Chase (CCF) 10-Q 9 Apr 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	CHASE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	830524
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	28-Feb-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-23
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,182,762
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash & cash equivalents	$17,406	$53,222
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $713 and $670	35,073	35,601
Inventories	33,376	31,539
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,607	2,437
Due from sale of product line	739	739
Prepaid income taxes	2,468
Deferred income taxes	2,314	2,315
Total current assets	93,983	125,853
Property, plant and equipment, net	43,183	44,085
Other Assets:
Goodwill	44,137	38,280
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $25,077 and $22,941	49,137	27,215
Cash surrender value of life insurance	7,256	7,249
Restricted investments	1,377	1,256
Funded pension plan	1,022	962
Deferred income taxes	437	470
Other assets	156	175
Total assets	240,688	245,545
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	13,666	15,121
Accrued payroll and other compensation	3,475	7,754
Accrued expenses	4,880	4,842
Accrued income taxes	1,030	1,377
Current portion of long-term debt	9,700	7,000
Total current liabilities	32,751	36,094
Long-term debt, less current portion	47,600	51,800
Deferred compensation	2,121	2,037
Accumulated pension obligation	10,566	10,418
Other liabilities	106	126
Deferred income taxes	7,578	7,580
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; 9,153,724 shares at February 28, 2015 and 9,103,292 shares at August 31, 2014 issued and outstanding	915	910
Additional paid-in capital	14,233	13,620
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-6,948	-4,250
Retained earnings	131,766	126,272
Chase Corporation stockholders' equity	139,966	136,552
Noncontrolling interest		938
Total equity	139,966	137,490
Total liabilities and equity	$240,688	$245,545

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$713	$670
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$25,077	$22,941
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	9,153,724	9,103,292
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,153,724	9,103,292

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Revenue
Sales	$51,380	$50,412	$106,670	$104,067
Royalties and commissions	924	779	1,567	1,307
Total revenues	52,304	51,191	108,237	105,374
Costs and Expenses
Cost of products and services sold	34,235	33,951	68,715	69,429
Selling, general and administrative expenses	11,924	9,930	22,719	20,369
Operating income	6,145	7,310	16,803	15,576
Interest expense	-270	-285	-544	-588
Gain on sale of product line (Note 8)				5,706
Other (expense) income	381	-125	766	-230
Income before income taxes	6,256	6,900	17,025	20,464
Income taxes	2,190	2,415	5,959	7,162
Net income	4,066	4,485	11,066	13,302
Net loss (gain) attributable to non-controlling		35	-95	-7
Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$4,066	$4,520	$10,971	$13,295
Net income available to common shareholders, per common and common equivalent share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.50	$1.20	$1.46
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.44	$0.48	$1.18	$1.43
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	9,065,511	8,942,045	9,057,738	8,940,075
Diluted (in shares)	9,224,985	9,166,370	9,213,431	9,158,527
Cash dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)			$0.60	$0.45

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net income	$4,066	$4,485	$11,066	$13,302
Other comprehensive income:
Net unrealized (loss) gain on restricted investments, net	-20	2	-8	73
Change in funded status of pension plans, net of tax	109	48	219	96
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-818	605	-2,909	2,183
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	-729	655	-2,698	2,352
Comprehensive income	3,337	5,140	8,368	15,654
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest		35	-95	-7
Comprehensive income attributable to Chase Corporation	$3,337	$5,175	$8,273	$15,647

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (USD $)	Chase Stockholders' Equity	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)	Retained Earnings	Non-controlling Interest	Total
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Aug. 31, 2014	$136,552	$910	$13,620	($4,250)	$126,272	$938	$137,490
Balance (in shares) at Aug. 31, 2014		9,103,292
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures		1	-1
Restricted stock grants, net of forfeitures (in shares)		13,785
Amortization of restricted stock grants	411		411				411
Amortization of stock option grants	126		126				126
Exercise of stock options	1,767	12	1,755				1,767
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		115,000
Common stock received for payment of stock option exercises	-1,767	-5	-1,762				-1,767
Common stock received for payment of stock option exercises (in shares)		-47,486
Excess tax benefit (expense) from stock based compensation	730		730				730
Common stock retained to pay statutory minimum withholding taxes on common stock	-1,182	-3	-1,179				-1,182
Common stock retained to pay statutory minimum withholding taxes on common stock (in shares)		-30,867
Annual cash dividend paid, $0.60 per share	-5,477				-5,477		-5,477
Purchase of outstanding non-controlling interest	533		533			-1,033	-500
Change in funded status of pension plan, net of tax of $118	219			219			219
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-2,909			-2,909			-2,909
Net unrealized gain on restricted investments, net of tax of $4	-8			-8			-8
Net income	10,971				10,971	95	11,066
Balance at Feb. 28, 2015	$139,966	$915	$14,233	($6,948)	$131,766		$139,966
Balance (in shares) at Feb. 28, 2015		9,153,724

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.60
Change in funded status of pension plan, tax	$118
Net unrealized gain on restricted investments, tax	$4

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$11,066	$13,302
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Gain on sale of assets		-4
Gain on sale of product line		-5,706
Depreciation	2,812	2,852
Amortization	2,884	2,386
Inventory step-up to fair value	49
Provision (recovery) for allowance for doubtful accounts	64	-12
Stock based compensation	537	638
Realized gain on restricted investments	-75	-37
Decrease in cash surrender value life insurance	90	60
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation	-730	-34
Increase (decrease) from changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Accounts receivable	-144	-102
Inventories	-1,617	-3,345
Prepaid expenses & other assets	-163	-678
Accounts payable	-1,216	2,535
Accrued compensation and other expenses	-3,824	-4,355
Accrued income taxes	-2,029	-1,632
Deferred compensation	85	161
Net cash provided by operating activities	7,789	6,029
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-1,142	-2,190
Cost to acquire intangible assets	-10	-77
Contingent purchase price paid for acquisition		-156
Payments for acquisitions	-33,285
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets		14
Net proceeds from sale of product line		9,179
Contributions from restricted investments	-58	-36
Payments for cash surrender value life insurance	-92	-88
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-34,587	6,646
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Borrowings on debt	2,000	2,104
Payments of principal on debt	-3,500	-4,904
Payments of statutory minimum taxes on stock options and restricted stock	-1,182
Dividend paid	-5,477	-4,093
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options		32
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation	730	34
Net cash used in financing activities	-7,929	-6,827
Payments of statutory minimum taxes on stock options and restricted stock	-500
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS	-34,727	5,848
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash	-1,089	794
CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	53,222	29,997
CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	17,406	36,639
Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities
Property, plant & equipment additions included in accounts payable	$23	$195

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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, 2014 in conjunction with its 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to the prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation.
	The results of operations for the interim periods ended February 28, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period or the entire fiscal year.  These interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2014, which are contained in the Company’s 2014 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 February 28, 2015, the results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim periods ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, and changes in equity for the interim period ended February 28, 2015.
	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 US 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 UK pound sterling 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.  Transaction 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.
	On January 30, 2015, the Company acquired two product lines from Henkel Corporation (the “Seller”). The product lines were acquired for a purchase price of $33,285, after initial working capital adjustments, subject to the finalization of purchase accounting, and excluding any acquisition related costs.  As part of this transaction, Chase acquired the Seller’s microspheres product line, sold under the Dualite® brand, located in Greenville, SC, as well as obtained exclusive distribution rights and intellectual property related to the Seller’s polyurethane dispersions product line, operating in the Elgin, IL location. We refer to these collectively as the specialty chemical product lines. Under the agreement, Chase entered into a ten-year facility operating lease at the Seller’s Greenville, SC location, and the Seller will perform certain manufacturing and application services for Chase for the next three years. The purchase was funded entirely with available cash on hand. Since the effective date for this acquisition, the financial results of the specialty chemical product lines have been included in the Company’s financial statements within the Company’s Industrial Materials operating segment.
	On October 31, 2014, the Company purchased the 50% non-controlling membership interest of NEPTCO JV LLC (the “JV”) owned by its now-former joint venture partner, an otherwise unrelated party. Because of the Company’s controlling financial interest, the JV’s assets, 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. The Company will continue to fully consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the JV, but will no longer record an offsetting amount for a non-controlling interest subsequent to October 31, 2014. The ($95) recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as Net (gain) loss attributable to non-controlling interest for the six months ended February 28, 2015, represents the now-former joint venture partner’s share of the results of operations of the JV for the period from September 1, 2014 through October 31, 2014.

Recent_Accounting_Policies

Recent Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Recent Accounting Policies
Recent Accounting Policies	Note 2 — Recent Accounting Policies
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which will replace most of the existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The ASU requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The ASU will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2017 (fiscal 2018), including interim periods in its fiscal year 2018, and allows for both retrospective and prospective methods of adoption. The Company is in the process of determining the method of adoption and assessing the impact of this ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-2, “Consolidation (Topic 820): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.” ASU 2015-2 provides a revised consolidation model for all reporting entities to use in evaluating whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. All legal entities will be subject to reevaluation under this revised consolidation model. The revised consolidation model, among other things, (i) modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities, (ii) eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, and (iii) modifies the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs through fee arrangements and related party relationships. ASU 2015-2 is effective for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those fiscal years, beginning after September 1, 2016 (fiscal 2017). We are still evaluating what impact, if any, this ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Inventories
Inventories	Note 3 — Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014:
		February 28, 2015		August 31, 2014
	Raw materials	$	13,232	$	13,785
	Work in process	7,434		7,359
	Finished goods	12,710		10,395
	Total Inventories	$	33,376	$	31,539

Net_Income_Per_Share

Net Income Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 February 28,				Six Months Ended February 28,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Basic Earnings per Share
	Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$	4,066	$	4,520	$	10,971	$	13,295
	Less: Allocated to participating securities	30		77		81		228
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	4,036	$	4,443	$	10,890	$	13,067
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	9,065,511		8,942,045		9,057,738		8,940,075
	Net income per share - Basic	$	0.45	$	0.50	$	1.20	$	1.46
	Diluted Earnings per Share
	Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$	4,066	$	4,520	$	10,971	$	13,295
	Less: Allocated to participating securities	30		75		81		223
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	4,036	$	4,445	$	10,890	$	13,072
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	9,065,511		8,942,045		9,057,738		8,940,075
	Additional dilutive common stock equivalents	159,474		224,325		155,693		218,452
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	9,224,985		9,166,370		9,213,431		9,158,527
	Net income per share - Diluted	$	0.44	$	0.48	$	1.18	$	1.43
	For the three and six months ended February 28, 2015, stock options to purchase 22,750 and 27,863 shares of common stock were outstanding, respectively, but were not included in the calculation of diluted income per share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.  For the three and six months ended February 28, 2014, stock options to purchase 25,969 and 18,222 shares of common stock were outstanding, respectively, but were not included in the calculation of diluted income per share because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.  Included in the calculation of dilutive common stock equivalents are the unvested portion of restricted stock and stock options.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Based Compensation	Note 5 — Stock-Based Compensation
	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 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.  Based on the fiscal year 2014 financial results, 5,485 additional shares of restricted stock (total of 13,014 shares) were earned and granted subsequent to the end of fiscal year 2014 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 August 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the fiscal year 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2015 LTIP”) for the executive officers and other members of management.  The 2015 LTIP is an equity based plan with a grant date of September 1, 2014 and contains the following equity components:
	Restricted Shares — (a) performance and service based restricted stock grant of 6,993 shares in the aggregate, subject to adjustment based on fiscal 2015 results, with a vesting date of August 31, 2017.  Compensation expense is recognized on a ratable basis over the vesting period based on quarterly probability assessments with a vesting date of August 31, 2017; (b) time-based restricted stock grant of 8,132 shares in the aggregate, with a vesting date of August 31, 2017.  Compensation expense is recognized on a ratable basis over the vesting period.
	Stock options — options to purchase 22,750 shares of common stock in the aggregate with an exercise price of $35.50 per share.  The options will vest in three equal annual installments beginning on August 31, 2015 and ending on August 31, 2017. Of the options granted, 7,438 will expire on August 31, 2024 and 15,312 will expire on September 1, 2024.  Compensation expense is recognized over the period of the award on an annual basis consistent with the vesting terms.
	As part of their annual retainer, non-employee members of the Board of Directors receive a combined total of $194 of Chase Corporation common stock, in the form of restricted stock valued in conjunction with the start of the new year of Board service which generally coincides with the Company’s annual shareholder meeting.  The stock award vests one year from the date of grant.  In February 2015, non-employee members of the Board received a total grant of 5,361 shares of restricted stock for service for the period from January 31, 2015 through January 31, 2016.  The shares of restricted stock will vest at the conclusion of this service period.  Compensation is being recognized on a ratable basis over the twelve month vesting period.

Segment_Data_and_Foreign_Opera

Segment Data and Foreign Operations	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 segments are 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 typically 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, laminates for the packaging and industrial laminate markets, pulling and detection tapes used in the installation, measurement and location of fiber optic cables and water and natural gas lines, cover tapes essential to delivering semiconductor components via tape and reel packaging, wind energy composite materials and elements and glass-based strength elements products, designed to allow fiber optic cables to withstand mechanical and environmental strain and stress and which we operated as a joint venture prior to October 31, 2014. Further, beginning January 30, 2015, the Industrial Materials segment includes microspheres, sold under the Dualite brand, and polyurethane dispersions; both obtained through acquisition, and included in the Company’s specialty chemical product line.
	The Construction Materials segment comprises of typically 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, adhesives and sealants used in architectural and building envelope water proofing 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 February 28,						Six Months Ended February 28,
			2015			2014			2015			2014
	Revenue from external customers
	Industrial Materials		$	40,330		$	39,920		$	82,725		$	81,590
	Construction Materials		11,974			11,271			25,512			23,784
	Total		$	52,304		$	51,191		$	108,237		$	105,374
	Income (loss) before income taxes
	Industrial Materials		$	10,213	(a)	$	10,075	(c)	$	22,828		$	26,817	(c), (d)
	Construction Materials		2,592			1,507		(c)	6,465			3,944		(c)
	Total for reportable segments		12,805			11,582			29,293			30,761
	Corporate and Common Costs		(6,549		)(b)	(4,682		)(c)	(12,268		)(b)	(10,297		)(c)
	Total		$	6,256		$	6,900		$	17,025		$	20,464
	Includes the following costs by segment:
	Industrial Materials
	Interest		$	225		$	237		$	455		$	484
	Depreciation		976			998			1,953			1,981
	Amortization		1,283			766			2,053			1,520
	Construction Materials
	Interest		$	45		$	48		$	89		$	104
	Depreciation		280			286			569			577
	Amortization		418			427			831			866
		(a)		Includes $49 of expenses related to inventory step-up in fair value related to the January 2015 acquisition of the specialty chemical product lines
		(b)		Includes $584 in expenses related to the January 2015 acquisition of the specialty chemical product lines
		(c)		Includes the reclassification of $2,367, $640, $5,502 and $1,486 of Selling, general and administrative expense from Industrial Materials and Construction Materials segments, respectively, into Corporate and Common Costs for the second fiscal quarter of 2014 and year to date February 28, 2014, respectively. The reclassification reflects the methodology with which the Company internally reviews expenses in the current year
		(d)		Includes $5,706 gain on sale of Insulfab product line, for the year to date period ended February 28, 2014
	The Company’s products are sold world-wide.  For the quarters ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, sales from its operations located in the United Kingdom accounted for 14% and 12% of consolidated revenue, respectively.  In the fiscal year to date period, sales from its operations located in the United Kingdom accounted for 12% of total Company revenue compared to 10% in the same period in fiscal 2014.  No other foreign geographic area accounted for more than 10% of consolidated revenue for the three or six month periods ended February 28, 2015 or 2014.
			February 28, 2015		August 31, 2014
	Total assets
	Industrial Materials		$		$
			155,878		127,820
	Construction Materials		50,269		50,972
	Total for reportable segments		206,147		178,792
	Corporate and Common Assets		34,541		66,753
	Total		$		$
			240,688		245,545
	As of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, the Company had long-lived assets (that will provide a future economic benefit beyond the current year or operating period, including buildings, equipment and leasehold improvements) of $4,064 and $4,349, respectively, located in the United Kingdom.  These balances exclude goodwill and intangibles of $9,873 and $9,924, as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively, associated with its operations in the United Kingdom.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles

Goodwill and Other Intangibles	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Goodwill and Other Intangibles	Note 7 — Goodwill and Other Intangibles
	The changes in the carrying value of goodwill are as follows:
		Industrial			Construction			Consolidated
		Materials			Materials
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	27,528		$	10,752		$	38,280
	Acquisition of specialty chemical product lines	6,371						6,371
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(495		)	(19		)	(514		)
	Balance at February 28, 2015	$	33,404		$	10,733		$	44,137
	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 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 February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014:
		Weighted-Average		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Amortization Period		Value			Amortization			Value
	February 28, 2015
	Patents and agreements	12.0 years		$	3,036		$	2,301		$	735
	Formulas and technology	8.4 years		8,455			3,084			5,371
	Trade names	5.9 years		7,242			3,601			3,641
	Customer lists and relationships	9.3 years		55,481			16,091			39,390
				$	74,214		$	25,077		$	49,137
	August 31, 2014
	Patents and agreements	11.9 years		$	3,104		$	2,281		$	823
	Formulas and technology	9.1 years		5,849			2,851			2,998
	Trade names	5.7 years		6,406			3,153			3,253
	Customer lists and relationships	10.2 years		34,797			14,656			20,141
				$	50,156		$	22,941		$	27,215
	Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets for the six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 was $2,884 and $2,386, respectively.  Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal year 2015 and for future periods is as follows:
	Years ending August 31,
	2015 (remaining 6 months)	$	3,991
	2016	7,848
	2017	7,411
	2018	7,180
	2019	6,481
	2020	5,613
		$	38,524

Sale_of_Insulfab_Product_Line

Sale of Insulfab Product Line	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 the 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 were subject to certain post-closing adjustments based on the change in the final net book value compared to the bid date net book value.  In the quarter ending 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 was settled and paid by the Buyer to the Company in the quarter ending February 28, 2014, net of amounts held in escrow.  The net proceeds from the sale are available for debt reduction, investment in the Company’s core businesses and future acquisitions.
	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 portion of the sale price held in escrow of $739 is recorded as a current asset (Due from sale of product line) as of both February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, and is available to resolve any submitted claims or adjustments up to 18 months from the closing date of the Insulfab sale.

Joint_Venture

Joint Venture	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Joint Venture
Joint Venture	Note 9 — Joint Venture
	On October 31, 2014, the Company purchased the 50% non-controlling membership interest of NEPTCO JV LLC (the “JV”) owned by its now-former joint venture partner, an otherwise unrelated party. The purchase consideration is subject to certain contingent adjustments based on certain future events related to the JV. The purchase price, including these contingent adjustments, was not, nor will be, material to the Company. Because of the Company’s controlling financial interest, the JV’s assets, 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. The Company will continue to fully consolidate the assets, liabilities and results of operations of the JV, but will no longer record an offsetting amount for a non-controlling interest. The ($95) recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as Net (gain) loss attributable to non-controlling interest for the six months ended February 28, 2015, represents the now-former joint venture partner’s share of the results of operations of the JV for the period from September 1, 2014 through October 31, 2014.
	The Company accounted 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 had determined that the JV qualified as a variable interest entity (“VIE”).
	Under the JV agreement, which terminated with the Company’s October 2014 acquisition of the 50% outstanding non-controlling membership interest in the JV, the JV had agreed to purchase a minimum of 80% of its total glass fiber requirements from the now-former joint venture partner. Additionally, the JV agreed to purchase private-label products exclusively from an affiliate of the now-former joint venture partner; however, the JV was not subject to a minimum purchase requirement on private-label products. Purchases from the now-former joint venture partner totaled $332 for the period from September 1, 2014 through October 31, 2014 and $300 and $767 for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2014, respectively. The JV had amounts due to the now-former joint venture partner of $385 and $394 at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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_PostRetirem

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 and six months ended February 28, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
		Three Months Ended February 28,						Six Months Ended February 28,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost	$	91		$	81		$	181		$	161
	Interest cost	170			161			339			321
	Expected return on plan assets	(153		)	(178		)	(306		)	(355		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	1			1			2			2
	Amortization of unrecognized loss	167			73			335			147
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	276		$	138		$	551		$	276
	When funding is required, the Company’s policy is to contribute amounts that are deductible for federal income tax purposes.  As of February 28, 2015, the Company has made contributions of $115 in the current fiscal year to fund its obligations under its pension plan, and plans to make the necessary contributions over the remainder of fiscal 2015 to ensure the qualified plan continues to be adequately funded given the current market conditions. The Company made contributions of $200 in the first six months of the prior year.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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 (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. 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 and Level 2 as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014 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 February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014:
					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	February 28, 2015	$	1,377	$	1,339	$	38	$	—
	Restricted investments	August 31, 2014	$	1,256	$	1,216	$	40	$	—
	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt as of February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, 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	February 28, 2015	$	57,300	$	—	$	57,300	$	—
	Long-term debt	August 31, 2014	$	58,800	$	—	$	58,800	$	—
	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	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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, 2014		$	209		$	(4,785	)	$	326		$	(4,250	)
	Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications (1)		40			—			(2,909		)	(2,869		)
	Reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses (2)		(48		)	219			—			171
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(8		)	219			(2,909		)	(2,698		)
	Balance at February 28, 2015		$	201		$	(4,566	)	$	(2,583	)	$	(6,948	)
		-1		Net of tax benefit of $22, $0, $0, respectively.
		-2		Net of tax expense of $26, tax benefit of $118, $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 February 28,						Six Months Ended February 28,						Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other
			2015			2014			2015			2014			Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
	Gains on Restricted Investments:
	Realized gain on sale of restricted investments		$	(75	)	$	(32	)	$	(76	)	$	(37	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Tax expense (benefit)		26			11			27			13
	Gain net of tax		$	(48	)	$	(21	)	$	(48	)	$	(24	)
	Loss on Funded Pension Plan adjustments:
	Amortization of prior pension service costs and unrecognized losses		$	5		$	20		$	10		$	40		Cost of products and services sold
	Amortization of prior pension service costs and unrecognized losses		163			54			326			108			Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Tax expense (benefit)		-59			(26		)	(118		)	(52		)
	Loss net of tax		$	109		$	48		$	219		$	96
	Total net loss reclassified for the period		$	62		$	27		$	171		$	72
	Note: Gains on Restricted Investments and losses on funded pension plan adjustments may not sum for the quarter end or year to date period due to rounding.

Acquisition_of_Specialty_Chemi

Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Product Lines	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Product Lines
Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Product Lines	Note 14 — Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Product Lines
	On January 30, 2015, the Company acquired two product lines from Henkel Corporation (the “Seller”). The product lines were acquired for a purchase price of $33,285, after initial working capital adjustments, and excluding any acquisition related costs.  As part of this transaction, which was completed to expand the products and service offerings of the Company, Chase acquired the Seller’s microspheres product line, sold under the Dualite brand, located in Greenville, SC, as well as obtained exclusive distribution rights and intellectual property related to the Seller’s polyurethane dispersions product line, operating in the Elgin, IL location. Under the agreement, Chase entered into a ten-year facility operating lease at the Seller’s Greenville, SC location, and the Seller will perform certain manufacturing and application services, at the Seller’s Elgin, IL location for Chase for the next three years. The purchase was funded entirely with available cash on hand.
	Since the effective date for this acquisition, January 30, 2015, the financial results of the specialty chemical product lines, have been included in the Company’s financial statements within the Industrial Materials operating segment. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” In accordance with this accounting standard, the Company expensed $584 of acquisition related costs during both the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2015 to selling, general and administrative expenses.
	Management is currently in the process of finalizing purchase accounting pending final valuation of customer relationships. The purchase price has been initially allocated to the acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets assumed based on their fair values as of the date of the acquisition:
	Assets & Liabilities	Amount
	Inventory	$	610
	Property, plant & equipment	1,064
	Goodwill	6,371
	Intangible assets	25,240
	Total purchase price	$	33,285
	The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible and intangible assets acquired resulted in goodwill of $6,371 that is largely attributable to the synergies and economies of scale from combining the operations and technologies of Chase and the two product lines, particularly as it pertains to the expansion of the Company’s product and service offerings, the established workforce, and marketing efforts. This goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes.
	All assets, including goodwill, acquired as part of the specialty chemical product lines are included in the Industrial Materials operating segment. Identifiable intangible assets purchased with this transaction are as follows:
	Intangible Asset	Amount		Useful life
	Customer relationships	$	21,300	8 years
	Technology	2,700		7 years
	Trade name	910		7 years
	Backlog	330		2 months
	Total intangible assets	$	25,240
	Supplemental Pro Forma Data
	The following table presents the pro forma results of the Company for the three and six month periods ended February 28, 2015 and 2014, as though the specialty chemical product lines acquisition described above occurred on September 1, 2013. The actual revenue and expenses for the specialty chemical product lines acquisition are included in the Company’s fiscal 2015 consolidated results beginning on January 30, 2015. Revenue and net loss attributable to Chase Corporation for the specialty chemicals product lines since the acquisition date included in the consolidated statement of operations were $1,462 and $445, respectively, inclusive of the effects of the $584 in acquisition costs, $49 in sale of inventory step-up cost and additional amortization expense recognized as part of the transaction. The pro forma results include adjustments for the estimated amortization of intangibles, acquisition related costs, sale of inventory step-up cost and the income tax impact of the pro forma adjustments at the statutory rate of 35%. The following pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been achieved if the acquisition had been effective on September 1, 2013.
		Three Months Ended February 28,				Six Months Ended February 28,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Revenue	$	55,873	$	56,291	$	116,766	$	114,929
	Net income	4,955		4,923		12,329		13,405
	Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	4,955		4,958		12,234		13,398
	Net income available to common shareholders, per common and common equivalent share
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.54	$	0.55	$	1.34	$	1.47
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.53	$	0.53	$	1.32	$	1.44

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Inventories
Schedule of inventories
		February 28, 2015		August 31, 2014
	Raw materials	$	13,232	$	13,785
	Work in process	7,434		7,359
	Finished goods	12,710		10,395
	Total Inventories	$	33,376	$	31,539

Net_Income_Per_Share_Tables

Net Income Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Net Income Per Share
Schedule of determination of earnings per share under the two-class method
		Three Months Ended February 28,				Six Months Ended February 28,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Basic Earnings per Share
	Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$	4,066	$	4,520	$	10,971	$	13,295
	Less: Allocated to participating securities	30		77		81		228
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	4,036	$	4,443	$	10,890	$	13,067
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	9,065,511		8,942,045		9,057,738		8,940,075
	Net income per share - Basic	$	0.45	$	0.50	$	1.20	$	1.46
	Diluted Earnings per Share
	Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$	4,066	$	4,520	$	10,971	$	13,295
	Less: Allocated to participating securities	30		75		81		223
	Net income available to common shareholders	$	4,036	$	4,445	$	10,890	$	13,072
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	9,065,511		8,942,045		9,057,738		8,940,075
	Additional dilutive common stock equivalents	159,474		224,325		155,693		218,452
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	9,224,985		9,166,370		9,213,431		9,158,527
	Net income per share - Diluted	$	0.44	$	0.48	$	1.18	$	1.43

Segment_Data_and_Foreign_Opera1

Segment Data and Foreign Operations (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Segment Data and Foreign Operations
Summary of information about the Company's segments
			Three Months Ended February 28,						Six Months Ended February 28,
			2015			2014			2015			2014
	Revenue from external customers
	Industrial Materials		$	40,330		$	39,920		$	82,725		$	81,590
	Construction Materials		11,974			11,271			25,512			23,784
	Total		$	52,304		$	51,191		$	108,237		$	105,374
	Income (loss) before income taxes
	Industrial Materials		$	10,213	(a)	$	10,075	(c)	$	22,828		$	26,817	(c), (d)
	Construction Materials		2,592			1,507		(c)	6,465			3,944		(c)
	Total for reportable segments		12,805			11,582			29,293			30,761
	Corporate and Common Costs		(6,549		)(b)	(4,682		)(c)	(12,268		)(b)	(10,297		)(c)
	Total		$	6,256		$	6,900		$	17,025		$	20,464
	Includes the following costs by segment:
	Industrial Materials
	Interest		$	225		$	237		$	455		$	484
	Depreciation		976			998			1,953			1,981
	Amortization		1,283			766			2,053			1,520
	Construction Materials
	Interest		$	45		$	48		$	89		$	104
	Depreciation		280			286			569			577
	Amortization		418			427			831			866
		(a)		Includes $49 of expenses related to inventory step-up in fair value related to the January 2015 acquisition of the specialty chemical product lines
		(b)		Includes $584 in expenses related to the January 2015 acquisition of the specialty chemical product lines
		(c)		Includes the reclassification of $2,367, $640, $5,502 and $1,486 of Selling, general and administrative expense from Industrial Materials and Construction Materials segments, respectively, into Corporate and Common Costs for the second fiscal quarter of 2014 and year to date February 28, 2014, respectively. The reclassification reflects the methodology with which the Company internally reviews expenses in the current year
		(d)		Includes $5,706 gain on sale of Insulfab product line, for the year to date period ended February 28, 2014
Schedule of total assets for the Company's reportable segments
			February 28, 2015		August 31, 2014
	Total assets
	Industrial Materials		$		$
			155,878		127,820
	Construction Materials		50,269		50,972
	Total for reportable segments		206,147		178,792
	Corporate and Common Assets		34,541		66,753
	Total		$		$
			240,688		245,545

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles1

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Schedule of changes in the carrying value of goodwill by operating segment
		Industrial			Construction			Consolidated
		Materials			Materials
	Balance at August 31, 2014	$	27,528		$	10,752		$	38,280
	Acquisition of specialty chemical product lines	6,371						6,371
	Foreign currency translation adjustment	(495		)	(19		)	(514		)
	Balance at February 28, 2015	$	33,404		$	10,733		$	44,137
Schedule of intangible assets subject to amortization
		Weighted-Average		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Net Carrying
		Amortization Period		Value			Amortization			Value
	February 28, 2015
	Patents and agreements	12.0 years		$	3,036		$	2,301		$	735
	Formulas and technology	8.4 years		8,455			3,084			5,371
	Trade names	5.9 years		7,242			3,601			3,641
	Customer lists and relationships	9.3 years		55,481			16,091			39,390
				$	74,214		$	25,077		$	49,137
	August 31, 2014
	Patents and agreements	11.9 years		$	3,104		$	2,281		$	823
	Formulas and technology	9.1 years		5,849			2,851			2,998
	Trade names	5.7 years		6,406			3,153			3,253
	Customer lists and relationships	10.2 years		34,797			14,656			20,141
				$	50,156		$	22,941		$	27,215
Schedule of estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets
	Years ending August 31,
	2015 (remaining 6 months)	$	3,991
	2016	7,848
	2017	7,411
	2018	7,180
	2019	6,481
	2020	5,613
		$	38,524

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem1

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits
Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost
		Three Months Ended February 28,						Six Months Ended February 28,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Service cost	$	91		$	81		$	181		$	161
	Interest cost	170			161			339			321
	Expected return on plan assets	(153		)	(178		)	(306		)	(355		)
	Amortization of prior service cost	1			1			2			2
	Amortization of unrecognized loss	167			73			335			147
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	276		$	138		$	551		$	276

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
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	February 28, 2015	$	1,377	$	1,339	$	38	$	—
	Restricted investments	August 31, 2014	$	1,256	$	1,216	$	40	$	—
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	February 28, 2015	$	57,300	$	—	$	57,300	$	—
	Long-term debt	August 31, 2014	$	58,800	$	—	$	58,800	$	—

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Schedule of components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
			Restricted			Change in Funded			Foreign Currency			Total
			Investments			Status of Pension			Translation
						Plan			Adjustment
	Balance at August 31, 2014		$	209		$	(4,785	)	$	326		$	(4,250	)
	Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications (1)		40			—			(2,909		)	(2,869		)
	Reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses (2)		(48		)	219			—			171
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(8		)	219			(2,909		)	(2,698		)
	Balance at February 28, 2015		$	201		$	(4,566	)	$	(2,583	)	$	(6,948	)
		-1		Net of tax benefit of $22, $0, $0, respectively.
		-2		Net of tax expense of $26, tax benefit of $118, $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 February 28,						Six Months Ended February 28,						Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated Other
			2015			2014			2015			2014			Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Income
	Gains on Restricted Investments:
	Realized gain on sale of restricted investments		$	(75	)	$	(32	)	$	(76	)	$	(37	)	Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Tax expense (benefit)		26			11			27			13
	Gain net of tax		$	(48	)	$	(21	)	$	(48	)	$	(24	)
	Loss on Funded Pension Plan adjustments:
	Amortization of prior pension service costs and unrecognized losses		$	5		$	20		$	10		$	40		Cost of products and services sold
	Amortization of prior pension service costs and unrecognized losses		163			54			326			108			Selling, general and administrative expenses
	Tax expense (benefit)		(59		)	(26		)	-118			(52		)
	Loss net of tax		$	109		$	48		$	219		$	96
	Total net loss reclassified for the period		$	62		$	27		$	171		$	72
	Note: Gains on Restricted Investments and losses on funded pension plan adjustments may not sum for the quarter end or year to date period due to rounding.

Acquisition_of_Specialty_Chemi1

Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Product Lines (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015
Schedule of pro forma information	The following pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results that would have been achieved if the acquisition had been effective on September 1, 2013.
		Three Months Ended February 28,				Six Months Ended February 28,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	Revenue	$	55,873	$	56,291	$	116,766	$	114,929
	Net income	4,955		4,923		12,329		13,405
	Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	4,955		4,958		12,234		13,398
	Net income available to common shareholders, per common and common equivalent share
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.54	$	0.55	$	1.34	$	1.47
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.53	$	0.53	$	1.32	$	1.44
Henkel Corporation ( Seller)
Schedule of allocation of acquisition cost to the acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of the date of the acquisition
	Assets & Liabilities	Amount
	Inventory	$	610
	Property, plant & equipment	1,064
	Goodwill	6,371
	Intangible assets	25,240
	Total purchase price	$	33,285
Schedule of identifiable intangible assets purchased as part of business acquisition
	Intangible Asset	Amount		Useful life
	Customer relationships	$	21,300	8 years
	Technology	2,700		7 years
	Trade name	910		7 years
	Backlog	330		2 months
	Total intangible assets	$	25,240

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		2 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015
					item
Basis of Presentation
Net (gain) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	($35)	$95	$7
NEPTCO
Basis of Presentation
Net (gain) loss attributable to non-controlling interest				-95
NEPTCO | JV | Joint venture partner
Basis of Presentation
Membership interest purchased				50.00%
Henkel Corporation ( Seller)
Basis of Presentation
Number Of Product Lines Acquired					2
Purchase price					$33,285
Lease term					10 years
Period to perform certain manufacturing and application services					3 years

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories
Raw materials	$13,232	$13,785
Work in process	7,434	7,359
Finished goods	12,710	10,395
Total Inventories	$33,376	$31,539

Net_Income_Per_Share_Details

Net Income Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Basic Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	$4,066	$4,520	$10,971	$13,295
Less: Allocated to participating securities	30	77	81	228
Net income available to common shareholders	4,036	4,443	10,890	13,067
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	9,065,511	8,942,045	9,057,738	8,940,075
Net income per share - Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.50	$1.20	$1.46
Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Chase Corporation	4,066	4,520	10,971	13,295
Less: Allocated to participating securities	30	75	81	223
Net income available to common shareholders	$4,036	$4,445	$10,890	$13,072
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	9,065,511	8,942,045	9,057,738	8,940,075
Additional dilutive common stock equivalents (in shares)	159,474	224,325	155,693	218,452
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	9,224,985	9,166,370	9,213,431	9,158,527
Net income per share - Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.44	$0.48	$1.18	$1.43
Antidilutive securities
Antidilutive stock options excluded from computation of earnings per share amount (in shares)	22,750	25,969	27,863	18,222

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 01, 2013	Sep. 01, 2014	Sep. 02, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015
			item
2014 LTIP | Performance and service based restricted stock | Executive officers
Stock Based Compensation
Shares granted	5,485
Cumulative shares granted	13,014
2014 LTIP | Performance and service based restricted stock | Executive officers | August 31, 2016 vesting date
Stock Based Compensation
Shares granted		7,529
2014 LTIP | Stock options | Executive officers and other members of management
Stock Based Compensation
Number Options Outstanding (in shares)			22,750
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)			$35.50
Number of equal annual allotments in which awards will vest			3
Stock options expiring August 31, 2024			7,438
Stock options expiring on September 1, 2024			15,312
2015 LTIP | Non-employee members of BOD
Stock Based Compensation
Value of common stock issued in the form of restricted stock as part of annual retainer				$194
Vesting period				1 year
2015 LTIP | Performance and service based restricted stock | Executive officers and other members of management | August 31, 2017 vesting date
Stock Based Compensation
Shares granted				6,993
2015 LTIP | Time-based restricted stock | Executive officers and other members of management | August 31, 2017 vesting date
Stock Based Compensation
Shares granted				8,132
2015 LTIP | Service based restricted stock | Non-employee members of BOD
Stock Based Compensation
Shares granted					5,361
Period over which unrecognized expense related to all stock based compensation will be recognized					12 months

Segment_Data_and_Foreign_Opera2

Segment Data and Foreign Operations (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
				item
Segment data
Revenue from external customers		$52,304	$51,191	$108,237	$105,374
Income (loss) before income taxes		6,256	6,900	17,025	20,464
Total assets	240,688	240,688		240,688		245,545
Interest		270	285	544	588
Depreciation				2,812	2,852
Amortization				2,884	2,386
Inventory step-up to fair value				49
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	584
Gain on sale					5,706
Number of operating segments				2
Henkel Corporation ( Seller)
Segment data
Inventory step-up to fair value				49
Henkel Corporation ( Seller) | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Segment data
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs		584		584
Insulfab product line
Segment data
Gain on sale					5,706
Industrial Materials
Segment data
Revenue from external customers		40,330	39,920	82,725	81,590
Income (loss) before income taxes		10,213	10,075	22,828	26,817
Total assets	155,878	155,878		155,878		127,820
Interest		225	237	455	484
Depreciation		976	998	1,953	1,981
Amortization		1,283	766	2,053	1,520
Industrial Materials | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Segment data
Income (loss) before income taxes			2,367		5,502
Construction Materials
Segment data
Revenue from external customers		11,974	11,271	25,512	23,784
Income (loss) before income taxes		2,592	1,507	6,465	3,944
Total assets	50,269	50,269		50,269		50,972
Interest		45	48	89	104
Depreciation		280	286	569	577
Amortization		418	427	831	866
Construction Materials | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Segment data
Income (loss) before income taxes			640		1,486
Reportable segments
Segment data
Income (loss) before income taxes		12,805	11,582	29,293	30,761
Total assets	206,147	206,147		206,147		178,792
Corporate and common costs
Segment data
Income (loss) before income taxes		-6,549	-4,682	-12,268	-10,297
Total assets	$34,541	$34,541		$34,541		$66,753

Segment_Data_and_Foreign_Opera3

Segment Data and Foreign Operations (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Concentration risk
Long-lived assets	43,183		43,183		$44,085
United Kingdom
Concentration risk
Goodwill and intangible assets	9,873		9,873		9,924
Revenue | Geographic concentration risk | United Kingdom
Concentration risk
Percentage of concentration risk	14.00%	12.00%	12.00%	10.00%
Long-lived assets | Geographic concentration risk | United Kingdom
Concentration risk
Long-lived assets	4,064		4,064		$4,349

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles2

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015
	item
Changes in the carrying value of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$38,280
Acquisition of Speciality Chemical Intermediates businesses	6,371
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-514
Balance at the end of the period	44,137
Number of operating segments	2
Construction Materials
Changes in the carrying value of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	10,752
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-19
Balance at the end of the period	10,733
Industrial Materials
Changes in the carrying value of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	27,528
Acquisition of Speciality Chemical Intermediates businesses	6,371
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-495
Balance at the end of the period	$33,404

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangibles3

Goodwill and Other Intangibles (Details 2) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Intangible assets
Gross Carrying Value	$74,214		$50,156
Accumulated Amortization	25,077		22,941
Net Carrying Value	49,137		27,215
Aggregate amortization expense	2,884	2,386
Estimated amortization expense
2015 (remaining 6 months)	3,991
2016	7,848
2017	7,411
2018	7,180
2019	6,481
2020	5,613
Net Carrying Value	38,524
Patents and agreements
Intangible assets
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	12 years		11 years 10 months 24 days
Gross Carrying Value	3,036		3,104
Accumulated Amortization	2,301		2,281
Net Carrying Value	735		823
Formulas and technology
Intangible assets
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	8 years 4 months 24 days		9 years 1 month 6 days
Gross Carrying Value	8,455		5,849
Accumulated Amortization	3,084		2,851
Net Carrying Value	5,371		2,998
Trade names
Intangible assets
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	5 years 10 months 24 days		5 years 8 months 12 days
Gross Carrying Value	7,242		6,406
Accumulated Amortization	3,601		3,153
Net Carrying Value	3,641		3,253
Customer lists and relationships
Intangible assets
Weighted-Average Amortization Period	9 years 3 months 18 days		10 years 2 months 12 days
Gross Carrying Value	55,481		34,797
Accumulated Amortization	16,091		14,656
Net Carrying Value	$39,390		$20,141

Sale_of_Insulfab_Product_Line_

Sale of Insulfab Product Line (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Oct. 07, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Sale of Insulfab product line
Proceeds from the sale of property and assets	$9,179
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	$739
Term of Escrow Deposit				18 months

Joint_Venture_Details

Joint Venture (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		2 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Joint Venture
Net (gain) loss attributable to non-controlling interest	($35)	$95	$7
JV | Joint venture partner
Joint Venture
Purchases made	300		767	332
Amounts due for purchases made		385			394
NEPTCO
Joint Venture
Net (gain) loss attributable to non-controlling interest				($95)
NEPTCO | Joint venture partner
Joint Venture
Ownership interest (as a percent)				50.00%
NEPTCO | Joint venture partner | Minimum
Joint Venture
Percentage of total glass fiber requirements agreed to be purchased		80.00%
NEPTCO | JV | Joint venture partner
Joint Venture
Membership interest purchased				50.00%

Pensions_and_Other_PostRetirem2

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$91	$81	$181	$161
Interest cost	170	161	339	321
Expected return on plan assets	-153	-178	-306	-355
Amortization of prior service cost	1	1	2	2
Amortization of unrecognized loss	167	73	335	147
Net periodic benefit cost	276	138	551	276
Employer contribution			$115

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (Recurring basis, USD $)	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total
Fair value measurements
Restricted investments	$1,377	$1,256
Long-term debt	57,300	58,800
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)
Fair value measurements
Restricted investments	1,339	1,216
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair value measurements
Restricted investments	38	40
Long-term debt	$57,300	$58,800

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at the beginning of the period			($4,250)
Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications			-2,869
Reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses			171
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	-729	655	-2,698	2,352
Balance at the ending of the period	-6,948		-6,948
Restricted investments, other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications, tax benefit			22
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			26
Change in funded status of pension plan, reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses, tax (expense) benefit			118
Foreign currency translation adjustment, reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses, tax (expense) benefit			0
Unrealized gains on restricted investments, net of tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at the beginning of the period			209
Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications			40
Reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses			-48
Total other comprehensive (loss) income			-8
Balance at the ending of the period	201		201
Pension and postretirement plan liabilities, net of tax benefit
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at the beginning of the period			-4,785
Reclassifications to net income of previously deferred (gains) losses			219
Total other comprehensive (loss) income			219
Balance at the ending of the period	-4,566		-4,566
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at the beginning of the period			326
Other comprehensive gains (losses) before reclassifications			-2,909
Total other comprehensive (loss) income			-2,909
Balance at the ending of the period	($2,583)		($2,583)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Cost of products and services sold	$34,235	$33,951	$68,715	$69,429
Selling, general and administrative expenses	11,924	9,930	22,719	20,369
Tax expense (benefit)	2,190	2,415	5,959	7,162
Net income	4,066	4,485	11,066	13,302
Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Net income	62	27	171	72
Unrealized gains on restricted investments, net of tax | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Selling, general and administrative expenses	-75	-32	-76	-37
Tax expense (benefit)	26	11	27	13
Net income	-48	-21	-48	-24
Pension and postretirement plan liabilities, net of tax benefit | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Cost of products and services sold	5	20	10	40
Selling, general and administrative expenses	163	54	326	108
Tax expense (benefit)	-59	-26	-118	-52
Net income	$109	$48	$219	$96

Acquisition_of_Specialty_Chemi2

Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Product Lines (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
		item
Acquisitions
Acquisition related costs	$584
Acquisition cost has been allocated to the acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed based on their fair values
Goodwill	44,137		44,137	44,137	38,280
Henkel Corporation ( Seller)
Acquisitions
Number of product lines acquired		2
Purchase price		33,285
Lease term		10 years
Period to perform certain manufacturing and application services		3 years
Acquisition cost has been allocated to the acquired tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities assumed based on their fair values
Inventory		610
Property, plant & equipment		1,064
Goodwill		6,371
Intangible assets		25,240
Total purchase price		33,285
Henkel Corporation ( Seller) | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Acquisitions
Acquisition related costs			$584	$584

Acquisition_of_Specialty_Chemi3

Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Product Lines (Details 2) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Revenue since acquisition date	$1,462
Net loss since acquisition date	445
Statutory tax rate (as a percent)				35.00%
Acquisition related costs	584
Inventory step-up costs	49
Net income		4,066	4,485	11,066	13,302
Henkel Corporation ( Seller)
Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Intermediates Businesses
Intangible assets						25,240
Henkel Corporation ( Seller) | Customer Relationships
Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Intermediates Businesses
Intangible assets						21,300
Useful life						8 years
Henkel Corporation ( Seller) | Technology
Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Intermediates Businesses
Intangible assets						2,700
Useful life						7 years
Henkel Corporation ( Seller) | Trade names
Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Intermediates Businesses
Intangible assets						910
Useful life						7 years
Henkel Corporation ( Seller) | Backlog
Acquisition of Specialty Chemical Intermediates Businesses
Intangible assets						330
Useful life						2 months
Pro Forma
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Revenue		55,873	56,291	116,766	114,929
Net income		4,955	4,923	12,329	13,405
Net income attributable to Chase Corporation		$4,955	$4,958	$12,234	$13,398
Basic (in dollars per share)		$0.54	$0.55	$1.34	$1.47
Diluted (in dollars per share)		$0.53	$0.53	$1.32	$1.44