]

Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights Agreement [Member]

Ip Rights Agreement [Member]

Ip Rights Agreement [Member]

Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common Stock, shares authorized

490,000,000

'

490,000,000

'

240,000,000

490,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred stock, shares authorized

10,000,000

'

10,000,000

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrant issued to purchase stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

133,333

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

66,666

'

66,666

'

Exercise price of warrants issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30

'

14.3

'

Estimated fair value of warrants

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,400

'

$68,400

Estimated fair value of warrants, risk free rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.69%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.10%

'

2.66%

Estimated fair value of warrants, volatility rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

74.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

67.80%

'

86.70%

Estimated fair value of warrants, expected term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 2 months 19 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 5 months 27 days

'

'12 years 9 months 22 days

Estimated fair value of warrants, dividend Yield rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00%

'

0.00%

Warrant issued, number of shares vesting in equal installments

'

'

'

'

'

'

33,333

33,333

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Class of warrant or right number of shares vesting in equal installments, date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19-May-13

19-May-09

19-May-15

19-May-11

19-May-13

19-May-15

'

'

'

'

Warrant issued, earliest exercisable period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Change in value of warrants recognized as research and development expense

$3,570,000

$4,368,000

$7,984,000

$8,711,000

'

'

'

'

$627,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,100

'

$19,300

Warrant issued, vested

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99,999

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrant issued, expiration date

'

'

'

'

'

'

18-May-17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28-Aug-17

'

24-Sep-26

'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Operating lease expiration period	'	'	'2023	'
Reimbursement for leasehold improvement	'	'	$270	'
Rental expense	$106	$145	$172	$289

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Summary of Future Minimum Payments under Noncancelable Operating Leases) (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating leases	'
Remaining six months of fiscal year 2014	$312
2015	546
2016	550
2017	559
2018	575
Thereafter	688
Total minimum lease payments	$3,230

Research_Collaboration_Agreeme2

Research Collaboration Agreements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	31-May-06	31-May-06	31-May-06	31-May-06	Sep. 24, 2011	Aug. 31, 2007	Aug. 31, 2007	Sep. 24, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
	Noble Agreement Warrants [Member]	Noble Research Program Agreement [Member]	Noble Research Program Agreement [Member]	Noble Research Program Agreement [Member]	Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights Agreement [Member]	Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights Agreement [Member]	Sponsored Research and Intellectual Property Rights Agreement [Member]	Ip Rights Agreement [Member]	Ip Rights Agreement [Member]
			Collaboration Agreement July Thirty One Twenty Thirteen [Member]	Collaboration Agreement July Thirty One Twenty Fourteen [Member]			Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants [Member]		Texas A and M University System Agreement Warrants [Member]
Collaboration Agreements [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Funding of research expenses	'	$3,800,000	$82,700	$85,300	'	$5,100,000	'	'	'
Warrant issued to purchase stock	133,333	'	'	'	'	'	66,666	'	66,666
Exercise price of warrants issued	30	'	'	'	'	'	30	'	14.3
Collaboration agreement date	'	31-Jul-12	31-Jul-13	31-Jul-14	'	'	'	'	'
Agreement expiry date	'	'	'	'	23-Sep-26	'	'	23-Sep-26	'

Research_Collaboration_Agreeme3

Research Collaboration Agreements (Summary of Future Minimum Payments under Company's Research Collaboration) (Details) (Research Collaboration Agreements [Member], USD $)	Feb. 28, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Research Collaboration Agreements [Member]	'
Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items]	'
Remaining six months of fiscal year 2014	$1,381
2015	1,217
2016	1,020
2017	125
Contractual Obligation, Total	$3,743

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 10, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 07, 2014	Mar. 06, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total shares authorized	'	'	250,000,000	500,000,000	'	'
Common Stock, shares authorized	'	'	240,000,000	'	490,000,000	490,000,000
Preferred stock, shares authorized	'	'	10,000,000	'	10,000,000	'
Shares issued at public offering, shares	23,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Underwriters exercise of public offering over-allotment, shares	3,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Shares issued at public offering, price per share	$1	'	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from public offering	$20,800	'	'	'	'	'
Expected net proceeds from sale of facility and equipment	'	700	'	'	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated loss from disposal of facility and equipment	'	-400	'	'	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated loss from disposal of facility and equipment	'	($500)	'	'	'	'
Certain affiliated designees of the underwriter [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Warrants to purchase shares of common stock outstanding	480,000	'	'	'	'	'
Date from which warrants are exercisable	4-Mar-15	'	'	'	'	'
Expiration date of warrants	4-Mar-19	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise price of warrants issued	1.5	'	'	'	'	'