A. Schulman (SLMNP) 10-Q 6 Jan 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SCHULMAN A INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000087565	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Nov-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--08-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	29,016,761

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Net sales	$585,397	$532,085
Cost of sales	506,289	461,896
Selling, general and administrative expenses	57,398	49,838
Restructuring expense	1,778	1,937
Asset impairment	0	498
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	333
Operating income	19,932	17,583
Interest expense	2,191	1,768
Interest income	-62	-207
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses	682	579
Other (income) expense, net	-78	-136
Income from continuing operations before taxes	17,199	15,579
Provision (benefit) for U.S. and foreign income taxes	4,568	3,437
Income from continuing operations	12,631	12,142
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	2,655	3
Net income	15,286	12,145
Noncontrolling interests	-215	-366
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$15,071	$11,779
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic	29,017	29,217
Diluted	29,205	29,412
Basic earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.43	$0.40
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0.09	$0
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$0.52	$0.40
Diluted earnings per share attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$0.43	$0.40
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0.09	$0
Net income attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$0.52	$0.40
Cash dividends per common share	$0.20	$0.20

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013		Nov. 30, 2012
Net income	$15,286		$12,145
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	11,868	[1]	8,470
Unrecognized net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service (costs) credits, net of tax	119	[1],[2]	777
Other comprehensive income (loss)	11,987	[1]	9,247
Comprehensive income (loss)	27,273		21,392
Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	185		325
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.	$27,088		$21,067
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax.
[2]	(2) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 7 of this Form 10-Q for further details.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013		Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$94,803		$134,054
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,760 at November 30, 2013 and $10,434 at August 31, 2013	359,383		310,749
Inventories, lower of average cost or market	308,593		261,658
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	42,965		41,224
Total current assets	805,744		747,685
Property, plant and equipment, at cost:	'		'
Land and improvements	29,452		27,954
Buildings and leasehold improvements	154,077		146,647
Machinery and equipment	382,520		356,144
Furniture and fixtures	40,091		39,065
Construction in progress	11,008		7,149
Gross property, plant and equipment	617,148		576,959
Accumulated depreciation	386,942		366,438
Net property, plant and equipment	230,206		210,521
Other assets:	'		'
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets	51,610		48,723
Goodwill	154,825		139,526
Intangible assets, net	109,979		91,887
Total assets	1,352,364		1,238,342
Current liabilities:	'		'
Accounts payable	327,090		265,477
U.S. and foreign income taxes payable	7,514		6,423
Accrued payroll, taxes and related benefits	45,138		43,072
Other accrued liabilities	51,049		48,689
Short-term debt	21,685		8,373
Total current liabilities	452,476		372,034
Long-term debt	211,425		207,435
Pension plans	102,553		98,599
Deferred income taxes	23,954		20,873
Other long-term liabilities	25,854		24,657
Total liabilities	816,262		723,598
Commitments and contingencies	'		'
Stockholders' equity:	'		'
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized - 75,000 shares, issued - 48,097 shares at November 30, 2013 and 48,094 shares at August 31, 2013	48,097		48,094
Additional paid-in capital	264,212		263,158
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	12,699	[1]	682	[1]
Retained earnings	583,526		574,370
Treasury stock, at cost, 18,977 shares at November 30, 2013 and 18,940 shares at August 31, 2013	-379,984		-378,927
Total A. Schulman, Inc.'s stockholders' equity	528,550		507,377
Noncontrolling interests	7,552		7,367
Total equity	536,102		514,744
Total liabilities and equity	$1,352,364		$1,238,342
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$10,760	$10,434
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,097	48,094
Treasury stock, shares	18,977	18,940

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Operating from continuing and discontinued operations:	'	'
Net income	$15,286	$12,145
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from (used in) operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation	7,865	7,485
Amortization	3,244	2,871
Deferred tax provision	-693	-1,502
Pension and other postretirement benefits	2,550	2,068
Asset impairment	0	498
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	333
Gain on sale of assets from discontinued operations	-3,028	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-12,681	-6,133
Inventories	-25,936	-18,803
Accounts payable	24,826	11,615
Income taxes	765	1,700
Accrued payroll and other accrued liabilities	1,239	3,515
Other assets and long-term liabilities	-3,618	-5,449
Net cash provided from (used in) operating activities	9,819	10,343
Investing from continuing and discontinued operations:	'	'
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	-9,601	-4,811
Proceeds from the sale of assets	3,087	7,689
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-51,322	-36,360
Net cash provided from (used in) investing activities	-57,836	-33,482
Financing from continuing and discontinued operations:	'	'
Cash dividends paid	-5,915	-5,781
Increase (decrease) in short-term debt	3,294	2,397
Borrowings on long-term debt	457,000	45,046
Repayments on long-term debt	-444,649	-35,809
Payment of debt issuance costs	-1,731	0
Issuances of stock, common and treasury	211	432
Purchases of treasury stock	-1,116	-479
Net cash provided from (used in) financing activities	7,094	5,806
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	1,672	444
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-39,251	-16,889
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	134,054	124,031
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$94,803	$107,142

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
General [Abstract]	'
GENERAL	'
	GENERAL
	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included for A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim period presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The fiscal year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	The results of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2014.
	The accounting policies for the periods presented are the same as described in Note 1 – Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	Certain items previously reported in specific financial statement captions have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 2014 presentation.

Business_Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]	'
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
	The following table summarizes the Company's business transactions for the periods presented as well as the Network Polymers, Inc. and Prime Colorants acquisitions completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2014:
	Transaction Description	Date of Transaction	Purchase	Segment
			Consideration
			(In millions)
	ECM Plastics, Inc.	4-Sep-12	$36.80	Americas
	A Massachusetts producer of custom color, specialty additive masterbatch and niche engineered plastics products, with a strong presence in personal care and cosmetics
	The Perrite Group	2-Sep-13	$51.30	EMEA and APAC
	A thermoplastics manufacturer with business in niche engineered plastics and custom color with operations in Malaysia, the United Kingdom and France
	Network Polymers, Inc.	2-Dec-13	$49.50	Americas
	An Ohio niche engineered plastics compounding business that is a leading single source provider of thermoplastic resins and alloys
	Prime Colorants	31-Dec-13	$15.10	Americas
	A Tennessee manufacturer of custom colors and additive concentrates
	The Company incurred $0.6 million and $0.3 million of acquisition related transaction costs, included in selling, general & administrative expenses, during the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the Company is as follows:
		EMEA		Americas			APAC		Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	70,266	$	69,260		$	—	$	139,526
	Acquisitions	11,618		—			637		12,255
	Translation	2,996		35			13		3,044
	Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	84,880	$	69,295		$	650	$	154,825
	The increase in goodwill from August 31, 2013 is due to the acquisition of the Perrite Group in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Goodwill associated with this transaction was included in the EMEA and APAC segments and none of the goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.
	Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis in the fourth quarter and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
	The Company completed its annual impairment review of goodwill as of June 1, 2013 and noted no impairment. The fair value used in the analysis was estimated using a combination of the income and market approaches. These valuation methodologies use management judgment and assumptions including, but not limited to, the determination of appropriate market comparables, projected future cash flows (including timing and profitability), discount rate reflecting the risk inherent in future cash flows, perpetual growth rate, and projected future economic and market conditions. In addition, the Company is not aware of any triggers which would require a goodwill impairment test as of November 30, 2013.
	The following table summarizes intangible assets with determinable useful lives by major category:
		November 30, 2013							August 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount					Amount		Amount					Amount
		(In thousands)
	Customer related intangibles	$	95,319	$	(21,743	)	$	73,576	$	85,129	$	(19,605	)	$	65,524
	Developed technology	19,902		(5,653		)	14,249		19,641		(5,156		)	14,485
	Registered trademarks and tradenames	26,990		(4,836		)	22,154		15,991		(4,113		)	11,878
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	142,211	$	(32,232	)	$	109,979	$	120,761	$	(28,874	)	$	91,887
	The increase in intangible assets from August 31, 2013 is due to the previously discussed acquisition of the Perrite Group. Amortization expense of intangible assets was $3.0 million and $2.6 million for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Arran

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	'
	-4	LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt obligations outstanding:
		November 30, 2013		31-Aug-13
		(In thousands)
	Notes payable and other, due within one year	$	21,685	$	8,373
	Short-term debt	$	21,685	$	8,373
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due 2016	$	—	$	150,000
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due 2018	14,700		—
	Term loan, due 2018	138,125		—
	Euro notes, 4.485%, due 2016	58,235		56,626
	Capital leases and other long-term debt	365		809
	Long-term debt	$	211,425	$	207,435
	In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated Credit Agreement, dated September 24, 2013, and containing a maturity date of September 24, 2018, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, J.P. Morgan Europe Limited, as global agent, the lenders named in the Credit Agreement and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and PNC Capital Markets LLC as lead arrangers ("the Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement provides for (i) a multicurrency revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of up to $300 million (the “Revolving Facility"), (ii) a $200 million term loan facility (the "Term Loan Facility") and (iii) an expansion feature allowing the Company to incur, subject to certain terms and conditions, up to an additional $250 million of revolving loans and/or term loans ("the Incremental Facility" and, together with the Revolving Facility and the Term Loan Facility, the "Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility is jointly and severally guaranteed by certain material domestic subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement contains certain covenants that, among other things, restrict the Company's ability to incur indebtedness and grant liens other than certain types of permitted indebtedness and permitted liens. The Company is also required to maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and cannot exceed a maximum net debt leverage ratio. The Company was in compliance with these covenants and does not believe a subsequent covenant violation is reasonably possible as of November 30, 2013.
	Interest rates under the Credit Agreement are based on LIBOR or EURIBOR (depending on the borrowing currency) plus a spread determined by the Company's total leverage ratio. The Company is also required to pay a facility fee on the commitments, whether used or unused. The Revolving Facility provides for a portion of the funds to be made available as a short-term swing-line loan. The swing-line loan interest rate varies based on a mutually agreed upon rate between the bank and the Company. As of November 30, 2013, the amount available under the Credit Facility was reduced by outstanding letters of credit of $1.0 million and borrowings of $162.8 million. Outstanding letters of credit and borrowings as of August 31, 2013 were $1.0 million and $150.0 million, respectively.
	On March 1, 2006, the Company issued €50.3 million of Senior Notes in Germany in the private placement market maturing on March 1, 2016, with a fixed interest rate of 4.485% (“Euro Notes”). The carrying value of the Euro Notes approximate €45.3 million, or $61.7 million, as of November 30, 2013. Repayment of the Euro Notes prior to maturity would cost approximately $10.1 million in early termination fees as of November 30, 2013.
	The Senior Notes are guaranteed by the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and contain covenants similar to those in the Credit Agreement discussed above. The Company was in compliance with its covenants relating to the Senior Notes and does not believe a subsequent covenant violation is reasonably possible as of November 30, 2013.
	Below summarizes the Company’s available funds:
		November 30, 2013		August 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Existing capacity:
	Revolving Facility	$	300,000	$	300,000
	Term Loan Facility	198,125		—
	Foreign short-term lines of credit	60,769		56,178
	Total capacity from credit lines and notes	$	558,894	$	356,178
	Availability:
	Revolving Facility	$	284,324	$	149,024
	Term Loan Facility	50,000		—
	Foreign short-term lines of credit	50,054		49,302
	Total available funds from credit lines and notes	$	384,378	$	198,326
	Total available funds from credit lines and notes represents the total capacity from credit lines and notes less outstanding borrowings of $173.5 million and $156.9 million as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013, respectively, and issued letters of credit of $1.0 million as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:
		November 30, 2013								August 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Assets recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange	$	814	$	—	$	814	$	—	$	151	$	—	$	151	$	—
	forward contracts
	Liabilities recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange	$	943	$	—	$	943	$	—	$	1,224	$	—	$	1,224	$	—
	forward contracts
	Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
	Long-term fixed-rate	$	64,983	$	—	$	64,983	$	—	$	63,460	$	—	$	63,460	$	—
	debt
	Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value. Additionally, the carrying value of the Company's variable-rate debt approximates fair value.
	The Company measures the fair value of its foreign exchange forward contracts using an internal model. The model maximizes the use of Level 2 market observable inputs including interest rate curves, currency forward and spot prices, and credit spreads. The total contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding was $127.5 million and $138.0 million as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013, respectively. The amount of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding as of the end of the period is indicative of the exposure of current balances and the forecasted change in exposures for the following quarter. Any gains or losses associated with these contracts as well as the offsetting gains or losses from the underlying assets or liabilities are included in the foreign currency transaction (gains) losses line in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the Company’s foreign exchange forward contracts is recognized in other current assets or other accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets based on the net settlement value. The foreign exchange forward contracts are entered into with creditworthy financial institutions, generally have a term of three months or less, and the Company does not hold or issue foreign exchange forward contracts for trading purposes. There were no foreign exchange forward contracts designated as hedging instruments as of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013.
	Long-term fixed-rate debt issued in Euros is recorded at cost and is presented at fair value for disclosure purposes as shown in the table above. The Level 2 fair value of the Company's long-term fixed-rate debt was estimated using prevailing market interest rates on debt with similar creditworthiness, terms and maturities. As of November 30, 2013 and August 31, 2013, the carrying value of the Company's long-term fixed-rate debt recorded on the consolidated balance sheets was $61.7 million and $60.0 million, respectively.
	For a discussion of the Company’s fair value measurement policies under the fair value hierarchy, refer to Note 1 in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013. The Company has not changed its valuation techniques for measuring the fair value of any financial assets or liabilities during fiscal 2014, and transfers between levels within the fair value hierarchy, if any, are recognized at the end of each quarter. There were no transfers between levels during the periods presented.
	Additionally, the Company remeasures certain assets to fair value, using Level 3 measurements, as a result of the occurrence of triggering events. The Company did not remeasure the carrying value of any assets to fair value during the first quarter of fiscal 2014. For further discussion on asset impairments, refer to Note 14 of this Form 10-Q.
	There were no additional significant assets or liabilities that were remeasured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the periods presented.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	INCOME TAXES
	A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates is as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013					2012
		(In thousands, except for %’s)
	U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$	6,019		35	%	$	5,452		35	%
	Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	(3,794		)	(22.1	)	(3,248		)	(20.8	)
	U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	1,785			10.4		780			5
	U.S. restructuring and other U.S. unusual charges with no benefit	473			2.8		323			2.1
	Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	56			0.3		169			1.1
	Other	29			0.2		(39		)	(0.3	)
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	4,568		26.6	%	$	3,437		22.1	%
	The effective tax rates for the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012 are less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate primarily because of the Company's overall foreign tax rates being less than the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate. This favorable effect on the Company's tax rate was partially offset by no tax benefits being recognized for U.S. and certain foreign losses. The change in the effective tax rate as compared with the same period last year was driven primarily by the increase in the amount of U.S. and certain foreign losses with no tax benefits.
	As of November 30, 2013, the Company's gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $5.3 million. If recognized, $3.8 million of the total unrecognized tax benefits would favorably affect the Company's effective tax rate. The Company reports interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. As of November 30, 2013, the Company had $1.0 million of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits.
	The Company is open to potential income tax examinations in Germany from fiscal 2005 onward, in the U.S. and France from fiscal 2010 onward and in Belgium from fiscal 2011 onward. The Company is open to potential examinations from fiscal 2008 onward for most other foreign jurisdictions.
	The amount of unrecognized tax benefits is expected to change in the next 12 months; however, the change is not expected to have a significant impact on the financial position of the Company.

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]	'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are shown below:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Defined benefit pension plans:
	Service cost	$	948		$	966
	Interest cost	1,334			1,201
	Expected return on plan assets	(444		)	(377		)
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	349			370
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,187		$	2,160
	Other postretirement benefit plan:
	Service cost	$	1		$	5
	Interest cost	123			115
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	(139		)	(134		)
	Curtailment (gain) loss	—			333
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$	(15	)	$	319

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity for the three months ended November 30, 2013 is as follows:
		Common			Additional Paid-In Capital		Accumulated		Retained			Treasury			Noncontrolling		Total
		Stock ($1 par value)					Other		Earnings			Stock			Interests		Equity
							Comprehensive
							Income (Loss)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Balance as of September 1, 2013	$	48,094		$	263,158	$	682	$	574,370		$	(378,927	)	$	7,367	$	514,744
	Comprehensive income (loss)						12,017		15,071						185		27,273
	Cash dividends paid, $0.20 per share								(5,915		)						(5,915		)
	Purchase of treasury stock											(1,116		)			(1,116		)
	Issuance of treasury stock				30							59					89
	Stock options exercised	7			115												122
	Restricted stock issued, net of	(4		)	4												—
	forfeitures
	Amortization of restricted stock				905												905
	Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	48,097		$	264,212	$	12,699	$	583,526		$	(379,984	)	$	7,552	$	536,102

Reclassification_Out_of_Accumu

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Reclassification Amount [Text Block]	'
	-9	RECLASSIFICATIONS OUT OF ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows(1):
		Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)				Pension and Other Retiree Benefits(2)			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	17,712			$	(17,030	)	$	682
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	12,753				—			12,753
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(885		)	(3)	119			(766		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	11,868				119			11,987
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(30		)		—			(30		)
	noncontrolling interests
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	11,898				119			12,017
	attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.
	Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	29,610			$	(16,911	)	$	12,699
	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax.
	(2) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 7 of this Form 10-Q for further details.
	(3) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations on the sale of the rotational compounding business in Australia. Refer to Note 18 of this Form 10-Q for further details.

ShareBased_Incentive_Compensat

Share-Based Incentive Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
INCENTIVE STOCK PLANS [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	'
		SHARE-BASED INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS
	For a discussion of the Company's share-based incentive compensation plans, refer to Note 10 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013. The Company did not grant time-based or performance-based restricted stock awards during the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012.
	The Company recorded share-based incentive compensation expense of $1.3 million and $0.7 million during the three months ended November 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These amounts are primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if common stock equivalents are exercised and also the impact of restricted stock awards expected to vest, which combined would then share in the earnings of the Company.
	The difference between basic and diluted weighted-average shares results from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and grants of restricted stock, calculated using the treasury stock method. The following presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013	2012
		(In thousands)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Basic	29,017	29,217
	Incremental shares from equity awards	188	195
	Diluted	29,205	29,412

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company considers its operating structure and the types of information subject to regular review by its President and Chief Executive Officer, who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), to identify reportable segments. The CODM makes decisions, assesses performance and allocates resources by the following regions, which are also the Company’s reportable segments: Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), the Americas, and Asia Pacific (“APAC”).
	The CODM uses net sales to unaffiliated customers, segment gross profit and segment operating income in order to make decisions, assess performance and allocate resources to each segment. Segment operating income does not include items such as interest income or expense, other income or expense, foreign currency transaction gains or losses, restructuring related expenses including accelerated depreciation, asset impairments, or costs and inventory step-up charges related to business acquisitions. Corporate expenses include the compensation of certain personnel, certain audit expenses, Board of Directors related costs, certain insurance costs, costs associated with being a publicly traded entity and other miscellaneous legal and professional fees.
	The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	392,462		$	351,488
	Americas	146,527			149,574
	APAC	46,408			31,023
	Total net sales to unaffiliated customers	$	585,397		$	532,085
	Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	51,940		$	44,060
	Americas	21,433			20,991
	APAC	6,623			5,554
	Total segment gross profit	79,996			70,605
	Inventory step-up	(417		)	(138		)
	Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related	(471		)	(278		)
	Total gross profit	$	79,108		$	70,189
	Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	20,417		$	16,145
	Americas	7,364			7,792
	APAC	3,366			3,089
	Total segment operating income	31,147			27,026
	Corporate	(6,683		)	(5,947		)
	Costs related to acquisitions	(635		)	(312		)
	Restructuring related	(3,372		)	(1,937		)
	Accelerated depreciation	(108		)	(278		)
	Asset impairment	—			(498		)
	Curtailment gain (loss)	—			(333		)
	Inventory step-up	(417		)	(138		)
	Operating income	19,932			17,583
	Interest expense, net	(2,129		)	(1,561		)
	Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(682		)	(579		)
	Other income (expense), net	78			136
	Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	17,199		$	15,579
	Globally, the Company operates in five product families: (1) masterbatch solutions, (2) engineered plastics, (3) distribution services, (4) specialty powders and (5) custom performance colors. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013						2012
		(In thousands, except for %'s)
	Masterbatch solutions	$	192,392		33	%		$	190,359	36	%
	Engineered plastics	174,711			30			139,542		26
	Distribution services	89,908			15			88,046		17
	Specialty powders	86,947			15			75,023		14
	Custom performance colors	41,439			7			39,115		7
	Total consolidated net sales	$	585,397		100	%		$	532,085	100	%

Restructuring

Restructuring	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
RESTRUCTURING [Abstract]	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	RESTRUCTURING
	The Company did not have any new restructuring plans during the first quarter of fiscal 2014. For discussion of the Company's previous restructuring plans, refer to Note 15 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s restructuring plans:
		Employee-related Costs			Other Costs			Translation Effect			Total Restructuring Costs
		(In thousands)
	Accrual balance as of August 31, 2013	$	5,446		$	400		$	(497	)	$	5,349
	Fiscal 2014 charges	766			1,012			—			1,778
	Fiscal 2014 paid	(2,242		)	(1,043		)	—			(3,285		)
	Translation	—			—			5			5
	Accrual balance as of November 30, 2013	$	3,970		$	369		$	(492	)	$	3,847
	Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	501		$	1,557
	Americas	1,212			214
	APAC	65			166
	Total restructuring expense	$	1,778		$	1,937

Asset_Impairments

Asset Impairments	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
ASSET IMPAIRMENTS [Abstract]	'
Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block]	'
	ASSET IMPAIRMENTS
	The Company recorded no asset impairment charges during the first quarter of fiscal 2014. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $0.5 million primarily related to the reduction of the carrying value of its facility in Oyonnax, France at estimated fair value of $0.7 million, which is held for sale. The disposal value of this facility was determined as the estimated sales value of the facility less the estimated costs to sell based on information provided by a third-party real estate valuation source using the market approach.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	In the normal course of business, the Company is at times subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some for which the relief or damages sought may be substantial. Although the Company is not able to predict the outcome of such legal actions, after reviewing all pending and threatened legal actions with counsel and based on information currently available, management believes that the outcome of such actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial position of the Company. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of such matters, if unfavorable, may be material to the results of operations in a particular future period as the time and amount of any resolution of such legal actions and its relationship to the future results of operations are not currently known.
	Reserves are established for legal claims only when losses associated with the claims are judged to be probable, and the loss can be reasonably estimated. In many lawsuits and arbitrations, it is not considered probable that a liability has been incurred or not possible to estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability until the case is close to resolution, in which case no reserve would be recognized until that time.
	There were no material changes to the Company’s future contractual obligations as previously reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013, other than the Company's new Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 4 within this Form 10-Q for further details.

Share_Repurchase_Program

Share Repurchase Program	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Class of Stock [Line Items]	'
Treasury Stock [Text Block]	'
	SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
	The Company repurchased 40,327 shares of common stock during the first quarter of fiscal 2014 at an average price of $27.68 per share for a total cost of $1.1 million. Shares valued at $55.5 million remain authorized for repurchase as of November 30, 2013. For further discussion of the Company's share repurchase program, refer to Note 18 in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.

Accounting_Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	'
	ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In February 2013, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the reporting of the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated financial statements. The new accounting guidance requires all companies to report the effect of items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items of net income either on the face of the financial statements where net income is presented or in a tabular format in the notes to the financial statements. This standard was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012, including interim periods. The Company adopted this standard for the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Refer to Note 9 of this Form 10-Q for the new disclosure.
	No other new accounting pronouncements issued or with effective dates during fiscal 2014 had or are expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	In May 2013, the Company announced plans to sell its rotational compounding business in Australia. The Company completed the sale of all of the fixed and intangible assets for $3.0 million on September 3, 2013. The operating results for this business were previously included in the Company's specialty powders product family within the APAC segment and have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all of the periods presented. Additionally, the assets and liabilities of this business were classified as held for sale in the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of August 31, 2013 and included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other accrued liabilities, respectively.
	The following summarizes select financial information included in net earnings from discontinued operations:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	1,288	$	8,467
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	2,655	$	3
	During the three months ended November 30, 2013, the Company recorded a gain on the sale of assets of $3.0 million. Income taxes were minimal for all periods presented.

General_Policies

General (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
General [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting	'
	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included for A. Schulman, Inc. (the “Company”) reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of the interim period presented. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The fiscal year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The unaudited consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto incorporated in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2013.
	The results of operations for the three months ended November 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2014.

Business_Acquisitions_Tables

Business Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the Company's business transactions for the periods presented as well as the Network Polymers, Inc. and Prime Colorants acquisitions completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2014:
	Transaction Description	Date of Transaction	Purchase	Segment
			Consideration
			(In millions)
	ECM Plastics, Inc.	4-Sep-12	$36.80	Americas
	A Massachusetts producer of custom color, specialty additive masterbatch and niche engineered plastics products, with a strong presence in personal care and cosmetics
	The Perrite Group	2-Sep-13	$51.30	EMEA and APAC
	A thermoplastics manufacturer with business in niche engineered plastics and custom color with operations in Malaysia, the United Kingdom and France
	Network Polymers, Inc.	2-Dec-13	$49.50	Americas
	An Ohio niche engineered plastics compounding business that is a leading single source provider of thermoplastic resins and alloys
	Prime Colorants	31-Dec-13	$15.10	Americas
	A Tennessee manufacturer of custom colors and additive concentrates

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	'
	The carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the Company is as follows:
		EMEA		Americas			APAC		Total
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	70,266	$	69,260		$	—	$	139,526
	Acquisitions	11,618		—			637		12,255
	Translation	2,996		35			13		3,044
	Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	84,880	$	69,295		$	650	$	154,825
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes intangible assets with determinable useful lives by major category:
		November 30, 2013							August 31, 2013
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Amount					Amount		Amount					Amount
		(In thousands)
	Customer related intangibles	$	95,319	$	(21,743	)	$	73,576	$	85,129	$	(19,605	)	$	65,524
	Developed technology	19,902		(5,653		)	14,249		19,641		(5,156		)	14,485
	Registered trademarks and tradenames	26,990		(4,836		)	22,154		15,991		(4,113		)	11,878
	Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	142,211	$	(32,232	)	$	109,979	$	120,761	$	(28,874	)	$	91,887

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Arran1

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Below summarizes the Company’s available funds:
		November 30, 2013		August 31, 2013
		(In thousands)
	Existing capacity:
	Revolving Facility	$	300,000	$	300,000
	Term Loan Facility	198,125		—
	Foreign short-term lines of credit	60,769		56,178
	Total capacity from credit lines and notes	$	558,894	$	356,178
	Availability:
	Revolving Facility	$	284,324	$	149,024
	Term Loan Facility	50,000		—
	Foreign short-term lines of credit	50,054		49,302
	Total available funds from credit lines and notes	$	384,378	$	198,326
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes short-term and long-term debt obligations outstanding:
		November 30, 2013		31-Aug-13
		(In thousands)
	Notes payable and other, due within one year	$	21,685	$	8,373
	Short-term debt	$	21,685	$	8,373
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due 2016	$	—	$	150,000
	Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due 2018	14,700		—
	Term loan, due 2018	138,125		—
	Euro notes, 4.485%, due 2016	58,235		56,626
	Capital leases and other long-term debt	365		809
	Long-term debt	$	211,425	$	207,435

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table presents information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value:
		November 30, 2013								August 31, 2013
		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(In thousands)
	Assets recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange	$	814	$	—	$	814	$	—	$	151	$	—	$	151	$	—
	forward contracts
	Liabilities recorded at fair value:
	Foreign exchange	$	943	$	—	$	943	$	—	$	1,224	$	—	$	1,224	$	—
	forward contracts
	Liabilities not recorded at fair value:
	Long-term fixed-rate	$	64,983	$	—	$	64,983	$	—	$	63,460	$	—	$	63,460	$	—
	debt

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate with the effective tax rates is as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013					2012
		(In thousands, except for %’s)
	U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$	6,019		35	%	$	5,452		35	%
	Amount of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	(3,794		)	(22.1	)	(3,248		)	(20.8	)
	U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	1,785			10.4		780			5
	U.S. restructuring and other U.S. unusual charges with no benefit	473			2.8		323			2.1
	Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	56			0.3		169			1.1
	Other	29			0.2		(39		)	(0.3	)
	Total income tax expense (benefit)	$	4,568		26.6	%	$	3,437		22.1	%

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben1

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are shown below:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Defined benefit pension plans:
	Service cost	$	948		$	966
	Interest cost	1,334			1,201
	Expected return on plan assets	(444		)	(377		)
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	349			370
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,187		$	2,160
	Other postretirement benefit plan:
	Service cost	$	1		$	5
	Interest cost	123			115
	Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	(139		)	(134		)
	Curtailment (gain) loss	—			333
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (credit)	$	(15	)	$	319

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc1

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block]	'
	A summary of the changes in stockholders’ equity for the three months ended November 30, 2013 is as follows:
		Common			Additional Paid-In Capital		Accumulated		Retained			Treasury			Noncontrolling		Total
		Stock ($1 par value)					Other		Earnings			Stock			Interests		Equity
							Comprehensive
							Income (Loss)
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Balance as of September 1, 2013	$	48,094		$	263,158	$	682	$	574,370		$	(378,927	)	$	7,367	$	514,744
	Comprehensive income (loss)						12,017		15,071						185		27,273
	Cash dividends paid, $0.20 per share								(5,915		)						(5,915		)
	Purchase of treasury stock											(1,116		)			(1,116		)
	Issuance of treasury stock				30							59					89
	Stock options exercised	7			115												122
	Restricted stock issued, net of	(4		)	4												—
	forfeitures
	Amortization of restricted stock				905												905
	Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	48,097		$	264,212	$	12,699	$	583,526		$	(379,984	)	$	7,552	$	536,102

Reclassification_Out_of_Accumu1

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]	'
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows(1):
		Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)				Pension and Other Retiree Benefits(2)			Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
		(In thousands)
	Balance as of August 31, 2013	$	17,712			$	(17,030	)	$	682
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	12,753				—			12,753
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(885		)	(3)	119			(766		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	11,868				119			11,987
	Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to	(30		)		—			(30		)
	noncontrolling interests
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	11,898				119			12,017
	attributable to A. Schulman, Inc.
	Balance as of November 30, 2013	$	29,610			$	(16,911	)	$	12,699

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]	'
	The difference between basic and diluted weighted-average shares results from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and grants of restricted stock, calculated using the treasury stock method. The following presents the number of incremental weighted-average shares used in computing diluted per share amounts:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013	2012
		(In thousands)
	Weighted-average shares outstanding:
	Basic	29,017	29,217
	Incremental shares from equity awards	188	195
	Diluted	29,205	29,412

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
SEGMENT INFORMATION [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes net sales to unaffiliated customers by segment:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	392,462		$	351,488
	Americas	146,527			149,574
	APAC	46,408			31,023
	Total net sales to unaffiliated customers	$	585,397		$	532,085
	Below the Company presents gross profit by segment:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	51,940		$	44,060
	Americas	21,433			20,991
	APAC	6,623			5,554
	Total segment gross profit	79,996			70,605
	Inventory step-up	(417		)	(138		)
	Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related	(471		)	(278		)
	Total gross profit	$	79,108		$	70,189
	Below is a reconciliation of segment operating income to operating income and income from continuing operations before taxes:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	20,417		$	16,145
	Americas	7,364			7,792
	APAC	3,366			3,089
	Total segment operating income	31,147			27,026
	Corporate	(6,683		)	(5,947		)
	Costs related to acquisitions	(635		)	(312		)
	Restructuring related	(3,372		)	(1,937		)
	Accelerated depreciation	(108		)	(278		)
	Asset impairment	—			(498		)
	Curtailment gain (loss)	—			(333		)
	Inventory step-up	(417		)	(138		)
	Operating income	19,932			17,583
	Interest expense, net	(2,129		)	(1,561		)
	Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(682		)	(579		)
	Other income (expense), net	78			136
	Income from continuing operations before taxes	$	17,199		$	15,579
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]	'
	Globally, the Company operates in five product families: (1) masterbatch solutions, (2) engineered plastics, (3) distribution services, (4) specialty powders and (5) custom performance colors. The consolidated net sales for these product families are as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013						2012
		(In thousands, except for %'s)
	Masterbatch solutions	$	192,392		33	%		$	190,359	36	%
	Engineered plastics	174,711			30			139,542		26
	Distribution services	89,908			15			88,046		17
	Specialty powders	86,947			15			75,023		14
	Custom performance colors	41,439			7			39,115		7
	Total consolidated net sales	$	585,397		100	%		$	532,085	100	%

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
RESTRUCTURING [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s restructuring plans:
		Employee-related Costs			Other Costs			Translation Effect			Total Restructuring Costs
		(In thousands)
	Accrual balance as of August 31, 2013	$	5,446		$	400		$	(497	)	$	5,349
	Fiscal 2014 charges	766			1,012			—			1,778
	Fiscal 2014 paid	(2,242		)	(1,043		)	—			(3,285		)
	Translation	—			—			5			5
	Accrual balance as of November 30, 2013	$	3,970		$	369		$	(492	)	$	3,847
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs by Segment [Table Text Block]	'
	Restructuring expenses are excluded from segment operating income but are attributable to the reportable segments as follows:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	EMEA	$	501		$	1,557
	Americas	1,212			214
	APAC	65			166
	Total restructuring expense	$	1,778		$	1,937

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The following summarizes select financial information included in net earnings from discontinued operations:
		Three months ended November 30,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Net sales	$	1,288	$	8,467
	Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$	2,655	$	3

Business_Acquisitions_Details

Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Sep. 04, 2012	Sep. 02, 2013	Dec. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
			E.C.M. Plastics Inc. [Member]	The Perrite Group [Member]	Network Polymers, Inc. [Member]	Prime Colorants [Member]
Business Acquisitions	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs	$0.60	$0.30	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Cost of Acquistion, Purchase Price	'	'	$36.80	$51.30	$49.50	$15.10

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Goodwill	'	'
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	'	$0
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	12,255,000	'
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	3,044,000	'
Goodwill	154,825,000	139,526,000
EMEA [Member]	'	'
Goodwill	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	11,618,000	'
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	2,996,000	'
Goodwill	84,880,000	70,266,000
Americas [Member]	'	'
Goodwill	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0	'
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	35,000	'
Goodwill	69,295,000	69,260,000
APAC [Member]	'	'
Goodwill	'	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	637,000	'
Goodwill, Translation and Purchase Accounting Adjustments	13,000	'
Goodwill	$650,000	$0

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$142,211,000	'	$120,761,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-32,232,000	'	-28,874,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	109,979,000	'	91,887,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	3,000,000	2,600,000	'
Customer Related Intangibles [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	95,319,000	'	85,129,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-21,743,000	'	-19,605,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	73,576,000	'	65,524,000
Developed Technology [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	19,902,000	'	19,641,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-5,653,000	'	-5,156,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	14,249,000	'	14,485,000
Trademarks and Tradenames [Member]	'	'	'
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	26,990,000	'	15,991,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-4,836,000	'	-4,113,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$22,154,000	'	$11,878,000

LongTerm_Debt_and_Credit_Arran2

Long-Term Debt and Credit Arrangements (Details)

Nov. 30, 2013

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

Nov. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

2011 Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2011 Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2013 Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2013 Credit Facility Revolver [Member]

2013 Credit Facility Term Loan [Member]

2013 Credit Facility Term Loan [Member]

Outstanding Letters of Credit [Member]

Outstanding Letters of Credit [Member]

Borrowings [Member]

Borrowings [Member]

Euro Notes [Member]

Euro Notes [Member]

Euro Notes [Member]

Euro Notes [Member]

Existing Capacity [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Stated Value [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

Reported Value Measurement [Member]

2013 Credit Facility Term Loan [Member]

EUR (€)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes payable and other, due within one year

$21,685,000

$8,373,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit Lines and Notes, Amount Outstanding less Letters of Credit

173,500,000

156,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign Short-term Lines of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

60,769,000

56,178,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Capacity from Credit Lines and Notes

558,894,000

356,178,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

300,000,000

300,000,000

200,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

198,125,000

Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

284,324,000

149,024,000

50,000,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity

250,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign short-term lines of credit

50,054,000

49,302,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

1,000,000

162,800,000

150,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Euro Senior Notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,300,000

61,700,000

45,300,000

'

Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.49%

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, early termination fees

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,100,000

'

'

'

'

Short-term debt

21,685,000

8,373,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revolving credit loan, LIBOR plus applicable spread, due 2016

'

'

0

150,000,000

14,700,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan, due 2018

'

'

'

'

'

'

138,125,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Euro notes, 4.485%, due 2016

58,235,000

56,626,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital leases and other long-term debt

365,000

809,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt

211,425,000

207,435,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Available Funds from Credit Lines and Notes

384,378,000

198,326,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

$300,000,000

$200,000,000

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$198,125,000

Fair_Value_Measurement_Details

Fair Value Measurement (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value transfers between levels	$0	$0
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	814,000	151,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	943,000	1,224,000
Long-term fixed-rate debt	64,983,000	63,460,000
Contract value of foreign exchange forward contracts outstanding	127,500,000	138,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	0	0
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	0	0
Long-term fixed-rate debt	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	814,000	151,000
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	943,000	1,224,000
Long-term fixed-rate debt	64,983,000	63,460,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Foreign exchange forward contracts, assets	0	0
Foreign exchange forward contracts, liabilities	0	0
Long-term fixed-rate debt	0	0
Euro Notes [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable carrying value	$61,700,000	$60,000,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'	'
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	$6,019,000	$5,452,000
U.S. statutory federal income tax rate percentage	35.00%	35.00%
Impact of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate	-3,794,000	-3,248,000
Impact of foreign taxes at less than U.S. statutory federal income tax rate percentage	-22.10%	-20.80%
U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit	1,785,000	780,000
U.S. and foreign losses with no tax benefit percentage	10.40%	5.00%
U.S. restructuring and other U.S. unusual charges with no benefit	473,000	323,000
U.S. restructuring and other U.S. unusual charges with no benefit percentage	2.80%	2.10%
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions	56,000	169,000
Establishment (resolution) of uncertain tax positions percentage	0.30%	1.10%
Other	29,000	-39,000
Other percentage	0.20%	-0.30%
Total income tax expense (benefit)	4,568,000	3,437,000
Total income tax expense (benefit) percentage	26.60%	22.10%
Total unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	3,800,000	'
Accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits	1,000,000	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$5,300,000	'

Pension_and_Postretirement_Ben2

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Curtailment (gain) loss	$0	$333
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	948	966
Interest cost	1,334	1,201
Expected return on plan assets	-444	-377
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	349	370
Net periodic benefit cost	2,187	2,160
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	1	5
Interest cost	123	115
Actuarial loss (gain) and amortization of prior service cost (credit), net	-139	-134
Curtailment (gain) loss	0	333
Net periodic benefit cost	($15)	$319

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc2

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
Comprehensive income (loss)	$27,273	$21,392	'
Cash dividends paid, $0.20 per share	-5,915	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-1,116	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock	89	'	'
Stock options exercised	122	'	'
Restricted Stock Issued, Net of Forfeitures	0	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock	905	'	'
Balance as of November 30, 2013	536,102	'	514,744
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Stock options exercised	7	'	'
Restricted Stock Issued, Net of Forfeitures	-4	'	'
Balance as of November 30, 2013	48,097	'	48,094
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	'	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock	30	'	'
Stock options exercised	115	'	'
Restricted Stock Issued, Net of Forfeitures	4	'	'
Amortization of restricted stock	905	'	'
Balance as of November 30, 2013	264,212	'	263,158
Treasury Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-1,116	'	'
Issuance of treasury stock	59	'	'
Balance as of November 30, 2013	-379,984	'	-378,927
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	12,017	'	'
Balance as of November 30, 2013	12,699	'	682
Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	15,071	'	'
Cash dividends paid, $0.20 per share	-5,915	'	'
Balance as of November 30, 2013	583,526	'	574,370
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	'	'	'
Comprehensive income (loss)	185	'	'
Balance as of November 30, 2013	$7,552	'	$7,367

Reclassification_Out_of_Accumu2

Reclassification Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013		Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$12,699	[1]	'	$682	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	12,753	[1]	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-766	[1]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	11,868	[1]	8,470	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	119	[1],[2]	777	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	11,987	[1]	9,247	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-30	[1]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	12,017	[1]	'	'
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	29,610	[1]	'	17,712	[1]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	12,753	[1]	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	-885	[1],[3]	'	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	-30	[1]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	11,898	[1]	'	'
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-16,911	[1],[2]	'	-17,030	[1],[2]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0	[1],[2]	'	'
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	119	[1],[2]	'	'
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	0	[1],[2]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$119	[1],[2]	'	'
[1]	(1) All amounts presented are net of tax.
[2]	(2) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into cost of sales and selling, general & administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. These components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. Refer to Note 7 of this Form 10-Q for further details.
[3]	(3) Reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (loss) from discontinued operations on the consolidated statements of operations on the sale of the rotational compounding business in Australia. Refer to Note 18 of this Form 10-Q for further details.

ShareBased_Incentive_Compansat

Share-Based Incentive Compansation Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Awards granted	0	0
Time Based and Performance Based Restricted Stock Awards [Member]	'	'
Share-based Incentive Compensation Plans by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Share-based incentive compensation	1,300	700

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]	'	'
Basic	29,017	29,217
Incremental shares from equity awards	188	195
Diluted	29,205	29,412

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	$585,397	$532,085
Segment gross profit	79,996	70,605
Inventory step-up	-417	-138
Accelerated depreciation and restructuring related	-471	-278
Gross profit	79,108	70,189
Costs related to acquisitions	-635	-312
Restructuring related	-3,372	-1,937
Accelerated depreciation	-108	-278
Asset impairment	0	-498
Curtailment gain (loss)	0	-333
Operating income	19,932	17,583
Interest expense, net	-2,129	-1,561
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	-682	-579
Other income (expense), net	78	136
Income from continuing operations before taxes	17,199	15,579
Custom Performance Colors [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	41,439	39,115
Masterbatch Solutions [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	192,392	190,359
Engineered Plastics [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	174,711	139,542
Specialty Powders [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	86,947	75,023
Distribution Services [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	89,908	88,046
EMEA [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	392,462	351,488
Segment gross profit	51,940	44,060
Operating income before certain items	20,417	16,145
Americas [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	146,527	149,574
Segment gross profit	21,433	20,991
Operating income before certain items	7,364	7,792
APAC [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales to unaffiliated customers	46,408	31,023
Segment gross profit	6,623	5,554
Operating income before certain items	3,366	3,089
Total Segment Operating Income [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating income before certain items	31,147	27,026
Corporate and Other [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Operating income before certain items	($6,683)	($5,947)
Quarter to Date [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales, percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Quarter to Date [Member] | Custom Performance Colors [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales, percentage	7.00%	7.00%
Quarter to Date [Member] | Masterbatch Solutions [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales, percentage	33.00%	36.00%
Quarter to Date [Member] | Engineered Plastics [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales, percentage	30.00%	26.00%
Quarter to Date [Member] | Specialty Powders [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales, percentage	15.00%	14.00%
Quarter to Date [Member] | Distribution Services [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net sales, percentage	15.00%	17.00%

Restructuring_Details

Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Aug. 31, 2013
Restructuring	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	$3,847	'	$5,349
Fiscal 2014 charges	1,778	1,937	'
Restructuring charges paid	-3,285	'	'
Accelerated depreciation	108	278	'
Translation	5	'	'
EMEA [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'
Fiscal 2014 charges	501	1,557	'
Americas [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'
Fiscal 2014 charges	1,212	214	'
APAC [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'
Fiscal 2014 charges	65	166	'
Employee Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	3,970	'	5,446
Fiscal 2014 charges	766	'	'
Restructuring charges paid	-2,242	'	'
Translation	0	'	'
Other Restructuring Related Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	369	'	400
Fiscal 2014 charges	1,012	'	'
Restructuring charges paid	-1,043	'	'
Translation	0	'	'
Translation Effect on Restructuring Reserve [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve	-492	'	-497
Fiscal 2014 charges	0	'	'
Restructuring charges paid	0	'	'
Translation	$5	'	'

Asset_Impairments_Details

Asset Impairments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'
Asset impairment	$0	$498,000
Oyonnax, France [Member]	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'	'
Fair value of property, plant and equipment	'	700,000
Asset impairment	'	$500,000

Share_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013
Share Repurchase Program	'
Number of treasury stock shares acquired	40,327
Treasury stock shares acquired, average cost per share	$27.68
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$1,116,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized amount	$55,500,000

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets	$3,087	$7,689
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	3,028	0
Net sales	1,288	8,467
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	-2,655	-3
Australia rotational molding [Member]	'	'
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets	3,000	'
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	$3,000	'