Chase (CCF) 10-Q 9 Jan 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'CHASE CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000830524	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Nov-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--08-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	9,097,078
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$36,928	$29,997
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $672 and $696	30,691	32,084
Inventories	33,983	32,048
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,987	1,826
Due From Sale of Product Line	3,255	'
Assets held for sale, net	'	1,905
Deferred income taxes	2,115	2,115
Total current assets	110,959	99,975
Property, plant and equipment, net	44,835	45,192
Other Assets	'	'
Goodwill	38,092	37,815
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $19,179 and $17,554	30,932	31,781
Cash surrender value of life insurance	7,300	7,278
Restricted investments	1,229	1,094
Funded pension plan	1,226	1,014
Other assets	202	211
Total assets	234,775	224,360
Current Liabilities	'	'
Accounts payable	15,588	12,416
Accrued payroll and other compensation	2,885	7,046
Accrued expenses	5,125	5,171
Accrued income taxes	4,009	2,161
Dividends payable	4,093	'
Current portion of long-term debt	5,950	5,600
Total current liabilities	37,650	32,394
Long-term debt, less current portion	57,050	58,800
Deferred compensation	2,020	1,897
Accumulated pension obligation	7,895	7,834
Other liabilities	104	108
Deferred income taxes	9,446	9,467
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)	'	'
Equity	'	'
First Serial Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value: Authorized 100,000 shares; none issued	'	'
Common stock, $.10 par value: Authorized 20,000,000 shares; 9,094,868 shares at November 30, 2013 and 9,066,115 shares at August 31, 2013 issued and outstanding	910	907
Additional paid-in capital	13,662	13,336
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-3,466	-5,163
Retained earnings	108,416	103,734
Chase Corporation stockholders' equity	119,522	112,814
Non-controlling interest related to NEPTCO joint venture	1,088	1,046
Total equity	120,610	113,860
Total liabilities and equity	$234,775	$224,360

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	'	'
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$672	$696
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$19,179	$17,554
First Serial Preferred Stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
First Serial Preferred Stock, Authorized shares	100,000	100,000
First Serial Preferred Stock, issued shares	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, Authorized shares	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	9,094,868	9,066,115
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,094,868	9,066,115

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Revenues	'	'
Sales	$53,655	$52,976
Royalties and commissions	528	424
Total revenues	54,183	53,400
Costs and Expenses	'	'
Cost of products and services sold	35,478	37,271
Selling, general and administrative expenses	10,439	10,539
Operating income	8,266	5,590
Interest expense	-303	-362
Gain on sale of product line (Note 8)	5,706	'
Other (expense) income	-105	69
Income before income taxes	13,564	5,297
Income taxes	4,747	1,820
Net income	8,817	3,477
Net (gain) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	-42	63
Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$8,775	$3,540
Net income available to common shareholders, per common and common equivalent share	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.96	$0.39
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.94	$0.39
Weighted average shares outstanding	'	'
Basic (in shares)	8,938,149	8,851,314
Diluted (in shares)	9,149,677	8,927,970
Annual cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.40

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'	'
Net income	$8,817	$3,477
Other comprehensive income:	'	'
Net unrealized loss on restricted investments, net of tax	71	'
Change in funded status of pension plans, net of tax	48	272
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,578	404
Total other comprehensive income	1,697	676
Comprehensive income	10,514	4,153
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	-42	63
Comprehensive income attributable to Chase Corporation	$10,472	$4,216

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Chase Stockholders' Equity	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	Retained Earnings	Non-controlling Interest
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Aug. 31, 2013	$113,860	$112,814	$907	$13,336	($5,163)	$103,734	$1,046
Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2013	'	'	9,066,115	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures	'	'	3	-3	'	'	'
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures (in shares)	'	'	28,753	'	'	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock grants	265	265	'	265	'	'	'
Amortization of stock option grants	64	64	'	64	'	'	'
Cash dividend accrued, $0.45 per share	-4,093	-4,093	'	'	'	-4,093	'
Change in funded status of pension plan, net of tax of $ 26	48	48	'	'	48	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	1,578	1,578	'	'	1,578	'	'
Net unrealized gain on restricted investments, net of tax of $38	71	71	'	'	71	'	'
Net income	8,817	8,775	'	'	'	8,775	42
Balance at Nov. 30, 2013	$120,610	$119,522	$910	$13,662	($3,466)	$108,416	$1,088
Balance (in shares) at Nov. 30, 2013	'	'	9,094,868	'	'	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY	'
Annual cash dividend accrued (in dollars per share)	$0.45
Change in funded status of pension plan, tax	$26
Net unrealized gain on restricted investments, tax	$38

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net income	$8,817	$3,477
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'
Gain on sale of assets	-6	-4
Gain on sale of product line	-5,706	'
Depreciation	1,426	1,508
Amortization	1,194	1,217
Cost of sale of inventory step-up	'	564
Recovery on allowance for doubtful accounts	-38	-130
Stock based compensation	329	419
Realized gain on restricted investments	-5	-25
Decrease in cash surrender value life insurance	30	82
Pension curtailment and settlement loss	'	352
Increase (decrease) from changes in assets and liabilities	'	'
Accounts receivable	1,619	839
Inventories	-4,032	-4,818
Prepaid expenses & other assets	-2,112	-623
Accounts payable	3,074	3,753
Accrued compensation and other expenses	-4,522	-4,131
Accrued income taxes	1,792	-399
Deferred compensation	123	35
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,983	2,116
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-781	-544
Cost to acquire intangible assets	-22	-101
Contingent purchase price paid for acquisition	'	84
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	11	11
Net proceeds from sale of product line	6,655	'
Contributions from restricted investments	-21	-22
Payments for cash surrender value life insurance	-46	-24
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	5,796	-596
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Payments of principal on debt	-1,400	-1,400
Net cash used in financing activities	-1,400	-1,400
INCREASE IN CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS	6,379	120
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	552	73
CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	29,997	15,180
CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	36,928	15,373
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities	'	'
Property, plant & equipment additions included in accounts payable	90	157
Annual cash dividend declared	$4,093	$3,626

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Note 1 - Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial reporting and instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Therefore, they do not include all information and footnote disclosure necessary for a complete presentation of Chase Corporation’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  Chase Corporation (the “Company,” “Chase,” “we,” or “us”) filed audited consolidated financial statements, which included all information and notes necessary for such complete presentation for the three years ended August 31, 2013 in conjunction with its 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	The results of operations for the interim period ended November 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period or the entire fiscal year.  These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2013, which are contained in the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position as of November 30, 2013, the results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim periods ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, and changes in equity for the interim period ended November 30, 2013.
	The financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.  All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.  The Company uses the U.S. dollar as the reporting currency for financial reporting.  The financial position and results of operations of the Company’s UK-based operations are measured using the British Pound as the functional currency and the financial position and results of operations of the Company’s operations based in France are measured using the euro as the functional currency.  Foreign currency translation gains and losses are determined using current exchange rates for monetary items and historical exchange rates for other balance sheet items and are recorded as a change in other comprehensive income.  Translation gains and losses generated from the remeasurement of assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our foreign operations are included in other (expense) / income on the consolidated statements of operations.
	During the third quarter of fiscal 2013, an immaterial error was identified in the presentation of two line items within the operating activities section of the Company’s previously reported statement of cash flows for the comparing period ended November 30, 2012.  The Company revised the statement of cash flows to correct the presentation of two line items within the operating activities section.  This revision to the statement of cash flows results in pension curtailment and settlement loss changing from ($352) to $352 and accrued compensation and other expenses changing from ($3,427) to ($4,131) for the three months ended November 30, 2012. There was no impact on the comparing balance sheet or the related statement of operations, statement of comprehensive income, total cash provided by operating activities or overall cash flows.
	During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company identified an immaterial error in the statement of comprehensive income within the Company’s previously reported unaudited financial statements for the first three quarters of fiscal 2013.  In those fiscal quarters, the Company properly recorded pension settlement losses that resulted from lump sum distributions to pension plan participants in earnings, but did not properly reclassify the amount out of Equity—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss).  As a result, the Company revised the reclassification adjustment for the change in funded status of pension plans line item from $58 to $272 for the three months ended November 30, 2012.  There was no impact on the comparing balance sheet or the related statement of operations, and statement of cash flows.
	The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to the balance sheet date.  Based on this evaluation, the Company is not aware of any events or transactions that occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to filing that would require recognition or disclosure in its consolidated financial statements.

Recent_Accounting_Policies

Recent Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Recent Accounting Policies	'
Recent Accounting Policies	'
	Note 2 — Recent Accounting Policies
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220):  Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”.  This ASU expands the presentation of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income.  The new guidance requires an entity to disaggregate the total change of each component of other comprehensive income either on the face of the net income statement or as a separate disclosure in the notes. ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012.  The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 (See Note 13 for additional details).  The provisions of ASU 2013-02 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Inventories	'
Inventories	'
	Note 3 — Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013:
		November 30, 2013		August 31, 2013
	Raw materials	$	15,032	$	14,545
	Work in process	6,665		5,967
	Finished goods	12,286		11,536
	Total Inventories	$	33,983	$	32,048

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Net Income Per Share	'
Net Income Per Share	'
	Note 4 — Net Income Per Share
	The Company has unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends which are considered participating securities under ASC Topic 260, “Earnings Per Share”.  The Company allocates earnings to participating securities and computes earnings per share using the two class method.  The determination of earnings per share under the two-class method is as follows:
		Three Months Ended November 30,
		2013		2012
	Basic Earnings per Share
	Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$	8,775	$	3,540
	Less: Allocated to participating securities	151		77
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	8,624	$	3,463
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	8,938,149		8,851,314
	Net income per share - Basic	$	0.96	$	0.39
	Diluted Earnings per Share
	Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$	8,775	$	3,540
	Less: Allocated to participating securities	148		76
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	8,627	$	3,464
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	8,938,149		8,851,314
	Additional dilutive common stock equivalents	211,528		76,656
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	9,149,677		8,927,970
	Net income per share - Diluted	$	0.94	$	0.39
	Included in the calculation of dilutive common stock equivalents are the unvested portion of restricted stock and stock options.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Stock Based Compensation	'
Stock Based Compensation	'
	Note 5 — Stock Based Compensation
	In October 2012, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the fiscal year 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2013 LTIP”) for the executive officers.  The 2013 LTIP is an equity based plan with a grant date of October 22, 2012 and contains a performance and service based restricted stock grant of 11,861 shares in the aggregate, subject to adjustment, with a vesting date of August 31, 2015.  Based on the fiscal year 2013 financial results, 11,861 additional shares of restricted stock (total of 23,722 shares) were earned and granted subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2013 in accordance with the performance measurement criteria.  No further performance-based measurements apply to this award.  Compensation expense is being recognized on a ratable basis over the vesting period.
	In September 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the fiscal year 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2014 LTIP”) for the executive officers and other members of management.  The 2014 LTIP is an equity based plan with a grant date of September 1, 2013 and contains the following equity components:
	Restricted Shares — (a) performance and service based restricted stock grant of 7,529 shares in the aggregate, subject to adjustment, with a vesting date of August 31, 2016.  Compensation expense is recognized on a ratable basis over the vesting period based on quarterly probability assessments; (b) time-based restricted stock grant of 8,323 and 1,040 shares in the aggregate, with vesting dates of August 31, 2016 and August 31, 2014, respectively.  Compensation expense is recognized on a ratable basis over the vesting period.
	Stock options — options to purchase 25,969 shares of common stock in the aggregate with an exercise price of $29.72 per share.  The options will vest in three equal annual allotments beginning on August 31, 2014 and ending on August 31, 2016. The options will expire on August 31, 2023.  Compensation expense is recognized over the period of the award on an annual basis consistent with the vesting terms.

Segment_Data_and_Foreign_Opera

Segment Data and Foreign Operations	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Segment Data and Foreign Operations	'
Segment Data and Foreign Operations	'
	Note 6 — Segment Data and Foreign Operations
	The Company is organized into two operating segments, an Industrial Materials segment and a Construction Materials segment.  The basis for this segmentation is distinguished by the nature of the products and how they are delivered to their respective markets.  The Industrial Materials segment reflects specified products that are used in or integrated into another company’s product with demand dependent upon general economic conditions.  Industrial Materials products include insulating and conducting materials for wire and cable manufacturers, moisture protective coatings for electronics and printing services, laminated durable papers, and flexible composites, laminates for the packaging and industrial laminate markets, pulling and detection tapes used in the installation, measurement and location of fiber optic cables, water and natural gas lines, cover tapes essential to delivering semiconductor components via tape and reel packaging, and wind energy composite materials and elements.  Additionally, the Industrial Materials segment includes a joint venture which produces glass based strength elements designed to allow fiber optic cables to withstand mechanical and environmental strain and stress. The Construction Materials segment reflects construction project oriented product offerings that are primarily sold and used as “Chase” branded products.   Construction Materials products include protective coatings for pipeline applications, coating and lining systems for use in liquid storage and containment applications, high performance polymeric asphalt additives, and expansion and control joint systems for use in the transportation and architectural markets.
	The following tables summarize financial information about the Company’s reportable segments:
		Three Months Ended November 30,
		2013			2012
	Revenues from external customers
	Industrial Materials	$	41,670		$	39,850
	Construction Materials	12,513			13,550
	Total	$	54,183		$	53,400
	Income before income taxes
	Industrial Materials	$	13,607		$	5,530
	Construction Materials	1,591			1,430
	Total for reportable segments	15,198			6,960
	Corporate and Common Costs	(1,634		)	(1,663		)
	Total	$	13,564		$	5,297
	The Company’s products are sold world-wide.  For the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, sales from its operations located in the United Kingdom accounted for 8% of consolidated revenues in each period.  No foreign geographic area accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012.
		November 30, 2013			August 31, 2013
	Total assets
	Industrial Materials	$	136,686		$	133,110
	Construction Materials	48,041			48,573
	Total for reportable segments	184,727			181,683
	Corporate and Common Assets	50,048			42,677
	Total	$	234,775		$	224,360
	As of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013, the Company had long-lived assets (defined as tangible assets providing the Company with a future economic benefit beyond the current year or operating period, including buildings, equipment and leasehold improvements) of $4,212 and $4,063, respectively, located in the United Kingdom.   These balances exclude goodwill and intangibles of $10,618 and $10,333, as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	'
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	'
	Note 7 — Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	The changes in the carrying value of goodwill, by reportable segment, are as follows:
		Construction			Industrial
		Materials			Materials			Consolidated
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	10,735		$	27,080		$	37,815
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	13			264			277
	Balance at November 30, 2013	$	10,748		$	27,344		$	38,092
	The Company’s goodwill is allocated to each reporting unit based on the nature of the products manufactured by the respective business combinations that originally created the goodwill.   The Company identified several reporting units within each of its two operating segments that are used to evaluate the possible impairment of goodwill.  Goodwill impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its fair value.  Assessments of possible impairment of goodwill are made when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable through future operations.  Additionally, testing for possible impairment of recorded goodwill and certain intangible asset balances is required annually.  The amount and timing of any impairment charges based on these assessments require the estimation of future cash flows and the fair market value of the related assets based on management’s best estimates of certain key factors, including future selling prices and volumes, operating, raw material and energy costs, and various other projected operating and economic factors.  When testing, fair values of the reporting units and the related implied fair values of their respective goodwill are established using public company analysis and discounted cash flows. The Company evaluates the possible impairment of goodwill annually each fourth quarter and whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.
	Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013:
		Weighted-Average		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Amortization Period		Value			Amortization			Value
	November 30, 2013
	Patents and agreements	11.9 years		$	3,237		$	2,217		$	1,020
	Formulas	9.1 years		5,834			2,423			3,411
	Trade names	5.7 years		6,394			2,354			4,040
	Customer lists and relationships	10.2 years		34,646			12,185			22,461
				$	50,111		$	19,179		$	30,932
	August 31, 2013
	Patents and agreements	11.9 years		$	3,198		$	2,200		$	998
	Formulas	9.1 years		5,772			2,238			3,534
	Trade names	5.7 years		6,345			2,055			4,290
	Customer lists and relationships	10.2 years		34,020			11,061			22,959
				$	49,335		$	17,554		$	31,781
	Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1,194 and $1,217, respectively.  Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal year 2014 and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is as follows:
	Years ending August 31,
	2014 (remaining 9 months)	$	3,700
	2015	4,750
	2016	4,687
	2017	4,250
	2018	4,019
	2019	3,322
		$	24,728

Sale_of_Insulfab_Product_Line

Sale of Insulfab Product Line	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Sale of Insulfab Product Line	'
Sale of Insulfab Product Line	'
	Note 8 — Sale of Insulfab Product Line
	On October 7, 2013, the Company sold substantially all of its property and assets, including intellectual property, comprising the Insulfab® product line, to an unrelated third party (“buyer”).  The Insulfab product line is primarily focused on manufacturing high quality, engineered barrier laminates used in aerospace applications.  The sale proceeds of $7,394 are subject to certain post-closing adjustments based on the change in the final net book value compared to the bid date net book value.  As of November 30, 2013, management determined these post-closing adjustments resulted in an increase in the sale proceeds of $2,516 based on the increase of inventory sold to the buyer at closing.  This adjustment is subject to final review by the buyer.  The net proceeds from the sale are available for debt reduction and investment in the Company’s core businesses.
	This transaction resulted in a pre-tax book gain of $5,706 ($3,709 after-tax gain) which was recorded in the quarter ending November 30, 2013.  The additional proceeds of $2,516 and the portion of the sale price held in escrow of $739 are recorded as current assets (Due from sale of product line) as of November 30, 2013.
	The following table summarizes information about the Insulfab product line as of October 7, 2013 and August 31, 2013:
		October 7, 2013			August 31, 2013
	Inventory	$	3,153		$	885
	Property & equipment	1,062			1,060
	Accrued expenses	(3		)	(40		)
		$	4,212		$	1,905
	As a result of the efforts to market and sell this product line in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company had classified the Insulfab assets (including inventory and equipment) as assets held for sale as of August 31, 2013.  This product line and related assets were part of the Company’s Industrial Materials segment.

Joint_Venture

Joint Venture	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Joint Venture	'
Joint Venture	'
	Note 9 — Joint Venture
	The NEPTCO JV LLC (“JV”) was originally formed in 2003 by NEPTCO and a joint venture partner, an otherwise unrelated party (collectively, the “members”), whereby each member’s fiber optic strength elements businesses were combined. This venture, which is 50% owned by each member, is managed and operated on a day-to-day basis by NEPTCO. The JV operates out of the Company’s Granite Falls, NC facility.
	The Company accounts for the joint venture partner’s non-controlling interest in the JV under ASC Topic 810 “Consolidations” (“ASC 810”).  Based on the criteria in ASC 810, the Company determined that the JV qualifies as a variable interest entity (“VIE”).  Because of the Company’s controlling financial interest, the JV’s assets and liabilities and results of operations have been consolidated within the Company’s consolidated financial statements since June 27, 2012, the date the Company acquired NEPTCO.  An offsetting amount equal to 50% of net assets and net income (loss) of the JV has been recorded within the Company’s consolidated financial statements to the non-controlling interest, representing the joint venture partner’s 50% ownership interest and pro rata share in the JV.
	At November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013, the following amounts were consolidated in the Company’s balance sheets related to the JV:
		November 30,		August 31,
		2013		2013
	Assets
	Cash	$	523	$	394
	Accounts receivable, net	1,041		1,106
	Inventories	1,747		1,510
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	285		283
	Property, plant and equipment, net	418		448
	Intangible assets, net	699		706
	Total assets	$	4,713	$	4,447
	Liabilities and net assets
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	721	$	679
	Due to Members	1,816		1,677
	Total liabilities	$	2,537	$	2,356
	Net assets	$	2,176	$	2,091
	Non-controlling interest	$	1,088	$	1,046
	Effective on the date of the JV’s inception, and for four years following the date on which the members no longer own any membership interest in the JV, non-compete agreements exist between the members. Each member retains the right to tender an offer to buy the other member’s share. Once an offer is tendered, the tendered member has the option to either sell, or match the initial offer to purchase the tendering member’s share.
	Under the JV agreement, the JV is barred from issuing third party debt, other than customary accounts payable, resulting from its normal trade operations. The liabilities of the JV are not guaranteed by any portion of NEPTCO or the Company.
	The JV agrees to purchase a minimum of 80% of its total glass fiber requirements from the other joint venture partner. Additionally, the JV agrees to purchase private-label products exclusively from an affiliate of the other joint venture partner; however, the JV is not subject to a minimum purchase requirement on private-label products. Purchases from the joint venture partner totaled $467 and $463 for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The JV had amounts due to the other joint venture partner of $356 and $378 at November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 10 — Commitments and Contingencies
	The Company is involved from time to time in litigation incidental to the conduct of its business.  Although the Company does not expect that the outcome in any of these matters, individually or collectively, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cashflows, litigation is inherently unpredictable.  Therefore, judgments could be rendered or settlements entered that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results or cash flows in a particular period.  The Company routinely assesses all of its litigation and threatened litigation as to the probability of ultimately incurring a liability, and records its best estimate of the ultimate loss in situations where the Company assesses the likelihood of loss as probable.

Pensions_and_Other_Post_Retire

Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits	'
Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits	'
	Note 11 - Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits
	The components of net periodic benefit cost for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Three Months Ended November 30,
		2013			2012
	Service cost	$	81		$	103
	Interest cost	161			114
	Expected return on plan assets	(178		)	(149		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	1			6
	Amortization of unrecognized loss	73			84
	Curtailment loss	—			25
	Settlement loss	—			327
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	138		$	510
	When funding is required, the Company’s policy is to contribute amounts that are deductible for federal income tax purposes.  As of November 30, 2013, the Company has made contributions of $200 in the current fiscal year to fund its obligations under its pension plan and will make the necessary contributions over the remainder of fiscal 2014 to ensure the qualified plan continues to be adequately funded given the current market conditions.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 12 — Fair Value Measurements
	The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).  The Company uses a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which classifies the inputs used in measuring fair values. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.
	The Company utilizes the best available information in measuring fair value.  Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The financial assets classified as Level 1 as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013 represent investments that are restricted for use in a nonqualified retirement savings plan for certain key employees and directors.
	The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013:
					Fair value measurement category
		Fair value	Total		Quoted prices		Significant other		Significant
		measurement date			in active		observable inputs		unobservable
					markets		(Level 2)		inputs
					(Level 1)				(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Restricted investments	November 30, 2013	$	1,229	$	1,229	$	—	$	—
	Restricted investments	August 31, 2013	$	1,094	$	1,094	$	—	$	—
	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013, which is recorded at its carrying value:
					Fair value measurement category
		Fair value	Total		Quoted prices		Significant other		Significant
		measurement date			in active		observable inputs		unobservable
					markets		(Level 2)		inputs
					(Level 1)				(Level 3)
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt	November 30, 2013	$	63,000	$	—	$	63,000	$	—
	Long-term debt	August 31, 2013	$	64,400	$	—	$	64,400	$	—
	The carrying value of the long-term debt approximates its fair value, as the monthly interest rate is set based on the movement of the underlying market rates.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	Note 13 — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, were as follows:
		Restricted			Change in Funded			Foreign Currency			Total
		Investments			Status of Pension			Translation
					Plan			Adjustment
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	144		$	(3,578	)	$	(1,729	)	$	(5,163	)
	Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications (1)	74			—			1,578			1,652
	Reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses (2)	(3		)	48			—			45
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	71			48			1,578			1,697
	Balance at November 30, 2013	$	215		$	(3,530	)	$	(151	)	$	(3,466	)
	(1)              Net of tax benefit of $40, $0, $0, respectively.
	(2)              Net of tax expense of $2, tax benefit of $26, $0, respectively.
	The following table summarizes the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income:
		Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		(Loss) into Income
		Three Months Ended November 30, 2013			Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated
					Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
	Gains on Restricted Investments:
	Realized gain on sale of restricted investments	$	5		Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Tax expense (benefit)	2
	Gain net of tax	$	3
	Loss on Funded Pension Plan adjustments:
	Realized loss on amortization of prior pension service costs and unrecognized losses	$	(20	)	Cost of products and services sold
	Realized loss on amortization of prior pension service costs and unrecognized losses	$	(54	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Tax expense (benefit)	26
	(Loss) net of tax	$	(48	)
	Total net (loss) reclassified for the period	$	(45	)

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Inventories	'
Schedule of inventories	'
		November 30, 2013		August 31, 2013
	Raw materials	$	15,032	$	14,545
	Work in process	6,665		5,967
	Finished goods	12,286		11,536
	Total Inventories	$	33,983	$	32,048

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Net Income Per Share	'
Schedule of determination of earnings per share under the two-class method	'
		Three Months Ended November 30,
		2013		2012
	Basic Earnings per Share
	Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$	8,775	$	3,540
	Less: Allocated to participating securities	151		77
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	8,624	$	3,463
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	8,938,149		8,851,314
	Net income per share - Basic	$	0.96	$	0.39
	Diluted Earnings per Share
	Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$	8,775	$	3,540
	Less: Allocated to participating securities	148		76
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	8,627	$	3,464
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	8,938,149		8,851,314
	Additional dilutive common stock equivalents	211,528		76,656
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	9,149,677		8,927,970
	Net income per share - Diluted	$	0.94	$	0.39

Segment_Data_and_Foreign_Opera1

Segment Data and Foreign Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Segment Data and Foreign Operations	'
Summary of financial information about the Company's reportable segments	'
		Three Months Ended November 30,
		2013			2012
	Revenues from external customers
	Industrial Materials	$	41,670		$	39,850
	Construction Materials	12,513			13,550
	Total	$	54,183		$	53,400
	Income before income taxes
	Industrial Materials	$	13,607		$	5,530
	Construction Materials	1,591			1,430
	Total for reportable segments	15,198			6,960
	Corporate and Common Costs	(1,634		)	(1,663		)
	Total	$	13,564		$	5,297
Schedule of total assets for the Company's reportable segments	'
		November 30, 2013			August 31, 2013
	Total assets
	Industrial Materials	$	136,686		$	133,110
	Construction Materials	48,041			48,573
	Total for reportable segments	184,727			181,683
	Corporate and Common Assets	50,048			42,677
	Total	$	234,775		$	224,360

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	'
Schedule of changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment	'
		Construction			Industrial
		Materials			Materials			Consolidated
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	10,735		$	27,080		$	37,815
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	13			264			277
	Balance at November 30, 2013	$	10,748		$	27,344		$	38,092
Schedule of intangible assets subject to amortization	'
		Weighted-Average		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Amortization Period		Value			Amortization			Value
	November 30, 2013
	Patents and agreements	11.9 years		$	3,237		$	2,217		$	1,020
	Formulas	9.1 years		5,834			2,423			3,411
	Trade names	5.7 years		6,394			2,354			4,040
	Customer lists and relationships	10.2 years		34,646			12,185			22,461
				$	50,111		$	19,179		$	30,932
	August 31, 2013
	Patents and agreements	11.9 years		$	3,198		$	2,200		$	998
	Formulas	9.1 years		5,772			2,238			3,534
	Trade names	5.7 years		6,345			2,055			4,290
	Customer lists and relationships	10.2 years		34,020			11,061			22,959
				$	49,335		$	17,554		$	31,781
Schedule of estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets	'
	Years ending August 31,
	2014 (remaining 9 months)	$	3,700
	2015	4,750
	2016	4,687
	2017	4,250
	2018	4,019
	2019	3,322
		$	24,728

Sale_of_Insulfab_Product_Line_

Sale of Insulfab Product Line (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Sale of Insulfab Product Line	'
Summary of information about the Insulfab product line	'
		October 7, 2013			August 31, 2013
	Inventory	$	3,153		$	885
	Property & equipment	1,062			1,060
	Accrued expenses	(3		)	(40		)
		$	4,212		$	1,905

Joint_Venture_Tables

Joint Venture (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Joint Venture	'
Schedule of condensed balance sheet of the JV	'
		November 30,		August 31,
		2013		2013
	Assets
	Cash	$	523	$	394
	Accounts receivable, net	1,041		1,106
	Inventories	1,747		1,510
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	285		283
	Property, plant and equipment, net	418		448
	Intangible assets, net	699		706
	Total assets	$	4,713	$	4,447
	Liabilities and net assets
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	721	$	679
	Due to Members	1,816		1,677
	Total liabilities	$	2,537	$	2,356
	Net assets	$	2,176	$	2,091
	Non-controlling interest	$	1,088	$	1,046

Pensions_and_Other_Post_Retire1

Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits	'
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost	'
		Three Months Ended November 30,
		2013			2012
	Service cost	$	81		$	103
	Interest cost	161			114
	Expected return on plan assets	(178		)	(149		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	1			6
	Amortization of unrecognized loss	73			84
	Curtailment loss	—			25
	Settlement loss	—			327
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	138		$	510

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements	'
Schedule of financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis	'
					Fair value measurement category
		Fair value	Total		Quoted prices		Significant other		Significant
		measurement date			in active		observable inputs		unobservable
					markets		(Level 2)		inputs
					(Level 1)				(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Restricted investments	November 30, 2013	$	1,229	$	1,229	$	—	$	—
	Restricted investments	August 31, 2013	$	1,094	$	1,094	$	—	$	—
Schedule of fair values of the Company's long-term debt	'
					Fair value measurement category
		Fair value	Total		Quoted prices		Significant other		Significant
		measurement date			in active		observable inputs		unobservable
					markets		(Level 2)		inputs
					(Level 1)				(Level 3)
	Liabilities:
	Long-term debt	November 30, 2013	$	63,000	$	—	$	63,000	$	—
	Long-term debt	August 31, 2013	$	64,400	$	—	$	64,400	$	—

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
Schedule of changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'
		Restricted			Change in Funded			Foreign Currency			Total
		Investments			Status of Pension			Translation
					Plan			Adjustment
	Balance at August 31, 2013	$	144		$	(3,578	)	$	(1,729	)	$	(5,163	)
	Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications (1)	74			—			1,578			1,652
	Reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses (2)	(3		)	48			—			45
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	71			48			1,578			1,697
	Balance at November 30, 2013	$	215		$	(3,530	)	$	(151	)	$	(3,466	)
	(1)              Net of tax benefit of $40, $0, $0, respectively.
	(2)              Net of tax expense of $2, tax benefit of $26, $0, respectively.
Summary of the reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income	'
		Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
		(Loss) into Income
		Three Months Ended November 30, 2013			Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated
					Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
	Gains on Restricted Investments:
	Realized gain on sale of restricted investments	$	5		Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Tax expense (benefit)	2
	Gain net of tax	$	3
	Loss on Funded Pension Plan adjustments:
	Realized loss on amortization of prior pension service costs and unrecognized losses	$	(20	)	Cost of products and services sold
	Realized loss on amortization of prior pension service costs and unrecognized losses	$	(54	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Tax expense (benefit)	26
	(Loss) net of tax	$	(48	)
	Total net (loss) reclassified for the period	$	(45	)

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	31-May-13
			item
Basis of Presentation	'	'	'
Number of Line Items of Statement of Cash Flows Containing Immaterial Error	'	'	2
Basis of Presentation	'	'	'
Pension curtailment and settlement loss	'	$352	'
Accrued compensation and other expenses	-4,522	-4,131	'
Adjustment for immaterial error correction	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation	'	'	'
Pension curtailment and settlement loss	'	352	'
Accrued compensation and other expenses	'	-4,131	'
Adjustment for immaterial error correction | Previously reported	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation	'	'	'
Pension curtailment and settlement loss	'	-352	'
Accrued compensation and other expenses	'	-3,427	'
Reclassification adjustment for immaterial error correction	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation	'	'	'
Pension curtailment and settlement loss	'	272	'
Reclassification adjustment for immaterial error correction | Previously reported	'	'	'
Basis of Presentation	'	'	'
Pension curtailment and settlement loss	'	$58	'

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories	'	'
Raw materials	$15,032	$14,545
Work in process	6,665	5,967
Finished goods	12,286	11,536
Total Inventories	$33,983	$32,048

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details

Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Basic Earnings per Share	'	'
Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$8,775	$3,540
Less: Allocated to participating securities	151	77
Net income available to common shareholders	8,624	3,463
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	8,938,149	8,851,314
Net income per share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.96	$0.39
Diluted Earnings per Share	'	'
Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	8,775	3,540
Less: Allocated to participating securities	148	76
Net income available to common shareholders	$8,627	$3,464
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	8,938,149	8,851,314
Additional dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares)	211,528	76,656
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	9,149,677	8,927,970
Net income per share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.94	$0.39

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai

Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	13 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Oct. 22, 2012	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Sep. 02, 2013	Sep. 02, 2013	Sep. 02, 2013	Sep. 02, 2013
	2013 LTIP	2013 LTIP	2013 LTIP	2014 LTIP	2014 LTIP	2014 LTIP	2014 LTIP
	Performance and service based restricted stock	Performance and service based restricted stock	Performance and service based restricted stock	Performance and service based restricted stock	Time-based restricted stock	Time-based restricted stock	Options
	Executive officers	Executive officers	Executive officers	Executive officers and other members of management	Executive officers and other members of management	Executive officers and other members of management	Executive officers and other members of management
					August 31, 2016 vesting date	August 31, 2014 vesting date	item
Stock Based Compensation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shares granted	11,861	11,861	'	7,529	8,323	1,040	'
Cumulative shares granted	'	'	23,722	'	'	'	'
Number Options Outstanding (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,969
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	$29.72
Number of equal annual allotments in which awards will vest	'	'	'	'	'	'	3

Segment_Data_and_Foreign_Opera2

Segment Data and Foreign Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
	item
Segment Data and Foreign Operations	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	2	'	'
Segment data	'	'	'
Revenues	$54,183	$53,400	'
Income before income taxes	13,564	5,297	'
Total assets	234,775	'	224,360
Industrial Materials	'	'	'
Segment data	'	'	'
Revenues	41,670	39,850	'
Income before income taxes	13,607	5,530	'
Total assets	136,686	'	133,110
Construction Materials	'	'	'
Segment data	'	'	'
Revenues	12,513	13,550	'
Income before income taxes	1,591	1,430	'
Total assets	48,041	'	48,573
Reportable segments	'	'	'
Segment data	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	15,198	6,960	'
Total assets	184,727	'	181,683
Corporate and common costs	'	'	'
Segment data	'	'	'
Income before income taxes	-1,634	-1,663	'
Total assets	$50,048	'	$42,677

Segment_Data_and_Foreign_Opera3

Segment Data and Foreign Operations (Details 2) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			United Kingdom	United Kingdom	Revenues	Revenues	Long-lived assets	Long-lived assets
					Geographic concentration risk	Geographic concentration risk	Geographic concentration risk	Geographic concentration risk
					United Kingdom	United Kingdom	United Kingdom	United Kingdom
Concentration risk	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of concentration risk	'	'	'	'	8.00%	8.00%	'	'
Long-lived assets	$44,835	$45,192	'	'	'	'	$4,212	$4,063
Goodwill and intangible assets	'	'	$10,618	$10,333	'	'	'	'

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles2

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013
	item
Changes in the carrying value of goodwill	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	$37,815
Foreign currency translation adjustment	277
Balance at the end of the period	38,092
Number of operating segments	2
Construction Materials	'
Changes in the carrying value of goodwill	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	10,735
Foreign currency translation adjustment	13
Balance at the end of the period	10,748
Industrial Materials	'
Changes in the carrying value of goodwill	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	27,080
Foreign currency translation adjustment	264
Balance at the end of the period	$27,344

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles3

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
				Patents and agreements	Patents and agreements	Formulas	Formulas	Trade names	Trade names	Customer lists and relationships	Customer lists and relationships
Intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	'	'	'	'11 years 10 months 24 days	'11 years 10 months 24 days	'9 years 1 month 6 days	'9 years 1 month 6 days	'5 years 8 months 12 days	'5 years 8 months 12 days	'10 years 2 months 12 days	'10 years 2 months 12 days
Gross Carrying Value	$50,111	'	$49,335	$3,237	$3,198	$5,834	$5,772	$6,394	$6,345	$34,646	$34,020
Accumulated Amortization	19,179	'	17,554	2,217	2,200	2,423	2,238	2,354	2,055	12,185	11,061
Net Carrying Value	30,932	'	31,781	1,020	998	3,411	3,534	4,040	4,290	22,461	22,959
Aggregate amortization expense	1,194	1,217	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Estimated amortization expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2014 (remaining 9 months)	3,700	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2015	4,750	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2016	4,687	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2017	4,250	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2018	4,019	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2019	3,322	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Carrying Value	$24,728	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Sale_of_Insulfab_Product_Line_1

Sale of Insulfab Product Line (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 07, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Sale of Insulfab product line	'	'	'
Proceeds from the sale of property and assets	'	$6,655	'
Insulfab product line	'	'	'
Sale of Insulfab product line	'	'	'
Proceeds from the sale of property and assets	7,394	'	'
Increase in sale proceeds resulting from post-closing adjustments	'	2,516	'
Pre-tax book gain from the sale of property and assets	'	5,706	'
After-tax book gain from the sale of property and assets	'	3,709	'
Sale price held in escrow	'	739	'
Inventory	3,153	'	885
Property & equipment	1,062	'	1,060
Accrued expenses	-3	'	-40
Assets, net	$4,212	'	$1,905

Joint_Venture_Details

Joint Venture (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified					JV	JV	JV	NEPTCO	NEPTCO	NEPTCO
					Joint venture partner	Joint venture partner	Joint venture partner	Joint venture partner	Joint venture partner	JV
									Minimum	Joint venture partner
Joint Venture	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest held by each member (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%
Percentage of net assets and net loss recorded as non-controlling interest in the entity's consolidated financial statements	'	'	'	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership interest (as a percent)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	$36,928	$29,997	$15,373	$15,180	$523	'	$394	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	30,691	32,084	'	'	1,041	'	1,106	'	'	'
Inventories	33,983	32,048	'	'	1,747	'	1,510	'	'	'
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,987	1,826	'	'	285	'	283	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment, net	44,835	45,192	'	'	418	'	448	'	'	'
Intangible assets, net	30,932	31,781	'	'	699	'	706	'	'	'
Total assets	234,775	224,360	'	'	4,713	'	4,447	'	'	'
Liabilities and net assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'	'	'	'	721	'	679	'	'	'
Due to members	'	'	'	'	1,816	'	1,677	'	'	'
Total liabilities	'	'	'	'	2,537	'	2,356	'	'	'
Net assets	'	'	'	'	2,176	'	2,091	'	'	'
Non-controlling interest	1,088	1,046	'	'	1,088	'	1,046	'	'	'
Period for which the non-compete agreements exist subsequent to the date on which members no longer own membership interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'4 years
Percentage of total glass fiber requirements agreed to be purchased	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	80.00%	'
Purchases made	'	'	'	'	467	463	'	'	'	'
Amounts due for purchases made	'	'	'	'	$356	'	$378	'	'	'

Pensions_and_Other_Post_Retire2

Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'	'
Service cost	$81	$103
Interest cost	161	114
Expected return on plan assets	-178	-149
Amortization of prior service cost	1	6
Amortization of unrecognized loss	73	84
Curtailment loss	'	25
Settlement loss	'	327
Net periodic benefit cost	138	510
Employer contribution	$200	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Recurring basis, USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total	'	'
Fair value measurements	'	'
Long-term debt	$63,000	$64,400
Restricted investments	1,229	1,094
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)	'	'
Fair value measurements	'	'
Restricted investments	1,229	1,094
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Fair value measurements	'	'
Long-term debt	$63,000	$64,400

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	($5,163)	'
Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications	1,652	'
Reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses	45	'
Total other comprehensive income	1,697	676
Balance at the beginning of the period	-3,466	'
Restricted investments, other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications, tax benefit	38	'
Change in funded status of pension plan, other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications, tax benefit	0	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment, other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications, tax benefit	0	'
Restricted investments, reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses, tax (expense) benefit	2	'
Change in funded status of pension plan, reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses, tax (expense) benefit	26	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment, reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses, tax (expense) benefit	0	'
Gains on Restricted Investments:	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	144	'
Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications	74	'
Reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses	-3	'
Total other comprehensive income	71	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	215	'
Loss on Funded Pension Plan adjustments:	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	-3,578	'
Reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses	48	'
Total other comprehensive income	48	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	-3,530	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	-1,729	'
Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications	1,578	'
Total other comprehensive income	1,578	'
Balance at the beginning of the period	($151)	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$10,439	$10,539
Cost of products and services sold	35,478	37,271
Tax expense (benefit)	4,747	1,820
Net income	8,817	3,477
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'
Net income	-45	'
Gains on Restricted Investments: | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-5	'
Tax expense (benefit)	2	'
Net income	3	'
Loss on Funded Pension Plan adjustments: | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	'	'
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-54	'
Cost of products and services sold	-20	'
Tax expense (benefit)	26	'
Net income	$48	'