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Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies
 12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
16.           COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

On August 22, 2013, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved the material terms of an annual bonus plan for the Company’s executive officers and certain officers and employees for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2014.  For fiscal 2014 as in past years, the total amount available under the bonus plan for all plan participants, including executive officers, is dependent upon the Company’s earnings before interest, taxes and other income, as adjusted to take into account amounts to be paid under the bonus plan and certain other adjustments (Adjusted EBITOI).  Each plan participant’s percentage of the overall bonus pool is based upon the number of plan participants, the individual’s annual base salary and the individual’s position and level of responsibility within the company.  In the case of each of the Company’s executive officer participants, 75% of the amount of their individual bonus payout will be determined based upon the Company’s actual EBITOI for fiscal 2013 compared to a pre-established target EBITOI for fiscal 2014 and 25% of the payout will be determined based upon such executive officer’s achievement of certain pre-established individual performance objectives.  The payment of bonuses under the plan are discretionary and may be paid to executive officer participants in both cash and shares of NTIC common stock, the exact amount and percentages of which will be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, after the completion of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2014.

On August 31, 2012, the Compensation Committee approved the material terms of an annual bonus plan that encompasses the Company’s executive officers, members of management and key employees for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2013.  Under the terms of the plan, the total amount available under the bonus plan for all plan participants, including executive officers, is up to a certain percentage of the Company’s Adjusted EBITOI and $0 if Adjusted EBITOI is below 70% of a pre-established target Adjusted EBITOI for fiscal 2013.  Each plan participant’s percentage of the overall bonus pool is based upon the number of plan participants, the individual’s annual base salary and the individual’s position and level of responsibility within the company.  In the case of each of the Company’s executive officer participants, 75% of the amount of their individual bonus payout is determined based upon the Company’s actual EBITOI for fiscal 2013 compared to the pre-established target EBITOI for fiscal 2013 and 25% of the payout is determined based upon such executive officer’s achievement of certain pre-established individual performance objectives.  On November 19, 2013, the Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, approved the payment of annual bonuses for fiscal 2013.  For fiscal 2013, actual Adjusted EBITOI was 60% of the budgeted target Adjusted EBITOI.  The Company’s Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, nonetheless, decided to pay bonuses for fiscal 2013 under the plan since the principal reason for the shortfall was reduced revenue compared to budget due to the postponed fulfillment of a ZERUST® Oil & Gas contract.

There was $959,000 accrued for bonuses under the fiscal 2013 bonus plan as of August 31, 2013.  $1,248,526 was accrued for bonuses under the prior fiscal year bonus plan as of August 31, 2012.

The Company leases property located at 23205 Mercantile Road, Beachwood, Ohio.  Remaining rentals payable under such leases are as follows: fiscal 2014 - $59,500 and thereafter - $0. 

Two joint ventures accounted for 49.0% of the Company’s trade joint venture receivables at August 31, 2013 and three joint ventures accounted for 55.3% of the Company’s trade joint venture receivables at August 31, 2012.

From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of its business.  The Company is not currently involved in any legal proceeding in which the Company believes, based on information currently available, that there is a reasonable possibility of a material loss.