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Summary Significant Accounting Policies - Nontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Aug. 31, 2016
May 31, 2016
Feb. 29, 2016
Nov. 30, 2015
Aug. 31, 2015
May 31, 2015
Feb. 28, 2015
Nov. 30, 2014
Aug. 31, 2016
Aug. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interests                      
Net loss attributable to SemiLEDs stockholders $ (12,171) $ (3,253) $ (2,539) $ (3,312) $ (3,000) $ (3,041) $ (2,902) $ (4,331) $ (21,275) $ (13,274)  
Transfers to noncontrolling interests:                      
Change from net loss attributable to SemiLEDs stockholders and transfer to noncontrolling interests                   (13,399)  
Ning Xiang                      
Noncontrolling Interests                      
Ownership interest acquired (as a percent)                     6.00%
Ownership interest (as a percent) 93.00%             87.00% 93.00%   93.00%
Transfers to noncontrolling interests:                      
Decrease in SemiLEDs additional paid in capital for purchase of common shares in Ning Xiang                   $ (125)